New conference
For the first time ever we hosted a multi-speaker conference. We celebrated the 500 th anniversary of
Martin Luther’s posting of the 95 Theses by hosting in March, in conjunction with Midway Presbyterian
Church, a conference on “The Reformation’s Reforms” featuring Drs. Carl Trueman, Robert Godfrey,
David Hall, and David Gobel. We also hosted in June (through the WOC) Dr. Rosaria Butterfield, who
spoke on sexual ethics. These events were in addition to our regular Missions Conference and
Communion Season services. We’re discussing the possibility of hosting the Reformed Worship
Conference not every other year, but at some ratio.
New facilities
We fully renovated the carriage house in the lane, what had been a barbecue shop, into a residence for
interns. The Gear family moved in the week of September 18. This arrangement has proven to be a boost
to our college ministry and a complement to our renovated lane.
Personal
After addressing the Twin Lakes Fellowship in April, I stepped into a whirlwind of speaking
engagements from late September to late October.
September 22-30 – St. Petersburg, Russia
October 12-14 – Reformation Worship Conference, Atlanta, GA
October 24, 25 – Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church, Jacksonville, FL
October 27, 28 – Fellowship Presbyterian Church, Greer, SC
Otherwise I am continuing to reduce some of my activities. I relinquished the Chatham Bible Study in
2016 after nearly 20 years. This fall I let Veritas Academy know that this would be my last 6 th grade
history class after over 20 years. Some concessions have to be made to age. Emily and I continue to adjust
to our empty nest. Ben is finishing up his senior year at Georgia College and considering law school.
Abby is teaching Latin at the Wesleyan School in Atlanta. Sally, Peter, and Audrey are living in Hyde
Park, Chicago, close to the inner-city clinic at which Peter is practicing dentistry. Sam spent 2017 in
Australia for a non-combat deployment and otherwise at the large Marine Corp facility at 29 Palms. Last
but not least, Drew and Caroline are here in Savannah and expecting their first child in June!
I am grateful that God has preserved my health and strength, enabling me to complete 31 years as your
pastor. I am equally grateful that the congregation and staff have been willing to tolerate my limitations.
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