Thanksgiving at Christmas

Merry (almost) Christmas! I know that this is a busy time of year for all – including pastors! – so I’ll keep this one short and to the point (actually 2 points).

First, last Sunday was such a joy. Wasn’t it? If you missed our Family Christmas Service and Party, then I’m sorry to say, you missed out!  We had such a great turnout, such a great time, and the Kids did such a wonderful job with the pageant. I want to give a big THANK YOU to Jean Koeppel for all of the work that she put in to make the day as special as it was (who knew she had an in with the real Santa?!?). I also want to thank all of the people who worked alongside Jean to make the pageant special, as well as Michele Russel and her hospitality team for all of the delicious food, hot chocolate, and special treats. 

For me, the morning was a great indication that a) God is doing something special at Central, and b) we can do great things when we work together for God’s purposes! 

Second, as I wrap up my first (calendar) year here at Central (in the spirit of the “Thankful 30” wrapping up soon), I want to say THANK YOU to YOU as a part of Central Baptist Church. 

From day one, my family and I have felt loved, taken care of, encouraged, and included in this community – and this has meant the world to us. My wife is part of a pastor’s wives Facebook group, and you should hear some of the horror stories when pastor’s families join new churches.  We’ve have no horror stories to share, and we have you, for your love and kindness, to thank.

So thank you, thank you, thank you.

But beyond the way you’ve treated us, I also want to thank you for your willingness to give and serve towards God’s mission here at Central.  In a season of giving gifts, it’s YOUR generous gifts that are worth calling out.  Whether it’s financial generosity, generosity of time and service, generosity of gifts and talents, or generosity with one another – it’s amazing. As I’ve said since day one here at Central, I believe that God has very good things – big things – for us to do as a church for His Kingdom, and your generous willingness to give and serve like you do is a necessary part of it. It’s the ‘stuff’ that God has chosen to build his Kingdom with, through regular people like you and I. I am so excited to see (and participate in!) what He does next, and I’m so excited to do it alongside you all.

So thank you, thank you, thank you. 

Ok, three points. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are busy and crazy times, so if I don’t have a chance to see you personally thank you and to wish you a Merry Christmas: 

Thank you, and merry Christmas to you and yours. 

I hope that this season is filled, as we’ve been talking about on Sundays, with the light and life of Christ. May you be filled the hope, peace, joy, and love of Christ. 

(Tidings of) Comfort & Joy,

Matt