Pastor's Corner
May 2005
"I thank my God in all my
remembrance of you."
Philippians 1:3
As I look back on the month of April for me the words of Paul (above) jump to mind in my remembering all the blessings I have received from you at Ustick!
First of all there are the wonderful ways you helped me turn “the big 5-0”! There was the surprise the Sunday before my birthday when the elders came forward at the beginning of the worship service, carrying signs announcing my birthday topped with (what else?) Starbuck’s coffee cups and then showering me with bags of (what else?) chocolate chip cookies! All of this topped-off with the congregation singing “Happy Birthday.” I was completely surprised (and a little puzzled when Cory and Jeanelle wouldn’t leave the platform for me to do the announcements!). What a blessing to have you all celebrate with me in this milestone of my life! Thank you to the leadership who led the way!
Second there was a week of people remembering my big day and then on my actual day I was extremely blessed when I arrived at my office to find pictures of many of my dear friends from the 50’s Plus group hanging from the ceiling, smiling and waving a welcome as I officially join the 50’s Plus Group! All this courtesy of our Youth Minister Cory (Thanks Cory!).
Finally, on the Sunday after my birthday I am again surprised in our worship service when Cecilia Harrison and Robin Reider from our Women’s Ministry presented me with a huge box full of birthday cards from the Congregation! I received close to a hundred cards! That evening I opened them and to those who sent such warm and encouraging notes (many that brought tears to my eyes) I say “Thank you from the bottom of my heart!” To those who sent cards that were . . . well let’s say that pointed out how old I am in what you thought was a humorous manner . . . remember, “What goes around, comes around!” I laughed and enjoyed them all. Thank you!
So April was awesome because once again you showed me great love and affection! I truly do thank God for all of you!
I must add that April is also wonderful because it marks the anniversary of our family having the privilege of ministering at Ustick! This April marks the completion of 17 years as your Pastor! I am humbled by the continual privilege of getting to serve the Lord with you at Ustick! Thank you for making it seem like only yesterday when we united to honor God in ministry together!
Now as we move into May there is also further reason to celebrate. On Mother’s Day we mark the 3rd anniversary of our being in our “new” facilities for ministry! Wow! It hardly seems possible! Not a day goes by that I don’t thank God as I walk into the facilities for His gracious provision of such a great building for launching us into ministry! We are so blessed.
So , I’ve celebrated and we celebrate, all with gratitude to our God who blesses “exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20)” Amen!
Serving with you,
