Funny thing about seasons – just as soon as you get use to a season, it changes.
There is a reason why the author of Ecclesiastes uses seasons as a metaphor for life: “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
Life is always turning and changing. Sometimes for the better and sometimes not, but life is always in motion. The only way we can experience the gifts of the future is to accept the changing from the old. It is also trusting the One who holds all seasons of time.
…a time to break down, and a time to build up…
When I left the pastorate at First Baptist Church of Augusta to work with Developmental Disabilities Ministries (DDM) I was responding to God’s changing of the season in my life, as well as the life of the church. This of course was not the first time that in order to say “yes” to my call, I have had to say goodbye to others.
Now the season is drawing to a conclusion with my work at DDM. I have accepted a position at Mercer University to work with the McAfee School of Theology and Penfield College as a Development Officer. This great institution labors to equip men and women in their service to God through changing lives and transforming communities, and as such it is a position I feel uniquely equipped to fulfill.
…a time to weep, and a time to laugh…
While I eagerly look forward to this new, emerging season, believing it is a part of God’s larger providential care, I look back with a full heart because I was given the privilege of working at DDM. The mission to empower individuals with developmental disabilities is a great work reflecting core values important to me. My heart is tender with the sadness of saying goodbye to a work that is very important to me.
…a time to mourn and a time to dance…
What I have discovered in my journey with DDM is that my teachers, my pastors, and my friends, are the residents who are the heart of the organization. I hope in the changing of your seasons you can enjoy their blessing too. While my formal role as executive director will change, my support and engagement with DDM will not. I believe in their work and I believe in their future. “Where Hope Lives” is not simply a slogan or a tagline. It is theology in praxis.
…a time to keep silence, and a time to speak…
Seasons come and go, but when we share in Kingdom work, our time is eternal.
Simply blessed,
Greg
Thank you for coming to the 200th celebration at FBC.
Congratulations on your new position. I hope Amy’ wound is healing well. Charles
I hope you will continue to be involved with us at Monroe First Baptist for preaching and Bible study.
I am so happy for you and Amy ays begin this new journey. It was wonderful to have you back in Augusta on Sunday. Blessings to you and the family.
We will be remembering you as you begin your new call of God. You have been used of God in all your callings.
Continued Love,
Dale and Jane Brown
Good luck in your new endeavor,
God’s speed. Great seeing you at FBC.
Thank you and loved seeing you!
I hope you will continue to invite me back! I enjoy my time with you all and remain grateful to serve with you.
It was great seeing you! Yes, Amy is doing well. I am keeping her away from sharp objects.
I have enjoyed your post and saved them and reread from time to time. I’ve known your family for a long time having grown up with your Dad and the unique privilege of knowing your grandmother (Miss Mabel). She was loved by everyone at Philadelphia UMC especially me. Continue in God’s work!! Blessings… Sandra Barr
Hi, Greg. Wishing you the very best and praying for you in your New ministry. Your blog today from Ecclesiastes is a message to my heart as I acknowledge the changes that tare taking place in my life as the years pass. I would be honored and blessed to be on your prayer list. My love to Amy.
What a sweet sweet memory to share with me – thank you for those kind words for a lady we all loved and respected.
Thank you for your kind blessing – and you have been doing that in my life for 20 years! Much love to you and your family,
Greg
Wishing you and Amy the Very best. God has used you in many places and shared you with many people. IT is obvious he is to share you with many more. Glad I was on your path.
Dr. DeLoach,
You are right in saying that life has it’s seasons. I am going through one as I type. It was so good to see you Sunday. It made me realize how much I miss you and Amy and your beautiful smiles and positive spirits. You have truly blessed my heart.
Your new journey sounds exciting and I am very happy for you. Mercer needs leaders like you. It is a good institution and I enjoy recalling special memories regularly as I get The Mercerian regularly. I was in MICA there and played on the intramural basketball team. Mercer is where I had my first Political Science class that opened my eyes to the political scene. Also, that is the first time I had a professor who took his shoes and socks off and put his feet on his desk and referred to Jesus Christ as ‘Old J.C.”. Should I have written that????? What one remembers!
Keep those blogs coming and may God bless you richly!
Greg
Prayers for your next page that’s about to be turned (and for Amy’s finger!!)
It was such a sweet service last Sunday..a tapestry woven for FBC..still in the making!
Our family has had the privilege of being pastored by 3 of the 4 pastors.
We have been blessed.
You are missed .. Quoted you today in my women’s bible study..as Greg always said..”Just show up”… 😃
Wishing you much success in this new endeavor. Your use of the passage in Ecclesiastes was very creative and poignant. Thank you for sharing!
Such lovely words of encouragement and compassion – thank you. I miss your smiling face and warm friendship. Thank you for offering both this past Sunday.
Congrats, Greg! Enjoy sharing your gifts…Continued blessings upon you and Amy in all your seasons.
You have been a real blessing to FBC Monroe. I have enjoyed your presence in our church.
You will love Macon. I guess that is where y’all are headed. Maybe not?
You continue to bless us all with your blog and your work at DDM. Wish I could have been at FBC Sunday. You were a great comfort to my family during your ten years there. And we all know you will continue to do God’s work at Mercer. Praying for you and Amy.
Thank you for your encouragement. We are staying in ATL since I will be relating to the School of Theology which is on their ATL campus. I am happy to keep coming to Monroe as long as I keep getting an invitation.
It was so good to see you standing in th pulpit of FBC on Sunday. My family and I have missed you and your sermons. Glad to hear about your family. Sorry about Amy’s accident. I trust the finger heals soon. God bless you in your current ministry.
What a blessing your smile must be to people you serve!!!
We are happy for you with your new Season. They are so blessed to be getting
You. Please do keep coming to Monroe, you will always be welcomed at First
Baptist. We feel as if you are one of us and enjoy your Sermons and Bible Study
So much. Happy that you will not have to move again also.
Congratulations on your next adventure and oh what a blessing it is sure to be – for you and for those who are fortunate enough to be a part of the journey! God’s continued blessings to you and Amy!
Hi Dr. Greg; I’m Marcus Mendes, from Brazil.
You do not know me, but I heard you at FBC, many years ago (precisally, Sept/2005) at FBC, during my first trip to Augusta-GA – a business trip.
Since this ocasion, I’m listening your sermons – I’ve downloaded some of them from FBC’s website (today it is not possible, anymore).
I saw you’re having many changes in your life (FBC to DDM and now DDM to McAfee). I’m sure you and your family will continue to serve our Lord and, a consequence, blessed with Your Presence! Maybe God bless you a lot!
What a kind note! Thank you for the blessing!
See Greg. God is always looking out for you.. He has his plans and only he knows what they are for you.. ..Missed the hug when you were here.. Ladies were waiting on me to go to the singles lunch. Mitzie, Theresa ,Gloria and I are coming to hear you one Sunday soon.. Love ya
Greg: It really was good to see you at FBC recently. We will remember you and Amy in our prayers. You both were and are very special to us. Isn’t it wonderful that when doors close God always opens other doors for our future. Keep in touch.