Pastor's Corner - 9/15
Faithful Then, Faithful Now
Goodwill Church Port Jervis – 10 Year Celebration
On September 14, 2025, Goodwill Church Port Jervis will mark 10 years of God’s grace and faithfulness. This is an important milestone, and as I reflect on these years, my heart is filled with gratitude. Our theme for this upcoming season is: “Faithful Then, Faithful Now.”
I’m grateful for Seth Hanson, who poured out his time, talent, and treasure. Day in and day out, Seth made sure we had a place to call home. His dedication reminds me of Paul’s words: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23).
I give thanks for Richard “Dick” Onofry, who faithfully served as an Elder of Goodwill Church. He became my voice of reason, reminding me why Port Jervis was worth such an investment. In every challenge, he was willing to find solutions and offer encouragement. His life demonstrated Proverbs 27:17: “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
I think of Libby Foreman, who welcomed and loved anyone who walked through our doors. She was the hands and feet of Jesus, living out Galatians 5:13: “Through love serve one another.”
I especially want to thank Rand and Ilene Edward. Rand also serves faithfully as an Elder of Goodwill Church. He often reminded me of my calling as a pastor: “Focus on preaching and shepherding; I’ll take care of the rest.” And he did. His service freed me to serve more fully, just as 1 Peter 4:10 teaches: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
But there are many more people to thank, those who prayed faithfully, those who supported us financially, and those from Goodwill Church Montgomery who released us to serve a new community here in the West End of Port Jervis. Their sacrifice and faith remind me of Paul’s words to the Philippians: “Because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:5).
Each of these servants reflected Christ's love. They served not for recognition but because Jesus first loved them. Their goal was to make Goodwill Port a genuine spiritual home where everyone who entered would feel Christ's love.
And so we confidently declare: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). He was faithful then. He is faithful now. And He will be faithful forever.
As we celebrate these past 10 years, we also look to the future with great expectation. What new works will God accomplish through you? How will His faithfulness be displayed in the years ahead?
May this milestone remind us of God’s unchanging love and inspire us to continue serving with joy, because “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
Heavenly Father,
We come before You today with hearts full of gratitude. Thank You for 10 years of Your faithfulness to Goodwill Church, Port Jervis. Thank you for the men and women who gave of themselves, praying, serving, encouraging, giving, and even releasing us into this community in the West End of Port Jervis.
Lord, we honor the legacy of those who went before us, and we rejoice in Your steadfast love that has sustained us. Truly, You have been faithful then, and You are faithful now.
As we step into the future, we ask for Your Spirit to guide us, empower us, and keep us centered on Jesus Christ, our Savior and Shepherd. May this church always be a place where people experience Your grace, truth, and welcome.
We pray as the psalmist prayed, “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!” (Psalm 115:1).
In Jesus’ name, Amen.