Associate Minister Ronald H. Parrish
At the conclusion of 2016, I completed my 21 st year as one of your Associate Pastors. My particular areas of responsibility are Christian Education and Pastoral Care. In the area of education, I oversee the program of Christian education and work closely with Chairman, Jody Lanier, and the Christian Education Committee. In this capacity I am pleased to be able to work with Mrs. Jane Boatright, Director of Nursery and Women’ s Program; Mrs. Amy Martin, Director of Children’ s Program; and Mrs. Kathryn Van Eck, Director of Music. These are talented leaders who with a host of others provided important leadership for these ministries throughout the year. In the area of Pastoral Care, I seek to provide Pastoral Care to members( by means of calls and visitation) and especially the hospitalized and shut-ins.
The two Session Committees that I particularly work with are Congregation Growth and Care, and Christian Education Committee. I refer you to their reports for what was accomplished in 2016. I want to thank their chairman, John Garnett( CG & C), Jody Lanier( CE) and the members of the committees for their support and encouragement.
As a Teaching Elder I am thankful for the opportunities that I had to teach, preach and to assist in worship. I taught this past year throughout the Sunday School, the Garmer weekly Bible Study and monthly for the Transitional Bible Study.
It is a joyful privilege to serve with my colleagues Terry Johnson, Tim Foster, Frankie Daniell, Amy Martin, Tim Shaw, Josh Espinosa, Kathryn Van Eck and Paul Rodgers. I value and respect each one for their gifts and the way our differing gifts are blended to work as an effective team.
In addition, I am privileged to labor along with faithful and supportive Elders and Deacons. A special thanks of appreciation goes to J. Dennis Boatright, Clerk of Session and Wallace T. Milling, Chairman of the Diaconate for their faithful leadership and service.
I am very thankful to God for giving me a very supportive wife in Donna and four children who are now engaged in the pursuit of careers. Matthew is the Director of Advancement for Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity in Richmond, VA. Leighann is employed with Savannah Neurology Specialists. Andrew is the Director of Communications for Sigma Phi Epsilon and lives with wife, Claire in Richmond, VA. David is employed with Savannah Neurology Specialists. Donna completed 21 years in 2016 at Candler Hospital as a mother / baby nurse.
The Parrish family was very pleased to announce that in July, Leighann became engaged to Dr. Victor W. Rosenfeld, a neurologist practicing in Savannah. An April 29, 2017, wedding is being planned.
At the end of September Donna was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer. Surgery followed in October, and shortly after an aggressive regimen of chemo-therapy began. The last quarter of 2016 has been very difficult for Donna, but the prayers and support of the congregation have been a great source of strength and encouragement as she continues to battle this disease. We are very thankful for the many acts of love and support from the members of the congregation. It means more than I could ever express. Thank you for allowing me to serve this wonderful congregation.
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