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| Unsung Heroes"I always give thanks for God for all of you and mention you in my prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." - 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 Dear Friends, We make a big effort at PB UMC to acknowledge, welcome, and celebrate newcomers. And so it should be. Hospitality is a primary Christian virtue. But at the same time, I don't want to neglect the old faithfuls and the steadfast saints among us. The people who have been here for years and years, attending worship and offering their time, talents, and financial support are the ones who give the rest of us this place of discovery. The people who can be counted on, Sunday after Sunday, month after month, to be in church and in their place of ministry, are the ones who create the stability that witnesses to the enduring love of God in Jesus Christ. So, let me say “thank you!” to those who never waver, to those who provide a model of discipleship for newcomers to emulate, to those who graciously welcome new arrivals into the church they have worked to sustain. Thank you! You are a great encouragement and an inspiration to me. On two different Sundays in August, I had the opportunity to gather around the Bread of Life with the early risers, and from the Lanai I watched singers and ushers and greeters and coffee hosts and acolytes and faithful worshippers arrive in the parking lot and courtyard, and move purposefully toward their places of service in the sanctuary, office, kitchen, choir loft, and entry areas. I saw that some walked with difficulty and some with ease. I saw that everyone had made an effort to be there, and also that everyone radiated gladness in coming to church (a place beloved to all of us). I saw you smile at one another. I was very moved by what I saw. Over and over again, newcomers testify that this church is a special place. It has a gift for making people feel at home. The goal of our new part-time staff position is to get even better at sharing that gift. And even as we challenge ourselves to new levels of hospitality and welcome, I want to say “THANK YOU” for who you already are, and what you have already done. Grace and peace, Pastor April |
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