Pastor's article 03-23-25

 Twenty-seven years ago, Tammy and the girls were mad at me, but I was very anxious and excited at the same time. For the first time in my life, I was moving out of my hometown. I remember the day we loaded up the vehicles, my truck and a Ryder truck with our earthly belongings and headed towards Tom’s Creek. I was driving the Ryder rental truck and, as I pulled out on the interstate headed this way, tears filled my eyes as I thought, “What am I doing?” 
To answer that question, I was following the call of God on my life. I had no idea what was in my future: the heartaches, the blessings, the responsibilities, and the everyday challenges that would come with being the pastor of this church. I had done some research and knew that I was following a great man in Clack Stubbs. I knew that Tom’s Creek had a reputation of being a good church. My fears were not about the church nor the previous leadership but about my ability as a 31-year-old pastor following such a man and leading such a church. I was greeted with love. Over the next few weeks, I had a lot of visits from people in the church telling me about the problems and issues that needed to be dealt with, which was overwhelming as I was still trying to unpack my books and boxes. Over the years I have come to understand that there will always be problems to deal with, as Jesus said, “every day will have trouble sufficient for that day” (Matthew 6:34). I have learned that God always makes a way, giving wisdom and wise people to help meet the needs. I have realized that God called me to be me, and the best thing I can do is get out of the way and let Him do His work in my life and His church.
A couple of weeks ago I was studying and got tired of sitting, so I went for a walk around the cemetery and got to reminiscing. As I looked at the headstones, I was overwhelmed with thanksgiving and sadness; with thanksgiving because of all the amazing people that God has allowed me to serve alongside throughout the last 27 years, and with sadness because they have passed on and I know that there will be others in the future, if God doesn’t take me first. Yet, overall, I am extremely thankful to God and this church for the privilege that has been mine to serve as your pastor for the last 27 plus years. Thank you for this great honor.
Pastor,
Rev. Wayne Marcus