|
« June 13, 2006 | June 13, 2006 | June 22, 2006 » Pastor's PagePosted on June 13, 2006 ...
This Sunday we say a sad farewell to Michael Gunter and his family as they transition to a new setting in Richmond, Virginia. It was in the Spring of 2001 that we first met Michael. Our search committee had been through scores of resumes. Michael?｢どｨび｢s name was on our list of more promising candidates. I remember that my first dialogue was through the Gunter?｢どｨび｢s telephone answering machine. When I first called their number in Louisville, KY, no one was home. Michael?｢どｨび｢s recorded voice on their answering machine invited me to leave a message. So I politely stated who I was and our committee?｢どｨび｢s interest in him as a potential staff member. I told the recording that Michael was welcome to return my call. Since I figured he was at work and would call after hours, I left my home telephone number. For some reason, at this time my own answering machine was broken and my family was out for much of that evening. Thus, when I returned home later, I did not know if Michael had tried to return my call or if he even had received my message in the first place. So I called his number in Kentucky again. Again Michael?｢どｨび｢s voice came on his answering machine telling me that the Gunters were not in and that I was welcome to leave a message. But this recording did not sound exactly like the one I had heard earlier. Michael had added a phrase to the outgoing message that said, If this is Jay McCluskey calling, you can reach me in the morning after 10:00. I knew then that he was both resourceful and interested in us, too. Our initial meetings with Michael and Tammi confirmed our favorable impressions and the Gunters soon became a valuable part of our church and staff family. It is hard to say good-bye and hard to believe it has been five years. Sunday, we have several opportunities to express our appreciation to Michael. A love offering will be received as an expression of our thanks. Also, stationary will be available for you to pen a personal note of thanks. Finally, Michael will preach in the evening service, sharing a few closing thoughts with us. A reception for the Gunters will follow. I know you will want to be in attendance to communicate your gratitude and prayers. Jay |
||
North Cleveland
Baptist Church · 2815 North Ocoee Street · Cleveland,
Tennessee 37312 · (423) 476-8524 |
||
