Thank You to Our Brother, Marty Hennis

A story I have shared several times bears repeating.  During the couple of months that the Lakewood pastor search committee was interviewing me, there was a question which I wanted to ask, but was basically unable to ask.  The question was, “Is your music minister good?”  See?  That is such a subjective and personal question that I dared not ask it.  My concern was that I might accept a call to become the pastor only to find out that the music ministry was… well, less than desirable.  I was hoping that my first action as pastor would not be to revamp the music ministry.

I remember the first few moments of the worship service when I preached in view of a call.  Marty opened the service with a warm personal welcome and a song, and within in a few measures of the music beginning, the Lord set my mind and my heart at ease.  Not only was the music ministry terrific, but the music minister himself was an immensely talented musician.  I had met Marty the week prior to that service, but I had no idea what a special music minister he was for Lakewood.  His ministry leadership from behind the piano demanded my soul to stand and join with the congregation in the worship of our Lord.  I even remember leaning over to Leanne and commenting, “This is really good!”  And I gave thanks to God for Marty and for Lakewood.

As Marty transitions into another phase of life and ministry, we at Lakewood want to continue to give thanks to God for Marty.  On November 14th, immediately after the worship service, Lakewood will host a reception lunch in the Fellowship Hall in honor of Marty and the decade+ of his life that he dedicated in service to the Lord at Lakewood Baptist Church.  Lunch and dessert will be provided.  All members and guests are invited to attend.  There will be a basket for receiving cards and gifts for Marty as a show of our love and appreciation for his many years of ministry at Lakewood.

We will never be able to replace you Marty, and it would be silly to even try.  There will always be a special place in our hearts for all that you’ve done.  The door to the church will always be open for you, and we’ll keep the piano bench warm for you.  We love you dearly.

Blessings,

Pastor Bruce

bruce.cullom@gmail.com