Jack's Blog

So, one of the nicest people ever, in the whole wide world, just turned 50. I’ve known her for probably 20 or more of those years. She has been on staff at Hope Chapel, helping keep the place running, helping keep the children’s ministry operating smoothly, loving people, loving kids, …  well, doing everything in the most joyful, loving way imaginable.

The Hope Chapel office was always bright and happy when she was around. (Come to think of it though, that’s the way I think it is, anyway but she made it better.)   Now, she works at the Texas State School for the Blind. I haven’t been to her classroom, but I suspect it is an equally joyous place. (in that frantic, laughing way). I’m glad she is there and using her gifts to bless the students and the faculty.

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Yesterday was a high day for me.  We publicly named Geno Hildebrandt as Senior Pastor of Hope Chapel.  Here are some photos from the service.  (Thanks, Dave Huss, for the terrific photo account of things.) After 30 years at Hope Chapel, leading worship, eldering, pastoring, it seems that the Spirit is saying “time to do something else. ” We don’t know the something else yet, but we are Abrahamic in our journey, trusting God.  In the meantime, it is a good thing that Geno is stepping into the senior role.

It was a treat for us to invite Dean Smith to speak  at Hope Chapel.  Dean has become a good friend in the last few years. I audited a preaching class from him and learned of his love of the scripture and his excellent skills in teaching.  Dean grew up in the Church of Christ tradition and we at Hope Chapel have been blessed by good relationships with the Churches of Christ.  Dean blessed us by telling us his perception of Hope through the years and by challenging us to embrace the leadership God has given us.  Dean is currently leading a ministry called Urban Connection Austin.  Thanks, Dean. It was a terrific sermon and we are so glad you joined us for the installation service.

A couple of things stood out to me yesterday.  As I was preparing for the service, it struck me how blessed I am to have Geno as a friend, for us to be pulling for each other.  I am very happy to be entrusting our family with Geno.  He is a trustworthy pastor, a God-fearer, one who will lead us well.

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