It was a beautiful afternoon, the first Sunday in November, 2009, when thirty-five people gathered near Sussex, NB, at the Dutch Valley Baptist Church for a decommissioning service. Formerly known as “Myers Meeting House”, they came together to celebrate the ministry and impact of the church since it was built in 1851.
The service was led by Dr. Malcolm Beckett, Director of Atlantic Baptist Mission for our Convention. Rev. Neville Gosman, pastor of Penobsquis Baptist Church, also took part by reading scripture. Special music was given by Dorothy Bailey, Jim Cunningham and Rev. Neville Gosman. And Rev. Greg Jones, Regional Minister for Region 6, closed the service in prayer. Dr. Beckett also gave the message. Through the words and examples of Moses, David, Jesus & Paul, he offered this encouragement: “God is saying to you:
- “Be of good cheer. You have completed the work I have called you to do.”
- “Be of good cheer. My work is still going on. I’m still at work in people’s lives.”
- “Be of good cheer. The legacy of this church will continue.”
Many shared vivid memories they had about weekly services, weddings, baptisms in the nearby brook, and strawberry festivals where the cream was kept cold in the same brook.
While we recognize that a decommissioning service is a time to say goodbye and is never easy, it is also a time to recognize and celebrate the life and ministry that was present here and to formally recognize the end of God’s work and purposes in this space. Click here to download a copy of what was read at the service.
