giving thanks for the ministry of Rev. Erin Bair
And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.
Colossians 1:9, 11-12
Almost 6 years ago, Erin Bair sat down with some members of our leadership team and talked about the opportunity to use her gifts in the endeavor of planting a new church in Arlington County: Restoration. Since that time, Erin has poured herself into the vision of creating a church where broken people are restored by grace and livingGod’s story. And, as we heard on Sunday, this church has had the privilege of loving Erin into her calling. She is a gifted, Spirit-filled priest. We are all so thankful for the ministry she has done among us. And we look forward to the context that God will call her to next– for her good and His glory.
There were many thanks given and stories told around the snack tables on Sunday. I know that many of you have written notes and sent texts expressing your appreciation for what God has done through Erin. I want to give us another place to shout out our gratitude as we send her out in Jesus’ name.
As we say good-bye, what are you thankful for?
Erin is rock-solid on the reality of brokenness and the capacity of God to overcome sin, to heal, to bind up broken hearts, and to transform lives. She reminds us that we are first and foremost LOVED. She calls us to believe that we can trust that God wants our good.
Erin has been a consistent and compassionate voice for those who are on the margin. Over and over she has asked– ‘Who needs to be included? Who do we need to hear from as we make this decision? How will this choice affect those who are not in the room right now?’
Erin loves words and God has enabled her to use words to call us to faithfulness, generosity, and righteousness. She has masterfully illustrated things that are hard to grasp (anybody remember the ‘God Composts’ sermon?). She has helped us believe the Gospel and the power it has to change our lives.
Erin finds what is beautiful.
As we say good-bye, what are you thankful for?
This prayer from The Book of Common Prayer has given voice to my hope for Erin. I am so grateful to follow God who is all-knowing, all-powerful, and infinite in love. He truly is ‘doing for Erin better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord.’
Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to thy never-failing care and love, for this life and the life to come, knowing that thou art doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Leave a comment and tell us what you are thankful for as we say good-bye to Erin.
-David
