Mary Louise and I have been members of St. Paul’s since 1973 (With an absence of nearly 2 years while we lived in Atlanta). In those years I have had the honor to serve n the Church Council, Spiritual Council and Elder Board for a total of 24 years.  I served under Pastoral Leadership of 5 different Pastors, enjoyed mostly good times but also managed during a few challenging times.  I worked with Pastor Friz as we exited the UCC for the EFCA.

 

I love St. Paul’s and have been saddened for several years as we have endured the challenges of the lawsuit an subsequent changes in leadership, both Pastoral and lay.  Throughout these difficult times I have not wavered from my love for this church and never believed that the church would not survive. Instead of simply surviving I strongly believe that st. Paul’s will unify and grow, and serve Him in many traditional and new ways.  We are strategically located and surely God has long range plans for us, and we need to be in prayer seeking out His direction.

 

When I last left leadership in 2016, I had no interest in returning to a leadership position and longed to enjoy “retirement”.  However, with the difficulties we face in leadership, I believe God is calling me to step out or retirement and serve with others to unify the body, bring in new Pastoral leadership and once again position us to serve Him and do His will in our community, Nation, and World.

 

So, if it is the desire of the Congregation for me to again serve, I would be honored and pledge to do my best with the help of the Lord to continue to do His will for St. Paul’s

 

After completing church training I was welcomed as a member of St. Paul’s Church on April 27, 2014. I have served as a Stephen Minister and a Greeter, a member of Small Groups and Men’s Fraternity.

 

I believe all human beings are born sinners (Rom 5:12). I believe FAITH in JESUS CHRIST is the only way to receive salvation (John 3:17, 17:23, Rom 10:9-10).  I believe we live in a lost and confused world 2 Peter 3).  I believe Jesus has called the church to be salt and light in the world until He returns (Matt 5:13-6).  I love JESUS CHRIST and I love St. Paul’s.

Yours in Jesus,

Dwight Holmon

 

Spiritual Journey:

Mary and I have been members of St. Paul’s for some 40 years.  It is so much a part of our lives.  Our children grew up here and now our grand kids are starting to do the same.  Spiritually, my journey could be described as “steady and increasing”. There have been times though where the train has gone off the tracks.  Yet, I get back on and continue moving forward with more conviction.  I know that I have been saved too — it’s in my heart!  There have been many Christ interventions in my life going back to when I was a kid as well.  One that I’d like to mention happened later on back when I was a Kings Kids Camp counselor.  My daughter Kristine lost an earring at camp one evening and she was so distraught.  After we searched everywhere for it , we had to stop because all camp kids were instructed to settle down and form a big circle for evening prayer time.  It was during prayers that I looked down and saw a starry glimmer down in the ground.  Her earring was right under my foot!  That was a true Jesus moment!  Throughout so many years and to the present , my faith has continued to grow.  There has always been a tug in my heart to serve too.  We were in a young married couples group called Double-Time, I was and am still a Promise Keeper, a member of our Men’s Fellowship, served on our Board of Christian Education, served as a mission Team member and many of you might know a long time singer in our choir.  I’m one of the three trumpet players here as well, been a part of so many small groups of which at times I have been a leader..  Mary and I also always help out with so many different church functions, activities, Christmas decorations, and the list goes on.  Right now I’m a part of our men’s study group that meets every Sunday and on Wednesday mornings at breakfast.

 

Why I want to be an Elder:

I believe in nurturing each other, encouragement, empathizing and communication.  I strive to do this.  I also believe in teams, people working together, praying together, and helping each other.  Many of you might know that Mary and I have struggled at times in our marriage. But, we remain committed, have God/Christ in our lives and love each other. I JUST AM NOT A QUITTER AND NEVER GIVE UP! I believe in Christ as everyone’s saving salvation through Him.  I believe in the rebirth of this church, everyone being reunified, loving each other, forgiveness, outreaching, increasing of our youth, increasing our congregational numbers, mentoring, better communication, small groups, moving forward and having Christ bring this church to a new mountain-to!  Our men’s class is presently studying the book of Romans and I find it to be very relative to where we are at St. Paul’s right now.  The church of the Romans was new – just starting out – and the first church to ever be started by an non-Apostle.  St. Paul’s is now new again – and at a restart point!  I believe that I can be a helpmate with Christ’s help to this and His Church in these endeavors. THIS IS DO SO SOLEMNLY SWEAR TO GOD AND TO YOU – SO HELP ME GOD!   -David B. Smith

 

I was raised by two strong and devoted Christians, and Christian values permeated every aspect of our everyday life.  Apparently, I did not fully understand what it meant to be truly born again and have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, because I strayed from the truth after leaving home following high school graduation.  I eventually found myself stationed in Georgia with the Army where I found a wonderful church and whose pastor led me to Christ, for real this time!  In 2014, I was searching for a new church home and after trying several churches in the area, attended St. Paul’s.  I felt strongly that this was the place for me until our challenges over the past couple of years gave me the ddesire to have input as a voting member.  This resulted in me participating in the new member classes facilitated by Pastor Don Price and being accepted as a member of St. Paul’s last year in 2022.

 

From conversations with other members of St. Paul’s, I am aware that I have slightly different opinions concerning some scripture interpretation and Christian lifestyle.  These differences are minor and are nothing more than what is common and even expected from one Christian to another.  My beliefs regarding Christian doctrine are perfectly aligned with the Statement of Faith as published by St. Paul’s Evangelical Church.