Ministry Impact – Dave & Betty Matthews
On Sunday, April 14 a congregational meeting has been called by the Session following the evening service. The purpose of the meeting is to recognize Dave Matthew’s retirement and the procedures mandated by the Book of Church Order. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall to express our love and appreciation to Dave and Betty for their 28 years of service and ministry.
Betty and I have had the huge blessing of working with two incredible lead pastors and staff over the 28 years of serving at Briarwood. We first became good friends with the Barkers when I stayed with them when first arriving in Birmingham. I even joined the Saturday morning prayer meeting at their home (and in my bedroom!). This same Bible study continues meeting weekly except without Barbara’s wonderful grits. This started wonderful friendships and it even provided an opportunity for Betty to accompany Barbara on her speaking trip to New Zealand.
We also had the enormous privilege of serving under Harry Reeder. Betty and I were able to join Harry and Cindy Reeder (whom we had known previously when we were both pastors in Charlotte NC) on many trips. Harry entrusted me with arranging the details of the Civil War trips, and then I continued on trips to Israel and Reformation locations in Europe.
Teaching in Birmingham Theological Seminary was another highlight of my ministry, providing the opportunity to teach overseas in Australia, New Zealand, and Uganda.
My ministry has evolved over the years from Children’s Ministry to now Senior Adults, and I have a drawer full of different nametags to prove it! None would have been doable without the wonderful staff who’ve assisted me.
We will be moving to Aiken, SC, where one of our daughters and her family lives. We are now building a house, and after moving plan to join their PCA church.
–Dave and Betty Matthews
We also had the enormous privilege of serving under Harry Reeder. Betty and I were able to join Harry and Cindy Reeder (whom we had known previously when we were both pastors in Charlotte NC) on many trips. Harry entrusted me with arranging the details of the Civil War trips, and then I continued on trips to Israel and Reformation locations in Europe.
Teaching in Birmingham Theological Seminary was another highlight of my ministry, providing the opportunity to teach overseas in Australia, New Zealand, and Uganda.
My ministry has evolved over the years from Children’s Ministry to now Senior Adults, and I have a drawer full of different nametags to prove it! None would have been doable without the wonderful staff who’ve assisted me.
We will be moving to Aiken, SC, where one of our daughters and her family lives. We are now building a house, and after moving plan to join their PCA church.
–Dave and Betty Matthews