Pastor's Letter

“A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME”

February 14^th is Valentine’s Day. Now, before you say anything, I just want you to know that I’ve heard all of the negatives. I know that is over commercialized. It is highly promoted by the greeting card companies, the jewelry stores, candy stores and florists. In fact, Valentine’s Day is second only to Christmas in card sending and gift buying. But is that all bad?

What do we really know about St. Valentine? Not very much that’s for certain. There are many legends that have grown up about this man whose Latin name was Valentinus, but that is all they are – legends. But every legend has its beginning in some facts. While historians claim that the details of his life are lost in obscurity, they are sure that St. Valentine did live and that he was buried at the Via Flaminia, just north of Rome on February 14^th.

Even when St. Valentine’s Day was established in 496 AD, little was known about him. He was simply regarded as “one among those whose names are justly reverenced among men, but whose acts are known only to God.” …and that sounds like a fitting epitaph to me.

You’ve heard it said: “It’s the thought that counts.” Well, that’s what we have here. I think that any day that is set aside to remind us and encourage us to express thoughts of love, is a great day, whatever you call it. Naming it after old Valentinus is as good as any. A rose by any other name would smell just as sweet. I love you!

Bro. Earl

PASTOR’S LETTER

“Reflections”

Speaking from my heart, I can say that Founder’s Day 2011 was an extraordinary experience. There are so many people to thank that I hardly know where to begin.

Sherry Blow was the coordinator for this year’s Founder’s Day and she did a terrific job. I want to thank the men and women who came out on Saturday to help us get the new children’s ministries building ready for dedication and the Goodsons for getting our dirt spread for us and preparing the Bar-B-Q for our fellowship meal.

The worship service was exceptional. Our Sanctuary choir, Children’s choir and Praise Band did a wonderful job and Sarah Melgaard’s testimony took us on a sentimental journey back to our beginnings. Buckner Fanning’s message was delightful as usual. All in all, it was a perfect day and a perfect way to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of First Baptist Church. I know that you and your family were proud to be a part of it.

Then, there was the icing on the cake (both figuratively and literally) as the church family was gracious enough to honor me personally on the completion of my 50^th year in the ministry. Thank you very much for the gift. It all took me back to a little rural church in Madison County, Texas where, while a junior at Baylor University, I began what would become a 50 year journey of serving Baptist churches. It has been a joyful and rewarding pilgrimage and along the way I have met some of the most wonderful people in the world, with some of the best being right here in First Baptist of Helotes. May God bless you one and all!

Bro. Earl