Two Milestones, One Ministry
On Sunday, June 1, Christ the King Lutheran Church celebrated two milestones in ministry — the one-year anniversary of Associate Pastor Matt Lynch, and the 10th birthday of Job Comfort Dog. After a combined single service for which Pastor Matt served as proclaimer, the congregation gathered in the Fellowship Hall for a Fish Fry and fellowship. Hosted by CTK’s Future Comfort Dog Team, headed by Dianna Garner, the celebration included creative decor, a slide show of Job through the years, a kids’ craft table, a photo booth, door prizes, and a special song written by Pastor Emeritus Chuck Neugebauer (find the video on CTK’s Facebook page or App). In recognition of Pastor Matt’s ministry anniversary, a collage of special moments was presented by Job’s Top Dog Genie Swan. Pastor Matt’s parents, Gregg and Allison Lynch of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Nashville, were present for worship and the party.
Fans and followers of Job Comfort Dog came from near and far to celebrate with him, including Persis Comfort Dog and his handlers Steve and Roxy Hurry, who made the trip from Oklahoma to be with their furry friend and deployment partner. Other friends of Job came from Connecticut and Arkansas, and several of the many local people Job visits regularly came to add their word of thanks for his Comfort Dog ministry. In honor of Job’s birthday, the congregation collected items for the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County. Boxes of toys, supplies, and gift cards were presented to HSMSC in Job’s honor, thanks to the generosity of CTK members and friends.
It was the perfect day to combine the celebration of ministry and mission as CTK looks to the future — many more years with Pastor Matt, the continuing ministry of Job Comfort Dog, and the eventual addition of a Future Comfort Dog! Senior Pastor Mark Goble summed up the day this way: “It brought such joy to see our congregation celebrating both our Associate Pastor Matt and our Comfort Dog Job, who happen to be best of friends. The energy and excitement were palpable. God continues to have great things in store for Christ the King and its ministry.”
Soli Deo Gloria
GS
- Posted in: Uncategorized