I can remember when we first visited Mount Carmel in the spring of 1989. A gentleman at the church’s front door welcomed everyone with a warm smile, a kind greeting, and a big hug! His name was Jim Maddux. What a remarkable first impression it made on us. Little did I know at that time just how that first impression was consistent as to what the heart of Mount Carmel was, and still is to this day. I will never forget the profound first impression it gave me to have such a warm and welcoming greeting as we entered the church building for the first time. These are some extraordinary qualities that have always been at the heart of the Mount Carmel church family: a warm, loving, and welcoming spirit.

As you might know, my family has had the privilege of calling Mount Carmel our church home for over three decades now. As I transition out of oversight of the worship ministry, I believe that God has called us to help develop a new ministry at the church. This ministry will be called the Mount Carmel Care Ministry. The purpose of this ministry is to provide prayer, support, care, and encouragement. We will strive to comfort those who are hurting, support those who are struggling, and come alongside those who need a reminder that they are not alone in their journey. As we all know, with Jesus in our lives, we are never truly alone, but sometimes it helps to receive support from someone else during our times of struggle.

This ministry seems like a natural extension as to what the heart of Mount Carmel already is. The character of Christ and the Holy Spirit are at the core of this ministry to care for God’s people. It is an honor and privilege for me to take the next step in ministry here at our church as the Pastoral Care Minister. I will strive to provide compassionate care and support to all of you whom God has allowed me to call my church family in my new role. Whether it is a prayer need, celebrating a wonderful time of praise in your life, or grieving the loss of a loved one, we will do the best we can to serve you and to share any burdens you carry as we travel this road together.

All For His Glory,

Rick Anderson
Pastoral Care Minister

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. (1 Peter 5:7)