Three years ago tomorrow, on May 19, 2020, I pulled into the church parking lot after making the long drive from Houston. It would be July before Amy and I moved our family here.
Three friends stood outside the doors to welcome me with open arms — Ann Bauer, Linda Tate, and Daryl Boudreaux, playing his Djembe. We masked up, and they took me into the building, showed me my office, and handed me a set of keys. A little later in the day, William and Alena Flowers welcomed me to stay with them as their guest.
At that point, the world was in lockdown because of COVID, and the church was closed indefinitely for in-person worship and activities. We were all trying to figure out how to keep everyone safe. Remember sanitizing groceries with Clorox wipes? We didn’t know it then (how could we?), but it would be another year before we could return to Sunday morning worship in the sanctuary. To this day, I still meet people almost every week who are just now beginning to return.
We’ve been through a lot in the last three years, haven’t we? But I want you to know how grateful Amy and I are that you’ve walked this journey with us (and invited us to walk with you).
Thank you!
Thank you for welcoming us.
Thank you for being open.
Thank you for your patience.
Thank you for your resilience.
Thank you for not walking out and giving up (you could have, but you didn’t).
Thank you for how you care for each other.
Thank you for giving of yourself and resources to keep the work of this church going (and yes, even growing!).
Thank you for how you trust God.
Thank you for living expectantly, even in the most difficult times.
Thank you for learning new ways to love God and each other.
Echoing Paul’s words to the Philippians, I find myself praying for you with a glad heart. And I am so pleased that you have continued on in this with us.
Looking forward to worshiping with you on Sunday!
Much love to you, my friends,
Pastor Gregg
