Tank You, Tank You, Tank You!
As a small child our younger son Joshua developed the habit of saying “Tank you, tank you, tank you” when he was excited about Christmas or birthday presents. For 25 years now that has been one of the inside jokes in our family, and I oftentimes find myself saying “tank you, tank you, tank you” when I am especially grateful for something. Today is one of those times, and I will tell you why.
The Christmas season at Christ United Methodist Church was extraordinary. There was the wonderful music with the presentations by the Sanctuary Choir of Handel’s Messiah. There was the always joyful and moving Lessons and Carols service, and the wonderful soloists on Christmas Eve. The whole Advent season was full of music and joy and fellowship, and I thank all those who worked so hard to make it so.
I also thank all of you for being so faithful in attendance and responsiveness. Our Christmas Eve attendance was the largest in the history of the church, with “standing room only” in several of the seven services. I couldn’t help but daydream a little on Christmas Eve about what it might be like if we can finally build a sanctuary that is large enough to accommodate everyone on Christmas Eve. Many of you went out of your way during the season to “Invite One” and the results were easily observed.
Finally, the remarkable generosity of this congregation. We estimate that over $150,000 was given through just the three mission programs that we close the year with: Salvation Army Christmas Angels, Alternative Christmas, and the special Christmas Offering for Others. I do believe that there is no church anywhere that responds with more enthusiasm and generosity when there is an opportunity to help others, and I am grateful for the hundreds of unknown and unnamed people who had a better Christmas because of the members of Christ Church.
So, once again, “tank you, tank you, tank you.” The opportunity to serve this church is surely one of the rarest privileges afforded those of us who are called into ordained ministry.
Sanctuary Services 8:45, 9:45 and 11 AM This Sunday, Rev. Don Underwood will preach "When Did You Know That You Know?" Contemporary Service (Christian Life Center Gym) 11:05 AM In Full Court Worship, Rev. Abe Smith will preach "Running In Place." |
Miss the last message? "The Power of Seeing" by Rev. Don Underwood "Willing to Move" by Rev. Abe Smith |
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