Thank you!
I don’t know if those words are strong enough to say how grateful I am for the way my family and I were welcomed into the community, ministry, and family at Bethlehem. I was warmly welcomed formally before worship started. Then we were welcomed again with outpouring kindness and gifts after worship. My entire family received gifts. Of which, my daughters wore their prayer ponchos all morning on Monday.
Bekkah and I laid in bed Sunday night and went through all the cards and gifts we received from all of you. It was overwhelming to read the love and kindness expressed through them. We were most excited to hear the phrase “partner with you in ministry” (or something similar) repeated multiple times from different people.
We are eager to work hand in hand with all of you to share God’s love and grace with the community around us. We will see that happen this next weekend when we gather to celebrate God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday. It is a wonderful day where we can intentionally remind ourselves that Lutherans from across our nation are joining us in so many different forms of service to our neighbor.
Thank you for the ways that you do serve, not just on God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday, but through your daily lives. Thank you for the joy in our joining together as pastor and congregation. Thank you for who you are and living into who God created you to be.
Thank you is not enough. But those are the words that I have to express this gratitude on behalf of my entire family of how much we appreciate everything that has been done for us to make us feel welcomed and loved…and we do!
Blessings,
Pastor Brian
