Overflowing Gratitude

Dear friends in Christ,

It's hard to know where to begin, so let me begin with Rally Day, this past Sunday, September 13th.  A rainy day, with an early-service downpour that resulted in a tremendous river flowing onto the church's front lawn.  (Let’s accept that as a baptismal reminder.)   No guesswork was required regarding our church picnic — definitely inside!

Also on Sunday, our third graders received their first Bibles, and our Mountain Top team led — in-person and via video — an awesome reflection on their adventure to Tennessee earlier this summer.  There was a LOT going on, and so, unsurprisingly, the service was going rather long.  But in the midst of my “overlong service anxiety,” attempting to wrap things up with a blessing, to my surprise I see children coming forward with banners and balloons and our council president bearing gifts.  A surprising and joyous acknowledgement of my 25 years at Redeemer.  (And yes, I was genuinely surprised.)

Joy comes through, once again, in the midst of the world’s troubles.  I suspect this Sunday’s celebration was more than just an affirmation of my ministry in this place;  it was/is an affirmation — a celebration — of this place.  Like the baptismal river that flowed in front of the sanctuary, and the life-giving waters making a lake of the lawn, grace flows abundantly here.  Through all the changes and chances of life, Redeemer Lutheran Church still flourishes as a community of welcome and grace.  It is a blessing to be a part of it, for those newly arriving as well as for those who’ve been around their whole life long.

Janice and I reflected on this flood of gratitude flowing our way.  I can tell you the feeling is mutual, for we are so very thankful for you — for your genuine love, your kindness, your generosity.  Serving here is a great privilege and a blessing. And having you in our lives…well…it's hard to imagine our life without you all in it. 

For your kindness, your love, your prayers, for the extraordinarily generous monetary gift, and for the Broadway tickets (“Hamilton,” here we come!), and for your many notes and words of affirmation, we are most humbled and deeply grateful. Though these words hardly seem sufficient, nevertheless: thank you!

On a different note…

A bit of news on the sabbatical front. The Clergy Renewal Grant applied for earlier this year for a proposed sabbatical in 2027 was not approved for funding.  (This is a highly competitive grant, after all.)  This was disappointing, but we soldier on. Thank you for your words of support and your prayers.

Though I will not be taking a sabbatical in 2027, I intend to reapply for the same grant for 2028. Between now and then, there is much to do!

Grace and peace to you.

PT