November, 2026

GOD GIVES GROWTH

The ramp that serves the education building has been rebuilt. During the last couple of months rot developed in some of the planking, especially on the lower end. Our property chairperson, Steve Garrett, undertook the task of replacing all the planking. He did an excellent job, allowing our ramp to continue to serve the members of our church for years to come. Fortunately, the task was made easier because the joists and structural framing of the ramp was sound, thanks to the excellent work of another Steve, Steve White, who originally built the ramp over 30 years ago. Steve was building upon the work of Steve. Both had the same desire: to build a ramp that would allow our members access to our offices and classrooms. Both had the same outcome: work done to glorify Christ.

Ministers strive to have the same goal: to glorify Christ. We are called by a church, and we move into an office the previous pastor used. I sit in a chair that was previously sat in by Fred Rothermel and Ron Riffle, at a desk used by pastors of Olive Branch for decades. Prior to me 34 pastors have served this church, starting with Henry Lightfoot Taylor. Thirty-four pastors have shared their gifts of ministry, preached sermons, taught classes, baptized believers, conducted weddings, presided over funerals, and built buildings. Rev. Taylor stayed for 41 years, all the others for far less a time. Yet each left to me a foundation on which to build my ministry. As the Apostle Paul wrote in the third chapter of I Corinthians, all of us are only servants, co-workers in God’s service. Each builds a$ foundation for another to build upon.

Next May I will retire as the minister of Olive Branch, just a few months shy of 17 years. Serving this church has been one of the highest blessings of my life. You have shared yourselves with me. We have laughed and cried together. We have stood beside each other, supporting one another, during difficult times.

You have been as a grandparent, a parent, a sibling, a friend to my family. I cannot begin to say thank you enough.

Ministers come and go. But each one builds upon a foundation laid by those before. The next minister to be called as pastor to Olive Branch will be fortunate, indeed. I know I have been.

Peace ~ Pastor Richard
November, 2026