I love this statement by William A. Ward, “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it”.  This expresses how I feel right now for I have not been able to express my gratitude to all of you in this congregation who gave Mickey and me so many special gifts this Christmas.  Time has slipped by and so few thank you cards have been sent that I am embarrassed!  The truth is I never have been able to get my Christmas cards sent to family or friends, either.  Now I am aiming for Easter cards.  But no matter what, I want to express my gratitude for your gifts. It meant so much, in the midst of such busy days to be remembered!  I am grateful.

I also want to thank you, on behalf of all of us on staff, for your generous LOVE OFFERING.  You had many commitments at Christmas and yet you gave to us.  We are deeply humbled and pray that we will continue to serve Christ with you in ways that give meaning to each of us and honor Christ.  Please accept this tiny article as one way we can say how much we each love you.  We seek to be a staff you are proud of and a staff which expresses the generous spirit of Christian love.

Soon we will be moving into the season of Lent but we cannot fully put away the wonderful season of Christmas, ever.  It is what sustains us as we move on in life and face the many challenges that Jesus has prepared us to face.   It is “The Gift” that gives us the reason for the gifts we receive from each other.  I will remember your generosity as we face the cross, both its agony and its wonderful light of hope.

Thank you for being such special and generous people serving well our God who has chosen us to be God’s own!

Bert

Rev. Dr. Bertha “Bert” M. Potts – Senior Pastor