Here is a timeline for Trey's years here:

Trey installed at MMPC July 27, 2003 4 pm.

Ordained in Houston at Grace Presbyterian July 13, 2003.

June 2003 Trey accepts the call to be pastor at MMPC.

Trey, Leslie, Layne and Luke here while Trey served as an intern-summer 2002.

The Little family visit Albany, staying at Lambshead ranch, at the invitation of Thad and Rebecca Hutcheson, March 16/17, 2002.

Trey H. Little

Sermon Text:  Acts 2: 42-47

July 17, 2011 (Final Sermon as Pastor of MMPC)

Albany, Texas

“Ranch Management”

Today is a day that many of us—including myself arrived much sooner than expected.  If you would have told me 6 months ago that July 17, 2011 would be my last sermon as Pastor of MMPC I would have thought you had lost your mind.  At any rate, this is it—and surprisingly enough, I have a few closing remarks to make.

But first—let’s turn to the word of God—Acts 2: 42-47.

It was August 10, 2003—my second Sunday in this pulpit as your Pastor.  I was still trying to learn about Albany—about the people, the culture, this church, myself, my calling and how all of that was woven together.  Incidentally, that discerning has not ceased!

            At any rate, the Lord had put it on my heart to cast a vision for this church and He gave me an idea of how I might do that.  What He gave me was an idea to share the vision in a language you all might resonate with.  You may recall—the language I chose to use was “The 3S Ranch.”

            The point was, geographical locations in this part of the country are given names and associated with those names are various characteristics.  When you drive by a piece of property many things pop into your head.  Some of these ranches are known for the vast amounts of acreage, others are known for the quality of livestock or particular breed.  Still others are known for their hunting and fishing and some are known for their oil and gas production.  However, the one thing that is consistent is that so much is resting on the name associated with the ranch. 

Well, don’t think for one minute that there isn’t something resting on the name associated with Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church.  The Name associated with MMPC is above all other names.  The Name associated with “The 3S Ranch” should always be Jesus Christ. 

And in case you have missed it—allow me to remind you that Acts 2:42 is etched in the stone monument sign that rests on the lawn out in front of this Sanctuary.  We were very deliberate in choosing a text that we hoped and prayed would give witness to what this “Ranch” was all about.  Acts 2:42 says, “They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

You see, my hope and prayer then and now is that when people drive by MMPC—and more importantly, when people hear about; talk about; and witness all of you in this community and this world, they will be “filled with awe” of your devotion to SEEKING, SHARING and SERVING Christ.

Because you know, MMPC is so much more than a beautiful building with an incredible history—it is a beautiful PEOPLE willing to be a part of making history.  It is so much more than a club to join—it is about joining together to make a difference in the world.  It is so much more than a place to be seen—it is being a community of believers who show others Christ.

SEEK, SHARE, and SERVE CHRIST—period, no compromising, no apologizing—BE a people who are all about seeking a deeper relationship with our Savior; about sharing His Good News with all those you come into contact with; and about serving Him and others before ourselves. 

That was my vision for MMPC 8 years ago and it remains my challenge for you for the future.  Because I firmly believe that the Lord isn’t finished with “The 3S Ranch” but instead He is just reminding us who is managing it.  We are all getting a little test on “Ranch Management.”

Charles Spurgeon—the great 19^th Century preacher, was walking through the English countryside when he noticed a weather vane made of the words, “God is Love.’  As it turned in the breeze, Spurgeon asked the farmer, “Do you mean to say that God’s love is as fickle as the wind?”  The farmer smiled and replied, “Not at all.  I mean to say that no matter where the wind blows, God is still love” (Taken from God Issues, Dr. James Denison).

With Him as the Ranch Manager—you will remain a church that will go about the Father’s business.

With Him as the Ranch Manager—you can trust He will provide whatever the ranch needs to prosper—whether it is financial resources; another Pastor; or other ministry opportunities and the people to carry them out. 

With Him as the Ranch Manager—you can rest assured that when you hunger and thirst for His righteousness you will not go away empty.

With Him as the Ranch Manager—you can know that no matter what—you are loved.

I love the old story about a Presbyterian woman who attended a Quaker worship service.  She was expecting the service to begin with a fanfare, with trumpets, and a call to worship.  Yet, there was no talking.  There was no music.  Just silence.  Five minutes went by.  Then ten.  Then fifteen.  Then twenty minutes went by.  The woman was a bit bothered by all of this.  She finally leaned over to the man next to her and said, “When does the service begin?”  He said, “The service begins when we walk out the door.”

Friends, I am so excited about the future of “The 3S Ranch.”  But like any other ranch—you can’t rest on your laurels—you can’t stop doing what you know you should be doing—you can’t forget your purpose—and you most definitely can never forget that it takes all of you to keep the ranch operating efficiently and at its optimal level.  You can’t forget that there are people all around you that want to see the reality of Christ in you.  You must begin AGAIN every time you walk out those doors. 

Jesus said, “But SEEK first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

Jesus said, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1: 8).

Jesus said, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” Matthew 28: 18-21).

Friends, remain devoted to God’s word—no matter what.  Remain devoted to meeting together—fellowship with one another—worship together, eat together, serve together.  But most of all—remain devoted to praying together.  Every major breakthrough for the church in the book of Acts came about as a direct result of prayer.

I close with something I felt appropriate for such a time as this. 

“Time is significant because it is so rare.  It is completely irretrievable.  You can never repeat it or relive it.  There is no such thing as a literal instant replay.  That appears only on film.  It travels alongside us every day, yet it has eternity wrapped up in it.  Although this is true, time often seems relative, doesn’t it?  For example, two weeks on a vacation is not at all like two weeks on a diet.  Also, some people can stay longer in an hour than others can in a week!  Ben Franklin said of time, ‘…that is the stuff life is made of.’  Time forms life’s building blocks.  The philosopher William James once said, ‘The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.’ (Lloyd Cory, Quote Unquote). 

Today I find myself very conscious of time.  I realize the end of my time here in Albany is upon us.  I realize that the end of my time as Pastor of MMPC is only days away.  I recognize that the time has come for me to say goodbye but I do so with the assurance that it is only for a time.  But I also acknowledge that it is time for me to say “Thank You.” 

Thank you for the love and affirmation you all have shown me and my family during our time here.  Thank you for the hospitality.  Thank you for the generosity.  Thank you for the prayers.  Thank you for the banana pudding.  Thank you for the Rolo cookies.  Thank you for the Diet Green Tea.  Thank you for the laughs and thank you for the tears.  Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your family.  Thank you for choosing to be a part of my family.  Thank you for trusting me and thank you for challenging me.  Thank you for having us into your homes.  Thank you for the many tangible gifts you have given us over the years but also thank you for many priceless gifts as well.  Thank you for your patience.  Thank you for your service.  Thank you for your leadership.  Thank you for welcoming us here but also thank you for graciously releasing us to go where God is leading. 

The truth of the matter is this:  there is not enough TIME to adequately express our THANKS to the great people of MMPC and the community of Albany.  Therefore, please know that we will always be thankful for you and humbled that our Lord was so thoughtful to allow us the privilege to share time with you.  Know you all will remain in our prayers. 

We look forward to seeing you back at the ranch!

And I am convinced that The Ranch Manager looks forward to “adding to your number daily those who are being saved.”

And all of God’s people said:  AMEN!