October 2006

“Tusen Tack - Thousand Thanks”

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. Psalm 100:4,5

In the Dedication Sunday bulletin we printed a thank you. It read:

"As a congregation we want to say thanks to all who have helped in the last five years of sacrificial giving, planning, and building. Words cannot express our gratitude for the untold hours of professional and volunteer help that have been given to bring this ministry expansion to completion. We look forward to what God will do in the years to come..." Thank you.

As a pastor I want to say a little more, especially to you unsung heroes of the ministry expansion. I am sitting in my office on this Wednesday night. I have just taught in our new Confirmation/Sunday school rooms and I am listening to a church full of high school students involved in praising, learning and playing. The new youth room is incredible and the added space is giving then a great place to be and connect with others and God. This was made possible by those of you who have given sacrificially. Nobody but God (and maybe the financial secretary) know the way you have committed your treasure so this building could be built for the next generation. Some who could never volunteer their time have given what they could to make this dream possible. Thank You.

Many of you have given incredibly large amounts of time and effort to bring this building to completion. Please know that you are greatly appreciated. Most of you will never receive public accolades but please know that those who have been around during the building process know the sacrifice of time and sore muscles. We remember the stories of the concrete poured (millions of yards, I think), boards nailed (thumbs too), sand shoveled in and then shoveled out, 2 billion floor screws, sheet rock unloaded, rafers lifted, roofs shingled, grounds landscaped, and what appeared to be miles of wires pulled for the lights and sound systems. The hours of cleaning, recleaning and then cleaning again. The marvelous painters that risked life and limb on the top of the ladders. We relied on hundreds of volunteer hours to make this happen. Those hours saved the church thousands of dollars. I pray that you will take pride in a a job well done. I also want to say a special thanks to all the skilled tradesmen that gave of their time and low bids. Your sacrifice and wonderful craftsmanship were a great demosstration of your servant heart. Tusen Tack!

Reverend Olson said on Dedication Sunday, "We can't stop now and say, look at what we have done. God was at work in all of this". We know that this committed work is not an end, it is merely the next step in the vision of ministry that began by a few committed Swedes in 1888. In fact, now the real work begins, the reaching and training of men and women to be commmitted disciples of Jesus Christ. This historical mission was illustrated in a wonderful way; in the remodeling of the basement we uncovered the original wood beam that supports the center of the building. It was rough hewn by some of the early fathers to give strength to the structure.

What a wonderful symbol of the foundation of faith in Christ that continues to guide us forward. It is with that same faith and vision that we begin this new chapter in the ministry. May God continue to guide us in our next steps to bring the love of Christ to the World.

As the choir sang at the Dedication Service. "To God Be The Glory Great Things He Has Done". May His Great Work Continue!

NOTE TO ALL:
Sunday Night, October 15th - 7:00PM is a special night. This night of visioning is for all who attend Community Covenant. We need all families represented to help us look to the future. The ideas shared will begin the process of setting the direction for the years ahead. Youth and adults are needed to make this a full evening of discussion and dreaming. Please make a special effort to be here that night.