Clarke has a BA in Christianity, 1981, Mercer University, Macon, GA

Master of Divinity, 1984, Candler School of Theology,
Emory University, Atlanta, GA

Master of Theology, 1985, Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, NJ

Doctor of Ministry, 2004, Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond, Richmond, VA

Is married to Trish and they have a son, Joshua and a daughter, Campbell.

Interests include: reading, fishing, canoeing, baseball,
tennis, music (all kinds), and tinkering with computers.

FROM THE PASTOR, May 20, 2009

Pastor's Report Royal Ambassadors

The Royal Ambassadors have closed out a year of meeting. At first, we met weekly and soon discovered just how crowded everyone's schedule was. Next, we decided to meet bi-monthly. The only thing to tweak this arrangement was to coordinate RA meeting time with Cub Scout times. So, after a few weeks we settled into a nice meeting routine that had us meeting after Cub Scouts and meeting bi-monthly. I mention the meeting time of Royal Ambassadors because it's this sort thing that happens when a new program begins---how often do we meet, do we meet when other programs meet, etc. We also settled into a format that began with us having our pledges to the United States Flag, the Christian Flag, the Bible, and finally the RA Flag. Next, Mr. Henry Page would have a devotional for the boys. I followed up with commentary where Mr. Henry C. left off. We held Bible drills, learned the RA motto, ate snacks, played games, went fishing, went to a UVA baseball game, and planted tomato plants, which you see outside along the cemetery fence. (They will be moved in time for homecoming.) It's been a great year for the Royal Ambassadors and we looked forward to a great year next year with the meetings resuming after Labor Day. We hope to increase the number of boys attending now that the workers and I have some experience under our collective RA belt. While the Royal Ambassadors will not meet during the summer, we will plan activities that all will enjoy and that will go toward earning pins and patches. On a final RA note, I want to recognize our workers: Mr. Henry C. Page, Mr. Dieter Henschel, Leighton Page, Heath Zimmerman, Erich Henschel, and myself. Our boys were: John Page, Mitchell Plantz, Luke Page, Dylan Zimmerman, Josh Hawkins, and Morgan Cox.

Worship Team

Not too long ago, Janice came to me with the idea of working with the worship service in order to bring some change to it. To this end, we thought it would be good to use different available tools that range from children in worship to video presentations. Also, we certainly believe one of the greatest resources we have is the congregation. So, initially Janice has put together a few folks to get this worship team up and going. These folk are Kim Ferguson, Rae Carol Plantz, Trish Hawkins, Georgia McDaniel, and Jim Starr. Please know the WT is not a committee and is simply a team of folks working together to implement new ideas in worship to the glory of God. And, being a team, all are welcome to be a part of it. But, if you don't want to meet every month or so (there are no formal meeting times), see one of the folks already named and share you ideas to enhance, improve, or refresh the worship hour. A side note regarding this effort is that any changes and implementation will be gradual and subject to change. When Janice and I talked about these things, I relayed to her that my role will be to advise, to offer themes with which the team can work, and to help from the sideline. One stipulation I had is that the sermon is off limits. One thing I am working on with the sermon, however, at the request of different people is to include a sermon outline in the bulletin each week. I hope to refine it as time goes along and make it even more usable by attendees.

Vacation Bible School

As most everyone knows, VBS is August 10-13. Please see Rae Carol to sign up to help in some way. The last need was for grades K-1.

Central Virginia Baptist Association

The CVBA owns property in Fluvanna County known as the old Day Care Center. The center closed a few years ago and has remained vacant since. A few offers have been made to buy the center but, for whatever reason, no sale has transpired. Currently, the Steering Committee is entertaining the offer from someone to rent the house as a residence. The rental price is around $800 - 850 per month. No contract has been signed. It's just a possibility right now. Also, the CVBA is getting close to paying off this property with about 1.5 - 2 years remaining to pay.

The Summer

Most everyone's summer calendar is getting full by now. But I hope we can keep a few dates open for a few church events. The last Sunday in June, the group with which Mitch plays, Glory Road, will play after Sunday dinner. This is June 27th. Another event about which I've inquired but have not received a response is having an early Sunday morning worship service at Cove Creek Park when the playoffs begin. This event could be coordinated with local churches and certain folks from our association who have experience in this kind of event. In all likelihood, this is an event that, if allowed, would take place next year due to the logistics of putting together a service. Also, I have contacted Jasmine Cookenhour about coming back to Mooreland for a musical event. She is excited about the invitation. This time around she sees a Sunday evening in July being the best time for her and two or three people who would come with her. The event would last about an hour to an hour and a half.

Then, there is homecoming on August 2nd. Rev. Tom Waddill will be preaching on the homecoming day

VBS: August 10-13. Sincerely submitted, Clarke