MARTIN BASS RETIREMENT

Pastor Update, Letter 45

FAREWELL TO MARTIN BASS

November 11, 2023
 
Dear Members and Friends of First Presbyterian Church of Moorestown,
 
It is with both gratitude and sadness that we announce the upcoming retirement of our beloved Worship Leader, Martin Bass. After much contemplation and prayer, Martin has shared that he will be concluding his tenure as the Worship Leader for our contemporary service on November 26th. Martin’s journey with us has been nothing short of remarkable, marked by dedication, passion and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
 
As he begins this new chapter of life, we reflect on the countless ways Martin has enhanced our church’s Sunday morning contemporary worship service, including guidance in navigating online worship during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic and editing our weekly Thursday Evening Prayer Service. Martin’s work at First Presbyterian has exemplified the virtues of resilience, humility and an unwavering reliance on Christ. These words from the Apostle Paul capture the essence of Martin’s service to our congregation and the Kingdom of God:
“Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do” (Ephesians 6:7, NIV).
 
Expressing our Appreciation
As Martin embarks on this well-earned retirement, let us join together in expressing our deepest gratitude for his six years of dedicated service. We extend our warmest wishes for a retirement filled with joy, peace, and the fulfillment of all his heart’s desires. As is customary, I invite you to join us on Martin’s final Sunday, November 26th, to express your appreciation and well-wishes. We encourage congregants to bring in cards and notes of appreciation for Martin and his wife, Christine Bass, who too has been an integral part of our contemporary worship service, playing the keyboard and providing vocals on Sunday mornings. On this special day, a love gift will be collected for Martin and we encourage any checks or financial gifts be made directly to him.
 
Martin, your dedication, musical talent, and technical expertise have left an indelible mark on our community. We will miss your presence and the gifts you brought to worship each week. As you embark on this new chapter, we extend our heartfelt wishes for continued blessings in all your future endeavors.
With great appreciation, Wes
Rev. Wes Allen, Associate Pastor
 
We invite you to enjoy just a few of Martin’s songs shared over the years.
• Gesu Bambino
• Someone’s Crying
• Go Tell It on the Mountain