Dear Children of God:
We have said it many times, but we want to say it again: THANK YOU!! Thank you for the wonderful celebration of 20 years of ministry together. Unfortunately, many pastors do not get to experience such incredible expressions of love and appreciation. We want you all to know how very special this is and how very much we appreciate it.
We want you to know something else as well. We realize that, as God’s people, you are called to so many things in life. You are called to give of your time and talent and resources in service to Trinity and the larger mission of the Church. You are called by your work, your vocation in the world, to serve and do your job well. You are called to be loving and faithful to family and friends. You work to make your community and your world a better place. God is at work through every act of love, compassion, and integrity you show.
It is too rare and very special when a word of thanks is offered for all that you do. Often you might wonder if anyone even notices. But know this, God knows each act of kindness, each word of encouragement, each day that you faithfully serve. Jesus affirms all this in the following image of the future:
Then the king will say to those at his right hand, “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” – Matthew chapter 25
In the end, the goal of what we do is not public appreciation or acclaim. Our lives are lived in appreciation of what God has done for, in, around and through us. It is our celebration of thanksgiving to God for all things. Yet there is something moving in knowing that God does see what we do and is preparing to celebrate that with us in a joyous celebration that will have no end. All we do is not lost and forgotten in a busy world, but is held in the heart of God. WHAT YOU DO MATTERS. God loves, appreciates and is proud of each of you as you faithfully live your lives day by day.
We know how special all of you are as well. We have never served anywhere as loving and caring and faithful as this place. We give thanks every day for our place among you. We celebrate our wonderful mission and ministry. And more importantly so does our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Yours with love and thanks always, Pastors Cris and Dave
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