A Million Thanks to all those who helped make our Golden Jubilee Celebration an event to remember. To our friends who came and celebrated with us and those who have shouldered, the responsibility of the open doors of Heritage Fellowship through the years. From the beginning, when Bea Dixon (Wade Hornsby mother) posted a small 2x2 ad in the local paper, until now, God has been faithful. Ruth Wrenn (Kris O'Ryan's and Kandi Davis's mother) had given a prophetic word as the small congregation were looking for property. The word was this, "You will be able to purchase the best location for the church in Florence."
I have never told this until now, but I was reading an Evangel Magazine, and they had an article about the property and a picture of the unfinished building that we worship in until this day. I was strangely drawn to that article and a few years later I was called to be the pastor of Heritage. We have all heard God moves in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform. That fits the narrative of what has happened over the years at Heritage. We have watched and prayed as God has worked His wonders.
As we celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in the life of Heritage, it is with gratitude that GayNell and I express out appreciation to all of you who have trusted us and called us pastors for the past forty-three years. I have always spoken of the corporate anointing of our fellowship and can honestly tell you that this is not just some trite saying. I have felt the courage and favor of your trust and investment in our lives for all these years and am proud that we have been privileged to serve as pastors of Heritage all these wonderful years.
I am grateful to Vernel and Donna Perry and their families for their faithful support and love for you, the congregation. Your support of their daughter Brittany, who serves in Missions to Great Britain and India, is also appreciated.
For all the staff and their families: Howard Davis and Kandi, who have been the driving force of Heritage Academy for over three decades. Their children, along with all the school staff, are a part of what we refer to as the moving parts of Heritage through their service to the community.
For Gary and Sabrina as they lead our Intercessors. You will never know how important you are to all that takes place in the Church Life of this church body.
It is with great love that we remember to thank Paul Cooper and Lauren along with all the Worship team as they lead us weekly into the Presence of the Lord.
We all should thank God for our church elders and board for their leadership. I am blessed with the finest men on the planet for their prayerful and conscientious guidance of what God has allowed me providentially to be a part of for half my lifetime.
To all those who work behind the scenes, Dave Kreinbrink, Richard and Jeremy Weaver, and so many more. We love you.
Humbly submitted to you whom we love as family,
Cleddie and GayNell Keith