Dear First Pres,
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Lord! That’s what I was saying this morning as I walked out to get the newspaper and experienced a phenomenon I have rarely experienced since moving to Fresno – rain. Praise the Lord; let it rain! I bet many of you started the day the same way, and I encourage you to keep praying for more rain.
Thanksgiving was also on my heart on Sunday. I was grateful for our annual meeting. I loved seeing small groups of the congregation connecting with each other about who we are and where we are going. I loved the opportunity to simply hear your questions, insights, and hopes. And, I loved that so many of you were there. Thank you for making it a priority to spend the morning together. I think it was an important step, even if a small one, in becoming a congregation that shares and lives a common purpose.
I was grateful for our combined worship service. For the sake of making room for others, it’s important that we have our normal two services. But it sure is fun to gather together in one service a few times a year (even if someone sits in ‘your’ pew).
Finally, I was grateful for Sunday night’s prayer gathering with Mayor Swearengin. It was so humbling to stand with so many great leaders from our city for the purpose of prayer. We prayed for Fresno. We prayed for youth, families, gang members, schools, government leaders, young adults, ethnic groups, jobs, rain, churches, and pastors. While we prayed, God made His presence known among us. It was a very special time. In the end, Mayor Swearengin prayed a powerful prayer for FPC Fresno; we were all blessed by her prayer.
Church, I’m feeling grateful. Yet, I also recognize that there is so much in front of us to pursue. May the Lord continue to remind us of His faithfulness in a way that inspires and compels us forward in the purpose He has given us.
Blessings,
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