The last week has been filled with activities and emotion for my wife and me. As a result of these things our lives are about to change.

This past Sunday morning, I accepted the calling to serve as pastor of another church down the coast of Georgia. And so, on Sunday evening, I announced that to my church in Pembroke.

I have served as senior pastor at FBC Pembroke since the last week of July 2005, more than 14 years. There have been joyous occasions, such as weddings, babies being born, baptisms and becoming debt free as a congregation. I have also stood beside the graves of more wonderful people than I like to think.

I have also been writing this column for more than 13 years now. At first it rotated between three or four pastors in our community, and one by one they either left the area or decided that they did not have the time for the venture. Soon I found myself writing every week.

And I have enjoyed it very much. I have shared many of my personal stories with you over the years. There was the passing of my father-in-law, the accident where my youngest son was left paralyzed, and in recent days my dad’s diagnosis with cancer.

Interestingly enough, a few folks have reached out and told me they were praying for me, and for that I am grateful.

Over the next three weeks I will be bringing my ministry in Pembroke to a close, and that will include writing this column. My final column will be in the paper you will receive the day before Thanksgiving. To give thanks will be the most appropriate way for me to complete my service to this community.

It’s funny. I’ve never lived anywhere for 14 years before. I have built deeper and sweeter friendships here than anywhere else in my life.

I thank God for the privilege that has been mine. And I thank God for you.