Blessings to you, friends and family of Bartimaeus Baptist Temple.  As I write to you on this rainy evening, I am reflecting on all that God has done through this church and all that He has brought us through.  We’ve heard that many are closing their doors, but despite what many would consider to be more than our share of suffering, we are still here.

That is something to celebrate, and celebrate we will!  Of necessity it will be a less elaborate celebration, but we will have our Homecoming service this Sunday.  We will begin at our usual time.  We will share a meal together after the service.  We have not sent out invitations, but anyone is welcome to come.  It would be helpful if you let us know that you plan to attend.  If you are able, please bring something to share.  I would also like for us to share any special memories we have from the life of the church.  Let us rejoice together in what the Lord has done over the years.

I will be giving the message.  I try not to repeat myself too often, but this one is suited to the occasion, so I am going to deliver it again.  At Homecoming we reflect on who we are and where we’ve been, but where do we want to go?  I want to share a vision with you, and I want to do it by talking about a blind man.  Actually, he isn’t blind, and that’s the point.  Our church is named after Bartimaeus, whose story is found in Mark 10:46-52.  We call him blind Bartimaeus, but he hasn’t been blind since that day when he heard Jesus passing by and would not give up until Jesus answered him.  Jesus healed Bartimaeus, and then Bartimaeus followed Jesus.  We will always be a church that makes a special effort to include people with disabilities.  That’s part of who we are.  But it is my desire that we are also known as a church full of faithful Jesus followers who will not give up!  That is the nature our namesake, and that is who we want to be.

Love y’all!  See you Sunday,

Larry