Dear People of Hope,
Recently, at a council meeting, I learned that a member had been coming weekly on Saturdays to make sure the sanctuary chairs are organized. I laughed with joy, because while I had noticed that I had not needed to straighten the chairs in a while, I had no idea why! It was a reminder that so much happens in, among and through our congregation; I am so thankful for those things I may not see.
And I am so grateful for those things I do see. I see what happens with regularity in our congregation — the communion that is put together every week; the sound system that gets turned on; the food that is offered during fellowship; the people who greet at the door and usher during service; the hospitality that is shown to all who enter; the discernment and brainstorming among council leadership; the food that is brought to Bibles studies and potlucks; the ones who run the video for people to join worship from home or while traveling; the game nights, Trunk or Treat and fun get-togethers that are created; the setting up of tables and chairs for these events; the musicians who lead us; the observing and responding to who needs help, or who could be checked in on, or who could use a cup of coffee and conversation during the week; the times that someone who needs food or a coat receives exactly what they need; the stocking of the food-shelf; the things that get fixed around the building; the ever-flowing ideas of what might be possible among us with God’s help; the small and giant ways this congregation is sharing God’s love, grace and hope.
I thank God for you. I thank God for the things I learn after the fact. I thank God for the things I may never know. I thank God for the ways so many jump in to help with the needs of the community. As we near our Annual Meeting, and celebrate what God is doing among us, I give thanks to God for the many gifts of our congregation.
Peace be with you,
Pastor Liz
Recently, at a council meeting, I learned that a member had been coming weekly on Saturdays to make sure the sanctuary chairs are organized. I laughed with joy, because while I had noticed that I had not needed to straighten the chairs in a while, I had no idea why! It was a reminder that so much happens in, among and through our congregation; I am so thankful for those things I may not see.
And I am so grateful for those things I do see. I see what happens with regularity in our congregation — the communion that is put together every week; the sound system that gets turned on; the food that is offered during fellowship; the people who greet at the door and usher during service; the hospitality that is shown to all who enter; the discernment and brainstorming among council leadership; the food that is brought to Bibles studies and potlucks; the ones who run the video for people to join worship from home or while traveling; the game nights, Trunk or Treat and fun get-togethers that are created; the setting up of tables and chairs for these events; the musicians who lead us; the observing and responding to who needs help, or who could be checked in on, or who could use a cup of coffee and conversation during the week; the times that someone who needs food or a coat receives exactly what they need; the stocking of the food-shelf; the things that get fixed around the building; the ever-flowing ideas of what might be possible among us with God’s help; the small and giant ways this congregation is sharing God’s love, grace and hope.
I thank God for you. I thank God for the things I learn after the fact. I thank God for the things I may never know. I thank God for the ways so many jump in to help with the needs of the community. As we near our Annual Meeting, and celebrate what God is doing among us, I give thanks to God for the many gifts of our congregation.
Peace be with you,
Pastor Liz
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