The senior pastor of the First Baptist Church of Gainesville died two weeks ago and the church this week posted to social media a letter of thanks to its “circle of hope” as the church family navigated these difficult few days. It is posted here without any editing.
“To our circle of support during this time,
The family of First Baptist Church has been awestruck by the kindness, compassion, and deep love expressed by so many people since the passing of Pastor Jeremy Shoulta.
We have received caring cards from sister congregations around the country, food & flowers have been in abundance, and no words are adequate to appreciate the people of Gainesville First United Methodist Church who volunteered in every possible capacity from nursery to greeters to reception during the funeral service on Sunday evening – allowing us space to focus on grief and care for one another.
While the hearts of this congregation still hurt, please know the outpouring of Christ’s love from all of you has been an overwhelmingly healing presence. While we hope to never have to reciprocate under similar circumstances, we stand ready to do so and pray the way you all have modeled Christian community will inspire all of us to see beyond our four walls and be the Body of Christ in this world together.
With sincere gratitude,
The Ministry Staff and Congregation of First Baptist Church, Gainesville”