Reverend Bob Coats says 'Goodbye' to the
Parkesburg Baptist Church to begin his retirement
On Sunday, June 24th, the Reverend Bob Coats and his wife Donna concluded their pastoral leadership at the Parkesburg Baptist Church and began the new journey into 'retirement'. For anyone who knows Bob, it isn't suprising that he ended with a flurry of activity. In the weeks leading up to June 24, Pastor Bob dedicated four children, baptized four adults and welcomed five new members into the life of the Parkesburg Baptist Church, where he has served as Pastor for over 9 1/2 years.
Following the morning worship service, the church family honored Bob and Donna with a beautiful luncheon where family and friends could gather to thank them for the significant ministry that had been carried out during their time in Parkesburg, as well as to wish them well as they entered into retirement.
Following a luncheon, a brief program was held featuring a remarks by the following individuals: Rev. Dr. Frank Frischkorn, Rev. Dean Hegarty, John Rich, Rev. Mark Beideman (Pastor of the Parkesburg Methodist Church and friend of Bob) and Joe Kapes. Closing prayer was offered by George Young and special solos were offered by Helena Fulmer and another friend of the congregation and Pastor Bob.
For the most part the comments made by the presenters were encouraging and affirming of Bob and Donna's ministry, but knowing Bob's penchant for
humor, there were a number of times when some 'roasting' occurred. All the speakers spoke to the need to be in prayer most for Donna as she now had the mammoth job of dealing with Bob 24/7. Additionally, Bob was described by Pastor Beideman of the Parkesburg Methodist Church as the 'hound of heaven', who never let go of a project, but now in retirement he needed to 'take it out of overdrive and put it in Drive 3 for awhile'. The master of the 'roast' however was Joe Kapes, member and friend from Parkesburg who had a number of zingers to aim at Pastor Bob, including the presentation of a plaque honoring Pastor Bob for his many years of ministry in their midst, and letting him know that just like the Fellowship Hall had been named after one of his predicessors, Pastor Crane (now Crane Hall), that they had decided to do the same for Pastor Coats....there is now the 'Coats Rack' in the Fellowship Hall....yes, it's a coat rack! :-)
It was a beautiful time of fellowship as all had the chance to thank Bob and Donna for their years of ministry and wish them well as they move into retirement. May the LORD bless them both, and bless the Parkesburg Baptist Church as they seek God's Choice for their next Pastoral Leader.
