August 2009

“With A Heart of Gratitude”

Psalm 100 directs to thanksgiving. It says, "Shout with joy to the LORD, O earth! Worship the LORD with gladness. Come before Him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the LORD is good! He made us, and we are His. We are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving; go into His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and bless His name. For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and His faithfulness continues to each generation."

It is in that spirit of thanksgiving that I share a few thoughts this month.

As most of you know by now Jayne Glaser has resigned from the church secretary/bookkeeper position to take full time position at Upsala School. It has been a goal of hers to work full time at one location, and that door has now opened. I am so thankful for Jayne's ministry here for the past 10 plus years. It is amazing to have such a long tenure at this position. She has served the church faithfully and well these many years. She has truly had a servant heart. It is not easy administrating a church but she has met each challenge with graciousness and a smile. Nathan and I will miss her. She has brought her many gifts to the task that has helped Nathan and I do our jobs more effectively. We wish her well as she serves our greater community at the school. I also look forward to Jayne's involvement in the wider ministries of the church.

I hope you will all join me in saying thanks. One of the Sundays in August we will have a special thank you reception for her after the service. We will let you know as soon as the details have been finalized. The best way we can say thanks is for each of us to drop her a card – email or note and express your thoughts to her.
Many Thanks Jayne !!!!!!!

I also want to say thanks for all those who have been working so diligently in the many ministries of the church. As we look to the fall I hope you have begun to pray about your place of service in the church. We will need teachers and helpers in all ministries of the church. Please consider the possibilities of what God would like to do in and through you.

And finally, many thanks for all your prayers and kindnesses during my recovery from Achilles tendon surgery. Recovery is going well and in a few months I should be ready to cheer on the softball team "from the bench". I also know again the servant love of my wife. Sue has been an amazing nurse and helpmate in these past months. Thank You!

In Christ's love,
Pastor Craig