Celebrating Our Pastor: A Special Appreciation

On November 8^th, our church family came together in a beautiful way to honor and appreciate our pastor. The pastoral ministry is a sacred calling, and Pastor Goulding has continued to serve with dedication, compassion, and unwavering faith. From the morning worship service to the fellowship and expressions of love in the evening, the day reflected everything that makes our church culture so special: joy, warmth, and genuine community.

A Message That Spoke to Our Hearts

The morning sermon set the tone for the entire celebration. Our guest speaker, Pastor Easton Marks, delivered a message titled “Pastor Who?”, using Philippians 1 to highlight how much pastors carry behind the scenes. He reminded us that while we may know a pastor’s name and see them leading each week, there is so much more to their role than meets the eye. Pastors juggle preaching, counseling, leadership, conflict resolution, planning, and the emotional weight of their churches, all while still being expected to remain energized, joyful, and available.

Marks emphasized that pastors are human too; people who need support, compassion, and true friendship. His words encouraged us to be a church that brings joy to our pastor, just as the Philippian church brought joy to Paul. His stories, humor, and honesty connected with our congregation in a way that truly reflected who we are: a family-oriented, lively, supportive community that doesn’t shy away from laughter or real conversation.

An Evening Filled with Love and Appreciation

The celebration continued later that evening with a special appreciation program. Each department, from Community Services to Music, Communication, Children’s Ministries, and others, took time to share their gratitude through thoughtful gifts, kind words, and meaningful reflections. It was a beautiful display of the unity and love that define our church.

The room was full of laughter, smiles, and heartfelt moments. Members of all ages participated, and the warmth in the atmosphere made it clear that the appreciation was genuine and deeply felt. Pastor Golding received every expression with joy, and the congregation responded with enthusiasm and love.

Looking Forward with Gratitude

This entire weekend reminded us not only of how blessed we are to have Pastor Golding, but also of how important it is to uplift and support our leaders throughout the year. As we look ahead, we are excited for another wonderful year of ministry, growth, and fellowship with Pastor Golding. We thank God for his leadership, his compassion, and the spirit of excellence he brings to Cornerstone.

To our pastor: thank you for your leadership, your compassion, and your unwavering dedication to the mission of Christ. May God continue to bless you richly as you lead, teach, and walk alongside us on this journey of faith.