ST. ANDREW P.B. CHURCH HOSTS RETIREMENT RECEPTION
FOR PASTOR MICHAEL HARTWELL
HONORING 31 YEARS OR FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE
Retirement is one of the many experiences a working person has to endure. A majority of people who are about to retire have questions, more than answers, regarding how to retire gracefully. But for some, such as "Pastor Michael Hartwell," that is no longer a worry for him. He is proving that he is accepting this as a new beginning of life. This is a chance for Pastor Hartwell to introspect, retrospect, calculate and recreate.
The Celebration kicked off with Pastor Hartwell's son, Minister Jonathan Hartwell bringing everyone together as well as the opening prayer. Welcome and acknowledgements done by Sister Phyllis Brandon and Sister Charlene Irving with several readings and congratulatory statements from friends and acquaintances that could not attend. Musical selection by Pastor Hartwell's daughter, Ms. Frances Hartwell, singing "My living shall not be in vain" which was song so beautifully. Praise Team kicked off with a beautiful dance to "I can only Imagine."
Career reflections were done by Mr. Rick Irvin, Mr. Bill Andrews, Ms. Debra Teamer and Ms. Donna Davis. Mr. Irving thanked the congregation for inviting him. He has known Pastor Hartwell for 18 years. His character and leadership has allowed so many to feel great about working with him. He also mentioned how Pastor Hartwell liked to tease his workers quite a bit and that he was always on his blackberry. Mr. Anders stated that he was happy that Pastor Hartwell had great confidence in him and that he was always seen smiling. He was caught several times with his head down but he didn't believe he was praying. People showed Hartwell respect and he returned the same to them. Ms. Teamer stated it was a pleasure to work with him for 6 years. They laughed a lot and worked long, hard hours. He travelled all the time. She stated that the Lord put people in your life for a reason. She stated how he trusted her to complete her tasks, even having seizures at her desk for 3 years. But to God be the Glory, a cure was found and she is indeed better. She stated he was not only her boss but he was a good friend. She presented him a book which titled "HELP" she asked him, do you need any help? Last was Ms. Donna, whom had worked with him for 14 years. She stated "I will miss you" She said she has 10 more years to go and wanted to know why he could not wait for her. He was there for her, whether she had personal or work issues.
A musical selection was done by SAPBC Youth choir, " Emmanuel" Reflections were done by his daughter Mrs. Michael Hartwell-Medina, stating that a summary of her dad's retirement would be " Reflections of a life well living". When God is ordering your steps, there is no where he want take you.
Mrs. Elizabeth Ragland stated she could only imagine being 39 years old and serving the government, now retiring after 31 years of service. She stated he is always willing to work for the community. She Read Psalm 150 and stated she was certain that this is what he felt when he signed all the papers for retirement.
Fraternity Brother, Mr. Ragland had known Pastor for 40+ years. As a Freshman he was appointed to be over the department of math/physics at Alabama A&M University. He stated that this was an unusual step for a Freshman to be chosen to fulfill a position such as this. He stated that now that Michael is retired he will have time to work more with the fraternity and he was presented with a "Bull Dog".
As our Pastor, Mother Franklin thanked God for being able to say good words about her Pastor. She stated he has brought us a long ways. He encourages us to worship. He challenges us to memorize scriptures. We have to have the right attitude because our feelings can affect our joy. Pastor's remedy is to return back to God, return back to righteousness. She stated that he knows everyone by name and he definitely keeps everyone informed of the latest by texting, emailing or on the blackberry. She stated he is a comedian, life is no good unless you have fun. She stated we love the whole family and read 2nd Corinthians 9:8. Mother Franklin showed the congregation how pastor Hartwell get happy and she imitated him by dancing.
Deacon Lewis stated since Pastor has been there, through his teaching and preaching, SAPBC has grown tremendously. He stated that he has been a blessing to have and that we love him. He stated to Mother Hartwell, the kids and Mother Millsap that he knows they have had a hard time dealing with Pastor.
Pastor Hartwell informed the congregation that he did not want to have a ceremony due to he had attended so many, but he really wanted to thank SAPBC for such a beautiful reception and such a great job done. He thanked his family for sticking by him and thanked all friends and co-workers for coming to support him in this great occasion.
He was presented with a beautiful plaque and Minister Jonathan Hartwell dismissed by the blessing of the food.
What an awesome RETIREMENT!!
Submitted by: Cathy LaVaughn Horton