Someone once told me that when you thank someone or express appreciation, be specific about what you are grateful for or appreciative of. For example, rather than just saying “thanks,” saying “thanks” followed by something particular and why it mattered makes your expression of gratitude more personal. It communicates that you notice and, I’m sure, your gratitude becomes more meaningful to the person you are thanking.
The Thanksgiving holiday is just a week out, so that’s what I want to do here. I want to take this opportunity to thank you, church. Thank you for being a beautiful example of God’s welcoming, embracing, and open love. I’m grateful to be part of a congregation in which this matters.
Thank you for your servant hearts. So much goes on behind the scenes at Park on a weekly basis that very few people know about. You give hours of volunteer time both inside and outside the walls of our building to humbly give of yourselves to make our church stronger, enrich the lives of others, or serve a person in need.
Thank you for making sure Park Avenue Church remains a vital part of the life of our neighborhood and community. Did you know that you ensure many important community and outreach organizations use our church facilities on a regular basis or for events? Or that our church underwrites the good work of these organizations with free or below-market value rental rates? For example, Joyce Preschool, St. Mary’s Health Clinic, the Volunteer Lawyer’s Network Legal Clinic, Solid Starts, Way to Grow, DinoMights Urban Youth Hockey, the African American Registry, Women of the Hour, and Iglesia Piedra Viva all make a difference in the neighborhood because of you, church.
I believe it was the poet Hafiz who wrote, stay close to anything that makes you glad you are alive. I, for one, am grateful God has given me the opportunity to stay close to you.
With much love and gratitude,
Pastor Gregg
P.S. Just a reminder. The Finance Team is asking each of us to turn in our estimated giving by this Sunday, November 19. You can do that quickly online here.
If you missed my letter about estimating our giving for 2024, you can read it by clicking here. This is a big help for determining next year’s budget and allows our church to plan for ongoing and new ministries in the coming year.
