A Simple Thank You
Sometimes it seems a little inadequate to say a simple “thank you” when someone has done something really lovely for me. But it is also the truest thing I can think to say in those cases because I am thankful. This week is no exception – I’d love to come up with more profound words than “thank you” and yet, those simple words carry the depth of my gratitude.
I am grateful for all the marvelous things that happened at St. Andrew’s during Holy Week. It seems odd that Palm Sunday was just a week and a half ago, but it was. I am grateful for the folks who stepped in at the last minute to rid the palm branches of their sizable thorns so we could carry them into the sanctuary as we started service.
Thank you to all the musicians who practiced countless hours to offer their praise to God through music. The Sanctuary Choir, along with the choir from Palisades UMC and some community members, offered beautiful music on Good Friday to accompany the story of Jesus’ last days as told through the scriptures. And then they turned around two days later, added some brass musicians, and offered up joyous music on Easter morning. The Band brought some fresh energy and arrangements to songs we’ve sung many times, and it was such fun! All of this under the leadership of Jens, Insuk, and Will. We are grateful that these three share their musical talents with us and help us to make a joyful noise unto the Lord.
Thank you to the teachers and the leaders who guide our infants, children and youth! Emily Friess, Karyn Hamilton, Carys Mulligan, Grace Mulligan, Abby DeJong, and Portia >>>> all came prepared on Easter morning to be with our likely-slightly-over-sugared kiddos. They brought energy, enthusiasm, crafts, stories and more! And thanks to the middle and high school students who “hid” the Easter eggs on the lawn so that the littler kiddos could find them. It’s a toss-up as to which group enjoyed it more – the youth hiding the eggs or the kids finding them.
Thank you to those who helped transform the sanctuary after Good Friday and before Easter. Hanging paraments, moving and arranging flowers, taking chairs from here to there, and more! And cleaning all the places in between these well-attended services - our attentive custodian Carlos worked so hard on all of it! We are grateful for the work all these good folks put in to make Easter morning bright.
I am always thankful for the behind-the-scenes folks in the A/V booth, the ushers, the coffee servers, the bakers or tasty-treat makers, the greeters, the people who folded the many, many handouts. All these people worked to make sure the right things happened at the right time. I am ever so grateful for these people who were willing to help things run smoothly.
My gratitude extends to Pastor Karl who gets up nearly every Sunday to lead us in worship and offers a good word to sustain us through the week ahead. Easter Sunday was no different, and I am grateful for his words that met so many of us exactly where we were, whether we were experiencing heartache or joy. I know he works a fair amount on his sermons – and his magic tricks! We are thankful for his hard work and the ways he shares himself in leadership here.
There’s one last group to whom I owe my thanks and that is to each of you! Your prayers, presence, gifts, and service to this church of St. Andrew’s is deeply appreciated. The Holy Spirit works through each of us and I am glad to witness it, not just on Easter Sunday. It is a joy to be conspirators in the work of building the kingdom of God with you. May we continue the work that God sets before us – on Easter Sunday and every day.
