Over the Hill…and through the Woods into the next season of my life I go…
“Everything has seasons and we have to be able to recognize something’s time has passed and be able to move into the next season.” – Dr. Henry Cloud
“For everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under Heaven.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1
I want to thank the Lord for allowing me the blessing of serving on the staff of First Baptist Church since 1992. After much thought and prayer, I will be retiring at the end of February. This is a big transition for me, but one that I look forward to and embrace it as the next season in my life. I have no doubt that this is God’s timing and plan for me. I will still serve the Lord, just in different ways in the future and I am excited about it.
Linda and I will still be members of First Baptist Church, it will be our home base. After a time of rest (hibernation) and reflection, I hope to have opportunities to share an encouraging word in preaching and teaching in other churches and places. I look forward to continuing to write my blog (www.jerrybeartales.com). I also look forward to having more time for reading, some guitar picking, traveling and hiking and taking pictures along the way.
As I look back, I am overwhelmed with gratitude with this experience God has let me be a part of such a great church and wonderful community. Thank you Jesus for loving me so much by letting me being here during this time.
Happy Trails to all of you, Jerry Bear
Jerry Bear Tales...Faith/ Fun/ Encouragement 
I have been so blessed to have you and Linda be apart of my faith Journey. Thank you both for being a great source of how to be a great Christian.
I read the letter from church today. You have been a blessing in my life Jerry! May you be richly blessed in this next season of service in your life. ❤️
NOooooooo as loud as I can scream it😢
Jerry Bear you are the bomb. You have blessed so many including myself a number of times in the hospital. I will never forget you Pastor Jerry.
I would love to see you visit Langston Baptist Church in Conway, South Carolina. The church sanctuary resembles ours at FBC. It is about 1/4 the size.
Congradulations on your retirement. I hope you and Linda have many great times ahead of you.
Blessings, Nancy Grinstead
There is indeed a time for every purpose. Not everyone likes change but it comes sooner or later. Praying that God gives you some great adventures.
Jerry,
We love you and Linda and wish you God’s blessings in your retirement.
We certainly will miss you but know God has His plan for you.
Much love and prayers.
Annette and Gene
Thank you Jerry for all your years of service to us. You have been such a huge blessing to our family especially over the past several years. I’m so thankful Scot and I were able to be baptized together by you. I have no doubt you will continue to bless all those you meet in this next season. God Bless you Jerry Bear!!
You can go over the hill (always with Him & for Him) at any age. You have been doing that pretty well. We appreciate you for being the man you are and we know will continue to be.
You can go over the hill (always with Him & for Him) at any age. You have been doing that pretty well. We appreciate you for being the man you are and we know will continue to be.
Hello Jerry. Congrats on your retirement. I enjoyed working with you with the youth at Mud Creek back in 1995 with Jean Nichols
Heartbreaking for Roger & I but Happy for You💔❣
May God continue to bless you & your ministry.🙏
Love it! Thank you for your example in faithfulness to the calling. Blessings in what’s next for you!
Ed and I are so happy for you. You will love fixing Linda breakfast and dinner! Make sure you learn how the vacuum works because Linda will expect to come home to a clean house. Seriously, we love you and Linda and we thank you for all that you’ve done for us. All those hospital visits that you’ve Prayed with us. The one constant, dependable, always cheerful Jerry Bear…thank you!
I wish you and Linda the best in your future endeavors. You have truly been a blessing to many people, us and my mom Vickie as well. May God continue to bless you and help you to enjoy your “hibernation “!
Our love,
Mike & Debbie Lequire
Jerry, God Bless You and Linda, Many Happy Trails ahead!! from me and Richard!
Jerry, Buster and I are blessed to know you and was very honored to have you marry us as we became one. The advise and encouragement will be with us the rest of our lives. You are truly a blessing to us and we thank you! Praying for you on your next adventure.
Love
Buster & Sonya Brackins