July 21, 1999
GRACE & PEACE: Retired ministers
to participate in a special retreat
___"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for." (Hebrews 11:1-2)
___The family of Texas Baptists contains many retired ministers who have served faithfully the Lord Jesus Christ and have "obtained a good report." All of us owe much to these who through their ministries have made possible much of what we enjoy among Baptists today.
___It is fitting that recognition and honor be given to retired ministers. In an effort to provide such recognition, a new ministry, "Retiree Ministries," was initiated by the Baptist General Convention of Texas two years ago to focus on people who are retired ministers. The Human Welfare Coordinating Board provides overall support of the ministry. Much of the work for this ministry has been provided by Eugene Greer, special assistant to the executive director, who is himself a "retired minister" and like many others is still actively involved in ministry.
William Pinson Jr.
Executive Director
Baptist General Convention of Texas
___A newsletter edited by Greer, Desserts & Challenges of Life, is sent to a growing list of retired people. It contains news about retired ministers and inspirational articles and poems. A special banquet for retirees is held each year in conjunction with the BGCT annual session.
___A new opportunity for retired ministers is "A Celebration of Service: A Retreat for Retired Ministers" at Glorieta Baptist Conference Center, Sept. 27-Oct. 1. The retreat will begin Monday at dinner and conclude Friday with breakfast. Mornings and afternoons are entirely free for participants to take advantage of the Santa Fe area. A late-morning Bible study will be led by BO Baker, and evening worship will be led by Presnall Wood, with Dick Baker and Bill Hanson providing leadership for music.
___A retired minister and spouse can enjoy this retreat for only $265, and a single minister for $179. Both of these costs include meals, lodging and program. If a participant stays in a church cottage, the fee is $74 per person with no meals. In a leased cottage, the cost is $90 per person, no meals.
___And who qualifies as a "retired minister"? Anyone who has served in any sort of "church-related vocation" or put another way, anyone who has drawn a "Baptist paycheck." This includes pastors; church staff members; associational staff; state, home and international missionaries; denominational employees such as those who have served with the Executive Board of the BGCT or WMU or Texas Baptist Men; Baptist student ministers; evangelists; Baptist camp personnel; employees of Baptist schools, child and aging care facilities, and medical centers; chaplains; and their spouses.
___For reservations, call (800) 797-4222. The retreat is sponsored jointly by BGCT Retiree Ministries and Glorieta Event Ministries. We anticipate a good response and possibly this to become an annual event.
___If your church has within its membership retired ministers, won't you consider a gift to them of this retreat? They will appreciate it, and your church will be blessed by it.
___Please pray for Eugene Greer and others as they care for the details in conducting the retreat. Pray for the program personnel. And pray for all retired ministers as they continue to bless many through lives faithfully lived in service of the Lord Jesus Christ.
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