Circle of Love Ministries

Switzerland Community Church host COL for Thanksgiving

Circle of Love Ministires — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 23:08:28 +0000

: COL President Terry Crenshaw with SCC Pastor Wesley Slough

On November 14^th Switzerland Community Church hosted all the men at the Circle of Love for a Special Thanksgiving dinner and to honor Ed and Betty Ruder for their 29 years of service.

The worship was inspiring, the fellowship was warm and loving, and the message of going on just one more round was uplifting and encouraging (not to mention the great meal they provided). There was a touching video slide tribute to Ed and Betty.

As Terry Crenshaw said: It was Great!!! The people there were wonderful and as friendly and kind as any you could hope to meet. They received the students with the same love and respect that they gave us directors.

Pastor Wesley Slough had prepared a really good video slide show tribute to Ed and Betty and spoke on the subject of not giving up on yourself because of age or circumstances, God can work through us at any time in our lives. He said it was especially for Ed, but it touched my heart, and I’m sure others as well.

They had a lunch feast prepared for us that I couldn’t even begin to describe and was enjoyed by us all, and they even sent what was left over home with us. We also brought back a truck load and van full of canned and packaged food, as well as toilet paper, paper towels, bath and hand towels, wash cloths, tooth brushes and paste, and on and on the list goes. All things that we need and use every day. Oh, and also a very good clothes dryer and they took a love offering that they will be sending soon.

I was totally amazed by the saints of Switzerland Community Church and their demonstration of love and obedience to our Lord Jesus. I’m sure that their treasure in heaven is rapidly growing.

Thank you Switzerland Community Church!

Filed under: Uncategorized

Circle Of Love Honors Ed & Betty Ruder

Circle of Love Ministires — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 23:01:59 +0000

On October 31 2010 the Circle of Love board, staff and residents honored Dr. Ed and Rev. Betty Ruder for their love, support, and care for the homeless men in Jacksonville over the last 29 years.

While the Ruders have retired from being Pastor, Director, President and Vice President they remain on the Board of Directors and we had a special time of celebration for them and all they have done over the years.

During the morning worship service, the COL was joined by the New Hope Church congregation with Pastor Vic and his Wife Nancy. We had a wonderful time with the COL choir singing and Pastor Tom bringing a message on one of Ed’s favorite verses: Old things have passed away, all things have become new (II Corinthians 5:17) and we had a formal ceremony where the chapel was renamed The Ruder Chapel.

Afterwards we had dinner on the grounds, served with the help of the good people of New Hope Church, and a good time was had by all. God bless you Ed and Betty Ruder and thank you for all you have done!

Filed under: Newsletter

From the Desk of Pastor Tom

Circle of Love Ministires — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 22:59:48 +0000

This is a very busy time of year for us here at the Circle of Love, with Thanksgiving coming up this week and we are already gearing up for Christmas but before we get too busy there are two things I want to share with you:

I thank God upon my every remembrance of you. The prayer and support you give to this ministry on an ongoing basis allows us to help these men establish a relationship with Jesus Christ and get ready to reenter society as a working member. I remember when I first came to the Circle of Love in 2002. I was alone and did not know what to do or expect, but because of you I had warm meals, a comfortable bed, and a place to feel safe while God transformed my life. I thank you all. And what He has done for me, he has done for others as well.

I am also thankful for my Lord Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate this month.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

Wonderful: pele’ (peh’-leh); from OT:6381; a miracle: KJV – marvelous thing, wonder (-ful, -fully). Think about it, His miraculous birth like no other, His sinless life, His sacrifice on the cross and the resurrection, coming back from the dead. And to me the most amazing thing is why: to save the lost. So during our busy time during the next month getting ready for family and friends on Christmas day, let us take some time to stop and be thankful for the Saviour who came into the world to save us.

Filed under: Newsletter

If You Would Like to Donate Gifts for Christmas.

Circle of Love Ministires — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 22:58:00 +0000

Contact the Director of Operations, David Jordan at 904-696-3105 to coordinate your gifts with other donations.

Filed under: Newsletter

Remembering Ed & Betty Ruder

Circle of Love Ministires — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 14:16:25 +0000

Rev. Thomas Donelan & Dr. E.H Ruder

I have known Ed and Betty Ruder for over eight years now. When I first came to the Circle of Love it was from MHRC and I did not have anywhere to go. I was trying one ministry and they wanted $1500 for me to show up and join their program, and me with no home, no job, no prospects and all the Ruders did was to take me in and love me in the name of Jesus.

As time passed I completed the program and was licensed, went to work and became a Deacon and Sunday School Superintendent but I never forgot the Circle of Love. About three years ago God called me back and it has been my privilege of serving God for this time with Pastor and Mrs. Betty. I was ordained (see picture above) and became Associate Pastor and board member and got to work closer with a man I am proud to call my friend.

Now they have retired and Pastor seems happier and more at easy and Betty’s health is better as they enjoy the time in their home, and I have been tapped as Pastor, paying forward in love to these men as I have been shown love,

first by my Saviour, Jesus and then by His servants, Ed and Betty. You will be missed, you are loved, but the work goes on as we build upon the foundation they laid.

Filed under: Newsletter