Thankful in 2013

God is good! He has given me much to be thankful for this year. Here's what comes to mind today.

I am thankful for Small Group leaders! As we wrap up Fall KCC Small Groups this week, I pray you have enjoyed reading through The Story this year. For some it was a long journey. For others, it was an introduction to God's wonderful Story and how it fits together over the history of mankind. Either way, you should have grown to have a better grasp on both God's upper and lower story. Thanks to those Small Group leaders in 2013 who have helped you dig in deeper to The Story. 

I am thankful for KCC volunteers! We are currently interviewing to fill the position of Children's Minister at KCC. In the interim, I have been working closely with our Children and Tiny Tot volunteers. I've been privy to see these people in action. They are committed, Christ-like people who love our kids and serve them selflessly. Thanks to everyone, not just those in the children's areas, who volunteer their time and talents at KCC.

I am thankful for my church! I hear again and again from people who have either moved away or have come back that KCC is a unique church. Our fellowship is close and personal. Our reputation is one of generosity and genuine concern for the community. Our praise is heartfelt. Our doors are open and welcoming as are our lives. Our unity is Biblical and rare. People are real and transparent sharing struggles, pain, and loss with one another. Thanks for the Bride of Christ in Kalkaska.

I am thankful for my family! God has given me a wonderful, wise wife. She is beautiful inside and out, filled with compassion and love for everyone. It was God orchestrating in the lower story that brought her and I together at just the right time. My two children are amazing. They bring joy to my life every single day with their wit, humor, and wisdom. They both serve in the church weekly and love Jesus with all their hearts. Who could ask for more?!

Most of all, I am thankful for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! I recognize that I am a flawed individual with need of someone to make up for my shortcomings. Praise to God for his mercy and plan of salvation to save me from my sins.

Praying you have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with your family and friends. 

Thanking my God for You!

Paul said in Philippians 1:3-5, "I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now."  

Paul begins many of his New Testament epistles with this attitude of joyful thankfulness. Gratitude goes a long way. To show we appreciate one another is so easy to do, yet is often neglected. Here's a list of those who deserve thanks and appreciation at KCC.

• Cleaning & Upkeep Teams - These volunteers work behind the scenes when others are absent. They wash windows, vacuum carpets, take out the trash, mop floors, clean toilets, mow grass, make repairs and much more. Thank you for keeping our "house" clean and welcoming!
• Worship Team - Do you realize everyone who leads in worship on Sunday mornings is a volunteer?! They give of their time and talents every Wednesday evening at practice for 3 hours and then show up at 7:15 AM each Sunday morning to practice prior to leading two services in worship. Thank you to the KCC worship team! Thanks to our Sunday Secretaries, Servers, and those who prepare the Lord's Supper for us each week! 
• Tiny Tots Ministry - Thanks to our volunteers who work with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers doing an excellent job while parents can either serve in other areas or enjoy a peaceful worship time. 
• Family Stuff Ministry - Thanks to everyone on the Family Stuff team! This is a special group of uninhibited servants devoid of pride and concerned for nothing except sharing the love of Christ with your children. 
• Teachers & Leaders - Thanks to our teachers who prepare, teach, and set a loving example for our children and youth both on Wednesdays and Sundays. Thanks to adult leaders both on Sunday mornings and during the week.
• Technical Team - Thanks to the volunteers who operate the computers, soundboards, and light boards creating 21st Century "Stained Glass" windows.
• First Impressions Team - Thanks to those with friendly faces, warm hugs, and welcoming handshakes serving with joy at KCC. 
• Compassion Team - Thanks to those who spend time on their knees interceding for the saints and to those who make tasty meals for funerals and shut-ins. 
• Adult Connections - Thanks to the selfless Men's Ministry volunteers, Women's Ministry volunteers, and those laboring in the library. 

As Paul said in Romans 1:8, "...I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you..." The Kalkaska Church of Christ is impacting its community with the saving message of Jesus Christ through your faithful, selfless commitment to His church. Thank you for serving the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Thanks for being the hands and feet of Jesus in serving one another at KCC!