Dear friends…
Thanks is just too thin a word to encompass all that I have been feeling since January 29th. The surprise you all pulled together for me on that Sunday to honor my 20 years with you and 30 years in the ministry was unbelievably kind, generous and moving.
From the words Kermit shared at the beginning of it all, at the end of the service and words that he graciously used with you and our great staff to put the whole thing together…
To the wonderful words of Peggy as she presented the box to me that contained all those other words from you in so many cards and letters, AND also that contained a very generous money gift)…
To the words of a song that was a specially commissioned composition based on the benediction I use and that was sung by so many people…
To the words of my kids shared in a special video…
To the words on the cake and all the wonderful words you shared with me during the brunch that was so wonderfully prepared by the hospitality team and the Congregational Care Ministry Area…
To all the kind words shared before, during and after the annual meeting…
Well, clearly none of my words will express deep enough gratitude for your kindness and love expressed so beautifully that Sunday. And then there all the other words you didn’t say that assured the event would be a surprise! God was surely preparing me when he made sure the gift I opened during the children’s message, to conclude the season of Epiphany, was a box of Kleenex! It was just an amazing day…one that I will always remember and treasure, just as I do each of you.
Thank you ALL…so very, very much.
With deep love, Pastor Bob