Dear Congregation,
The sudden loss of our beloved Pastor Reeder has impacted all of us as well as many of our brothers and sisters around the world. The Celebration Service last Wednesday brought Glory to God and was a fitting tribute to honor Pastor Reeder. As his dear friend Sandy Willson so eloquently stated, Harry’s sudden homecoming was like the loss of a large oak tree. You knew it was large, but the hole is much larger than we could have ever anticipated. Harry was deeply loved, and it hurts to realize we will no longer experience his passion for the Word of God.
Last week your Session enjoyed a wonderful time of reflection and prayer to honor Pastor Reeder. The Session agreed that we need to spend dedicated time in prayer as we consider the next steps. Several of us who have recently lost a dear loved one understand the wisdom of not making significant decisions during the early phases of the grieving process. The Session did approve an advisory team consisting of the last three Leadership Team chairs (David Proctor, Jim Carlson, and Billy Ball) to provide wisdom, guidance, and support to our Executive Pastor and Sr. Staff as they work through decisions regarding guest pastors and other related matters over the next 60–90 days. This advisory team will not be responsible for long-term strategic decisions.
We are blessed to have an excellent church staff at Briarwood, and we commend all of them for stepping up during a very difficult time. We are in uncharted waters, but we must trust in our sovereign God to guide us through the coming days, weeks, and months. The Session is committed to shepherding the entire Reeder family, the congregation, and our staff. We know all are hurting as they process the impact of the loss of Pastor Reeder. Please prioritize prayer and support for Cindy, Jennifer, Ike, Abby, Beth, and their families who need all of us to love on them and pray for them as they walk through their grief journeys. We ask that each of you commit to praying for the Session as we consider the next steps.
We give praise to our Heavenly Father for what He has done through Briarwood, and we look forward with great anticipation to what He will do in the days to come.
In Christ Alone,
Loring Muir
Leadership Team Committee Chairman
Last week your Session enjoyed a wonderful time of reflection and prayer to honor Pastor Reeder. The Session agreed that we need to spend dedicated time in prayer as we consider the next steps. Several of us who have recently lost a dear loved one understand the wisdom of not making significant decisions during the early phases of the grieving process. The Session did approve an advisory team consisting of the last three Leadership Team chairs (David Proctor, Jim Carlson, and Billy Ball) to provide wisdom, guidance, and support to our Executive Pastor and Sr. Staff as they work through decisions regarding guest pastors and other related matters over the next 60–90 days. This advisory team will not be responsible for long-term strategic decisions.
We are blessed to have an excellent church staff at Briarwood, and we commend all of them for stepping up during a very difficult time. We are in uncharted waters, but we must trust in our sovereign God to guide us through the coming days, weeks, and months. The Session is committed to shepherding the entire Reeder family, the congregation, and our staff. We know all are hurting as they process the impact of the loss of Pastor Reeder. Please prioritize prayer and support for Cindy, Jennifer, Ike, Abby, Beth, and their families who need all of us to love on them and pray for them as they walk through their grief journeys. We ask that each of you commit to praying for the Session as we consider the next steps.
We give praise to our Heavenly Father for what He has done through Briarwood, and we look forward with great anticipation to what He will do in the days to come.
In Christ Alone,
Loring Muir
Leadership Team Committee Chairman