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| Giving Thanks"I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ." - 1 Corinthians 1:4 7 Dear Friends: Preparations for our annual church meeting provides an excellent opportunity for the counting of blessings. Did you know that in some months our church website is accessed as many as 3500 times? That sermons have been downloaded from pbumc.org more than 600 times since they first began to be posted early in they year? Estimates indicate that our Sunday morning consumption of cookies, donuts, and other goodies is around 12,500 morsels that's a lot of baking, shopping, and serving! We know for certain that 17 different teachers are taking turns teaching children's Sunday School. Not only am I grateful for the volunteer vision, time, and effort that supports our electronic outreach, our Sunday fellowship time, and our children's growth in faith, I also appreciate those who make possible the serving of 200 homeless and low-income guests every Wednesday night and the happy gathering of 125 church members and friends every September for the annual bay-side picnic. I am thankful for those of you who see to it that 12 times a year we deliver a meal to homeless teenagers, and those whose leadership makes it possible for us to offer inspiring worship 52 Sundays a year. Nobody counted the exact number of eggs donated for the Easter hunt, or burgers grilled for "Outside Church" in July, or letters written in support of Bread for the World's campaign to "Make Hunger History." We don't have a total for small group participation, number of new plantings around the church courtyard and parsonage patio, bowls of ice cream scooped, or name tags created and kept on hand for worshipers. Likewise, we can only imagine the number of prayers lifted, floral bouquets delivered, invitations extended, caring phone calls made, or plumbing problems solved. However many it was, I thank and praise God for devoted servants of the church who are the hands and feet of Christ. There is a place in the Letter to the Hebrews, in the litany of all that God's people have accomplished by faith, where the writer remarks "time would fail me to tell..." (11:32) of Bible studies started, hearing assistance devices made available, surgeries endured, risks taken, music rehearsed, newsletters mailed, friendships formed, and change courageously faced. So many people deserve recognition, and I know my attempt to say "thank you" falls short. Committees have worked hard and exhibited tremendous creativity. Givers have been generous. Worshipers have been devoted. Ushers, greeters, and leaders have been gracious and diligent. Members have been faithful. I am very blessed to serve such a wonderful church, and I thank each and every one of you for being part of our shared endeavor to reflect God's light and live in God's love. Gratefully, Pastor April |
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