Today is a weird day in the office. Today is the first day that I have been an employee at the Shannon Oaks Church without one of my co-workers (and friend) being here.
A great friend of mine is moving from Sulphur Springs. Jon Paul Dennis has moved on from his position as the worship minister at the Shannon Oaks Church. He has faithfully and selflessly served the Shannon Oaks Church as worship minister for eight years. JP and I have worked on the same staff now for over four years. He and his family have felt God’s pull to focus on their family and move to Dallas to be near other family members.
___________________
This part is just for JP:
Hey brother. I have been thinking for a week on what I wanted to say to you before you left. I couldn’t think of the words when I was helping you move your incredibly heavy stuff on Friday. I couldn’t think of the words when I was leaving church yesterday morning. I guess the reality of you leaving did not really hit me until I got in the office this morning and you were not here. I walked by your office to see the remnants of what used to be your stuff.
I just wanted to thank you so much for everything over the last 4+ years. From the first day I stepped foot in Sulphur Springs, I felt accepted by you. Please know that I view you as much more than a colleague. You are a mentor, a friend, and a brother. It has been an honor standing beside you and ministering with you the past 4+ years. I will miss your humor, our conversations, our venting sessions, your ability to fix anything, and your booming laugh. Take care of your family and your wife. You are one of my heroes. I love you, bro. You will be missed, JP.
JP,
Words couldn’t even express the impact you have had on me… The first thing I ever saw at SOC was you, in front, worshipping. I didn’t want to believe in the Lord. I didn’t want to enjoy the feeling of worship. You made it impossible to deny. You were the first person Kennedy wanted to know and love. Your spirit fills a room… The Dicus Family will miss you and the beautiful faces of your family in the front row. Thank you so much for everything.
Ditto. JP, you have 2 amazing kids that I will miss tons. Best wishes and I know great things are ahead.
I appreciate everything you have done for our family BC! you have impacted a whole lot through my life and have made me who i am today! I will miss you very much and it is hard to leave the SOC AMAZING youth group and BRILLIANT youth workers! I am saying this to you not just to say it i really mean it! I love you! thank you! we will mis Gabby and Kate two!
following his footsteps,
-FD
Being MISSED is an unbelievable understatement……..
Love you buddy…..
I have said it a million times before
and I will say it a million times again
*I miss you Jon Paul,
you’re an amazing friend, and an amazing dad.
I’m so glad you were there for me when MY dad was taken home, to Heaven.
and your son, he IS my best friend, forever and for always. I love him to death.
and Faith, she is just like a little sister to me, be sure to remind her that I love her sometime..
I’ll see you soon.. *
……vic