“For everything there is a season — a time for reflection and a time for action, a time for rejoicing and a time for tears, a time for endings and a time for new beginnings.”
Sunday 1-8-23 "I Never Can Say Goodbye" Rev. James T. Meeks
A celebratory retirement and transition service for Rev. James T. Meeks after 38 years at Salem Baptist Church (Jan 8, 2023). Centered on Acts 20 and the theme "I Never Can Say Goodbye," the sermon reflected on the emotional bonds between pastor and congregation, the tensions of leadership change, key lessons from Paul's farewell (tears, tension, testimonies), and the formal passing of pastoral leadership to Rev. Charlie Dates. The program included civic recognition, a Baylor University archival gift, prayers, an altar call for salvation, and a stewardship appeal to bless the retiring pastor and first lady.