THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, March 14, 1996 TAG: 9603130184
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Religion
SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTHRELL, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 55 lines
THE REV. BRUCE Havens will preach his farewell sermon at Suffolk Christian Church at 11 a.m. Sunday. He has been pastor at the church since July 1990.
Havens will assume his new position as pastor of Peace United Church of Christ in Greensboro, N.C., March 24.
``This was a hard decision, but I think the best decision,'' Havens said of his call to the new pastorate.
Reflecting on his nearly six years of ministry at Suffolk Christian, he praised the congregation for spiritual growth and initiative.
``The most exciting thing for me was that the people were able to initiate some mission projects on their own,'' Havens noted. During Havens' pastorate, the congregation began organizing the citywide Coats For Kids project, volunteered to serve with the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen and provided hundreds of local children with Christmas gifts through the church's sponsorship of a Christmas Angel Tree.
Havens also applauded the church's establishment of a young adult Bible class. ``These are things that will carry on and have an impact on lives for years to come,'' Havens pointed out.
Havens wishes his Suffolk congregation well. ``I hope they're ready to move on to the next stage in their growth and that their new pastor will lead them in that,'' Havens said.
During his ministry at Suffolk Christian, Havens earned his doctorate degree from Eden Seminary in St. Loius, Mo. He also was active in community service and served, among other positions, as president of the Suffolk Ministerial Association as well as a board member of the Elon Children's Home.
``During the time that Bruce has been here, we've seen a growth in young families with children, as well as a growth in the mission and outreach of the church,'' noted Brad Bradshaw, director of Christian Education at Suffolk Christian. ``We're very sad to see him go. He'll be missed tremendously.''
Havens and his wife, Tammy, along with their two children, Allen and Caroline, will be honored at a reception at Suffolk Christian after the worship service. The reception will be in the fellowship hall of the church at 216 N. Main St.
According to Havens, a new Pastor Search Committee is already in place for the Suffolk Christian congregation. After a meeting with their Associational Conference Minister, the search process for a new minister will begin. ILLUSTRATION: File photo
The Rev. Bruce Havens will pastor Church of Christ in Greensboro,
N.C.
by CNB