Appreciating The Church

Every week, I feel appreciated by the people of Snyder. Since we arrived four years ago, your appreciation has been part of our daily experience in this church and our larger community. So, this past Wednesday night, I was caught off guard. It wasn’t that I didn’t expect some expression of appreciation, because Tim let me know something was going to happen; it was the Scripture Myers read, his words, and the unexpected gift that left me without words to respond the way I would have liked.

Your appreciation for Beverly and me is both consistent and kind. We are equally grateful for you. Each morning, I wake up thankful and still find it hard to believe I get to pastor a church that so genuinely appreciates our efforts.

Your gratitude fuels our calling, and it comes in many forms. Let me mention three:

1. Your encouragement following Sunday messages. Your emails, texts, cards, and conversations telling me how God is using Scripture to encourage you or someone you know are like fuel to a fire. I am grateful that these messages are making a difference. 
2. Your enthusiasm for our staff. Whether in the church hallways, on Sunday mornings, or around the community, I love hearing how excited you are about what you see happening among our staff. Knowing you recognize their work in sharing the Good News and developing new opportunities for growth means a great deal. 
3. Your confidence in our church’s direction. Your enthusiasm for where Snyder is headed affirms our staff and me. Thank you for recognizing what God is doing among us and the bright future ahead. I also thank God for your many expressions of encouragement surrounding wonderful moments like our Senior Adult Revival, Family Camp, and Fall Festival. Each has brought new energy and new relationships to our church. 

And now, as we draw closer to inhabiting our “new” sanctuary, we are grateful for all God is doing in the lives of those who will worship there and all He will do in the years ahead. Several weeks ago, I walked into the sanctuary and looked up at a ceiling no longer stained by black dust and windows no longer flanked by broken shutters. My soul spoke aloud: “Thank you, Jesus.”

So, thank you, and thank God! We look forward to what lies ahead. And let me say this: next October, a simple pat on the back or a card will suffice. Your gratitude is already evident every day.

Looking forward,
Blake