Hello Southern Gables Friends,

I am thrilled to be your pastor for a while. We don't know how long it will be because that is in the hands of God. But my plan is to be with you until I can hand the keys over to your new pastor.

You're probably wondering: who is this guy? Well, I have 40 years experience in the ministry and 60 years as a pastor's son. My experience includes varied positions in the local church as a youth pastor, an associate pastor, a church planter, a senior pastor and a pastor of pastors. I have served in country churches and suburban churches, in large churches and small churches. I have served Congregational, Presbyterian, Evangelical Free, Baptist General Conference, Conservative Baptist churches, and inter-denominational churches. I have been a transitional interim pastor several times now.

My undergraduate degree is from Fresno State. I got a Master of Divinity from Bethel Theological Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. I earned a Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena. For many years, I was an adjunct professor at the Bay Area campus of Western Seminary.

Margaret is my wife and best friend. Margaret is from the Monterey Peninsula. She is a graduate of Fresno State, too, although we weren't on the campus at the same time. She has been a teacher for over 25 years. For several years, she has been teaching Advanced Placement US History at Monta Vista High School in Cupertino, California. We like to travel, hike, and drive the back roads of California. We strive to live for Christ in all we say and do. She is very supportive of my calling and work for Christ.

What are you going to do? My official title is Transitional Senior Pastor, TSP for short. What does that mean? I am part-foster parent, part-coach, part-teddy bear, part-warrior, part designated hitter, part-peacemaker, and a few other things I can't remember right now. But mainly I am going to do what pastors do - teach the Bible and show you how to live God's way, love you, care, lead, build unity, serve, and help you reach out to your community with God's love. Also, I am going to help your search committee, help your leaders, guide your staff, diagnose and treat problems, organize, and get you ready for a new pastor. I am just a guy, not a miracle-worker. But I strive to be God's guy. And I will do my best to help you and honor God.

Oh, one important thing - I am just "the temp." God has called me to help churches just like yours who are in transition and to help them get ready for a new pastor. I have helped several churches in the way I am serving you. And for as long as it takes, I am committed to be with you until God provides your new pastor.

So, are you ready for the next chapter? We are turning the page in this church's history and focus right now. We need to do as the Apostle Paul told the Philippians (3:13-14) church: "Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead." We need to "press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called" us to in Christ Jesus. In this transition, would you join me in asking God for a movement of His Spirit? And then, would you ask God to begin spiritual renewal in your life as I pray for the same in mine?

So, see you this Sunday for worship! See you Sunday, with a smile, a Bible, and an open mind to let God talk to you. I am looking forward to meeting you all and hearing Dr. Groothuis from Denver Seminary speak from God's Word this Sunday. Remember, we have two worship choices for you:

• 9:00 AM Worship — joyous hymns and songs of the faith.
• 10:30 AM Worship — up-beat praise and worship

I love being your pastor!

Pastor Mark Platt

mplatt@sgc.org