From Pastor Franko (11/12/2008)

This year our stewardship emphasis has been focused on the theme of Thanks – Giving. The message we have highlighted many times is our belief that gratitude is good for our souls, and that living out that gratitude is good for all of our relationships, including our relationship with God. We have encouraged you to make gratitude a habit; a habit that transcends the holiday of Thanksgiving we will be celebrating in a few weeks.

I personally believe in the power of giving thanks. I believe it can bring a lot more joy into our lives. I also believe it can bring a lot more harmony into our community. Think about it; it’s easy to let negativity get the best of us and when it does others are a frustration and an annoyance. Now, imagine how much more positive the atmosphere of our community would be if we spent all of that negative energy recognizing the blessings they bring and the good they do.

I probably don’t say it enough, but I am really thankful for all of the people I work with. They are the best! Let me tell you why I appreciate them so much.

Dennis Van Drunen, Superintendant of Buildings and Grounds: I appreciate his attitude to do whatever needs to be done regardless of the time or the demands it requires. His faith in God gives him the vision to see the importance of caring for our church property as a stewardship responsibility. Dennis has a servants heart grounded in his service to God. I thank God for the privilege of working with Dennis.

Karen Mills, Custodian: I appreciate Karen’s “green” eye. I am glad that she is always looking for ways that we could be more ecological and that she keeps us alert to how we could do more to conserve and recycle. Karen is a hard worker and, yet, she always has time to talk and listen. I see that kind of TLC behind everything she does. I thank God for the privilege of working with Karen.

Connie Larson, Office Administrator: I appreciate Connie’s passion for those in need and those who are hurting. She gladly takes on extra responsibilities to help the ministries of our church run effectively. The one word that Connie tries to model in her life is “grace” and her commitment to a grace-full life rubs off on the rest of us. I thank God for the privilege of working with Connie.

Chris Dux, Office Assistant: I appreciate Chris’ laugh. Her laugh is infectious and her sense of humor is contagious. I always feel good when I’ve been around Chris for a while. I have learned, however, not to write her off as merely an entertainer; she has a depth of understanding and a keenness of insight that I’ve come to value. I thank God for the privilege of working with Chris.

Connie Picken, Financial Secretary: I appreciate the sensitivity and compassion Connie uses when it comes to the “touchy” feelings people often have when it comes to money. Her ministry in the church doesn’t stop at her desk, sharing her musical gifts in many different ways. Her strong faith shows through in everything she does. I thank God for the privilege of working with Connie.

Judy Manges, Director of Central Child Care Program: I appreciate Judy’s vigilance in making the child care program an admired and respected center in our community. She has to deal with lots of turnover in her staff yet has attracted a core of committed caregivers who love these little ones like they were their own. Judy is a “hands on” kind of leader who does whatever needs to be done to make the program a success. I thank God for the privilege of working with Judy.

Larry Finke, Director of Worship and Music: I appreciate that Larry is a team player who will help with anything that needs to be done. I enjoy the variety of musical traditions he brings to the music we use. I appreciate his humility and the modest way he does everything to the glory of God and the building up of the body of Christ. I thank God for the privilege of working with Larry.

Jake Wagner, Director of Youth and Family: I appreciate the way he has so quickly stepped into the lives of our young people and connected with them. It is obvious he has a heart for youth and loves what he is doing. Jake (at 6’5”) stands out in a crowd, but more than that he stands out as a role model of goodness, kindness and openness for all of us. I thank God for the privilege of working with Jake.

Michelle Rem, Pastor of Hospitality and Spiritual Renewal: I appreciate the way Michelle energetically goes after the things she is passionate about. And she never does it alone; she always finds others to share the journey with her. Whatever she does, she does it well. I admire the way she talks with God. You can tell there is something special there and I always feel drawn closer to God by praying with her. I thank God for the privilege of working with Michelle.

Scott Olson, Pastor of Wholeness and Healing: I appreciate Scott’s commitment to become the best pastor he can be. His mission-minded heart shows through in the way he is always asking of himself (and the rest of us) the “God questions” – “where is God at work here?” and “where is God calling us to go?” No more is his passion for God’s guidance evident than in his faithful devotional life. I thank God for the privilege of working with Scott.

Who are the people in your life? Have you told them lately how you appreciate them? I don’t know anybody who doesn’t treasure being told that they are important and valued. What better time to let them know than right now.

HAPPY THANKS – GIVING!