I wanted to take this space this week to say a special thank you to all of you. On Sunday I was presented with a gift from the congregation in honor of Pastor Appreciation Sunday. When I came home my girls were excited to see what it was that the church got for me. We opened it up and the girls were excited to see that it was Star Wars themed. Neither of them has really seen anything Star Wars, but they do know how much their dad loves it. Along with the Yoda stand was a very generous gift card. Thank you.

The outpouring of kindness expressed Sunday and the ways in which you have supported and uplifted me throughout this last year has been a blessing to our ministry together as well as to my family.

Which also reminded me of the theme I had invited us all to live into for the year. We were all asked to find ways to work together to thrive as a congregation. The idea of thriving is to work toward growing together as a congregation so that we could become healthier. The more we continue to lift each other up in our various ministries; the more we come together in times of worship, ministry, Bible Study, and fellowship; the more we prioritize our faith, the more we will be a blessing to one another.

We have several opportunities including Octoberfest, coming up this fall and into the winter to help us grow together and lift one another up. The more we support the stronger we will be. When thinking about this, the verse from Romans 12 came to mind (it’s long but worth including the whole thing):

9 Love should be shown without pretending. Hate evil, and hold on to what is good. 10 Love each other like the members of your family. Be the best at showing honor to each other. 11 Don’t hesitate to be enthusiastic—be on fire in the Spirit as you serve the Lord! 12 Be happy in your hope, stand your ground when you’re in trouble, and devote yourselves to prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of God’s people, and welcome strangers into your home. 14 Bless people who harass you—bless and don’t curse them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and cry with those who are crying. 16 Consider everyone as equal, and don’t think that you’re better than anyone else. Instead associate with people who have no status. Don’t think that you’re so smart. 17 Don’t pay back anyone for their evil actions with evil actions, but show respect for what everyone else believes is good. 18 If possible, to the best of your ability, live at peace with all people. 19 Don’t try to get revenge for yourselves, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath. It is written, Revenge belongs to me; I will pay it back, says the Lord. 20 Instead, If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. By doing this, you will pile burning coals of fire upon his head. 21 Don’t be defeated by evil, but defeat evil with good.

That is my word for you this week. 1. Thank you for your outpouring of love and generosity. 2. Don’t forget to show that same love and generosity with each other so that we can continue to build up the body of Christ here in this place. 3. Remember also what we have been focusing on for 5 weeks now: God has called us to be a priestly people to share God’s love for the world and one another.

Until next time, remember to smile because God loves you.

Blessings,

Pastor Brian