"To Determine What Is Best"

Friends,

By now you should have received a letter announcing my retirement from Westwood and full-time ministry, effective April 30, 2017. As stated in the letter, Cindy and I have reached this decision after much prayer and consideration, and we believe that we are following God's direction into the future. As we step out by faith into what is yet to be revealed, so do you, our Westwood family. There is a process outlined in the bylaws for your next steps and I am confident that God will guide you through that process in the days to come.

Tomorrow morning, my message is entitled, "To Determine What is Best," based on Philippians 1:3-11. From this text I will share five words or phrases that I believe speak to you and me for the days ahead, giving some background about our decision and about the hope we share together for what God still has in store for all of us. I hope you will be present for worship as we begin this next part of our journey together. Please note, I have enclosed at the bottom of this note a copy of my retirement letter if for some reason you have not yet received it.

Immediately following worship tomorrow morning, our fifth Sunday mission project will be to make sandwiches for two shelters in our area, The Carpenter's Shelter in Arlington, and the Bailey's Crossroad Shelter in Falls Church. Carrie Keene will be serving lunch at the Carpenter's Shelter on Monday and could use a few folks to help there, so see her tomorrow if you would like to help. Also, keep in mind the Trunk or Treat celebration in our back parking lot from 4-5 p.m. tomorrow. Bring your children, neighbors, or grandchildren and join the fun.

I Look forward to worshipping with you tomorrow.

Jim Abernathy 



October 26, 2016

Dear Friends,

Twentieth century novelist Faith Baldwin, in her work, Evening Star, wrote, “Each season is a forerunner of the next, and as the earth revolves, we learn to adjust, and consent to, the alterations.” I have always appreciated the transition from one season to another and the invitation offered to be made new by the unique experiences and opportunities such transition presents. As Baldwin notes, there are adjustments to be made, consent to these alterations that one makes, which allow for continued growth. It is in that time of transition I now find myself.

For a season I have been blessed to serve as Senior Pastor of Westwood Baptist Church. Cindy, Clayton, and I came to live, worship, and serve among you in August of 2001, and our time here has been one of the rich treasures of our lives. You welcomed us with open arms and have continually affirmed, by your encouragement and support, that God has indeed been at work in the calling and ministry we have shared. We are grateful for the privilege that has been ours to be part of this Westwood family.

We now believe that God is leading us into a new season of life. With that in mind, I share with you my decision to retire from full-time ministry and as Senior Pastor of Westwood Baptist Church, effective April 30, 2017. Cindy, after more than three decades of teaching music in public settings at the elementary, secondary, and college levels will be retiring at the close of the school year as well. Our plan is to relocate to Lexington, Kentucky in the late spring or summer. Clayton will be just over an hour away from us, though his work will bring him to Lexington on a regular basis. We will also be closer to other family members and return to friends we have known for many years. As we have traveled back and forth to Kentucky over the last few months since Clayton’s graduation, it has felt more and more like home, and we believe this to be another affirmation of God’s direction in this move.

This is not a decision made lightly. It does not signal the end of service and ministry for us, but perhaps an adjustment to the alterations life presents, and an invitation to new doors yet unopened. Over these final six months we share together as pastor and people, our hope is that we can continue faithfully what God began in this place more than fifty years ago, encouraging each other to consider with excitement and eager anticipation the next steps God has in store. We will walk with you a short way along this journey, but are confident that God will guide you through this transition as a church family.

The apostle Paul offers encouraging words in the midst of life’s transitions as he writes in Philippians 1:6, “I’m sure about this: the one who started a good work in you will stay with you to complete the job by the day of Jesus Christ.” That is a hope we all share as we learn to adjust and consent to the alterations inherent in the changing seasons of life.

With gratitude to God and deep love within our hearts for our Westwood family,

 Jim Abernathy

Ordination

A blessed Saturday to all! Winds of change are blowing (literally) as temperatures and leaves are falling. A long-sleeve shirt and sweater felt good this morning against the chilly winds at the farmer's market. The treasured honey-crisp apples were secured along with some apple cider. Cindy threw in some radishes as well, though I have never quite seen the purpose of that particular vegetable. Her brother is joining us for dinner this evening and I believe she mentioned that he likes radishes, so I will gladly share them with him.

Tomorrow is a special day in the life of our church. Jean Purkey and Kathy Milburn will be ordained as deacons. Ordination is an ancient practice of the church that sets apart particular persons for particular service. It is yet another practice that reminds us of the connection we share with the ancient church, and of the hand of God at work in our congregation. Jean and Kathy were nominated by the church, prayerfully considered by the nominating committee, and finally presented to the church for approval in late August. They will share a bit of their personal faith journeys in tomorrow's worship service and you will have an opportunity to convey a blessing upon them through the time-honored practice of laying on of hands. Be in prayer for Jean, Kathy, and all of our deacons as they serve our Lord and church faithfully.

Let me share reminders of two upcoming events to place on your calendar. The first is our fifth Sunday mission project which will be held immediately after morning worship, October 30. We will be working on a project to assist two local shelters in our area. The second is our fall cleanup day, Saturday, November 12, from 9 a.m.-noon. Raking leaves, trimming bushes, and generally cleaning up our property will be on the agenda, and your help will make the tasks easier and more enjoyable. These are but two important opportunities for service and ministry among many at Westwood. Together, we are making a difference in Jesus' name.

I look forward to seeing you in worship tomorrow morning. Let us gather in anticipation for what the Lord will do within us and among us.

Jim Abernathy

Christ-like Response

Hurricane Matthew is just beginning its assault on Florida as I write these words. The devastation throughout the Caribbean has been massive and it will be days, if not weeks, before the full extent of this powerful storm's damage is fully assessed. Early warning has been given to residents along the Florida, Georgia, and Carolina borders and many have been encouraged to evacuate to safer locations. Some have heeded this warning while others have stubbornly determined to stay in their homes and businesses. Some of our folks here have had travel plans affected by the storm as that region will pretty much shut down for days to come.

Over the next several days to a week, we will assess the response of our ministry partners in reaching out to the victims of this terrible storm and see how we might cooperate together in Christ-like response. For now, let us commit ourselves to pray for those in the path of the storm and those now left in its wake. Though the toll of this storm is yet unknown, it is certain that lives have been irrevocably changed as a result. So, pray that in the midst of the storm, God will be at work to care for the millions living in these affected areas, and also for care givers, first responders, and repair crews who will work to meet these pressing needs.

The Psalmist writes, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in time of trouble. Therefore, we will not be afraid."  Amen.

Jim Abernathy