This morning at 11 o'clock Sam Garris will be preaching his final sermon at the Ocracoke Assembly of God. Sam has served the church here for the past four and a half years, has volunteered with the Boy Scouts and Meals on Wheels, and has been a regular contributor to one of our local newspapers, the Ocracoker. After the service the congregation will hold a farewell pot luck dinner at the church to bid goodbye to Sam, his wife Anne, and their three children, Caleb, Jonah, and Luke.
While I applaud Sam's service to our community, over the years I have often found myself in disagreement with his world view, and have written several letters to the editor expressing my opinions. One of the hallmarks of a vibrant democracy is the value we place upon freedom of speech. As Voltaire is reported to have said, "I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it" (Click here for more information about this quotation.).
I wish Sam and his family good health, happiness, and contentment as they move on to another assignment.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter tells the story of Ocracoker, Kelly O'Neal, and the 1951 revolution in Siam (Thailand). You can read it here:
http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012910.htm.
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Do you know where Sam and his family are going???
ReplyDeleteChina
ReplyDeletewow....a far cry from Ocracoke !!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Pastor Sam & Anne for serving Ocracoke Assembly of God for the past 4 1/2 yrs. You are a man of integrity and not only do you talk the talk but you walk the walk. You have carried the message of Christ with your sermons and your Pastors Perspective article in the local newspaper through adversity and sometimes ridicule, but you have remained steadfast! You truly are a man after God's heart and I know one day you will hear, "Well done, my good and faithful servant"! You have been a blessing to the community of Ocracoke and to everyone you meet. Now, may God bless you and your family as you embark on a new assignment.
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