Dear Friends in Christ—
Sometimes, I feel grateful to people. Sometimes, I feel grateful for people. This week, I feel both.
I feel grateful to people when they do something kind for me. But I am often careful when
offering people my thanks at church, because I know that the things people do here are not for
any one individual—they are for God. I am aware that so many of you bring to this place the
very best of yourselves, not as a favor to me but as an offering to God. When I see that
happening, I am thankful for you—for your creativity, your perseverance, your leadership, your service.
Holy Week and Easter flooded me with both kinds of gratitude.
Plenty of people were good to me, and I deeply appreciate those kindnesses—reminders to
drink water, picking up the ball at the last minute when I forgot something. But more
profoundly, I am in awe and admiration of the gifts you brought to worship, and I thank God for
surrounding me with such fine people.
There were too many people working too hard to name them all individually. Our worship
team shone: LEMs, lectors, acolytes, choirs, ushers, altar guild, and the Saint Isidore livestream
guild. The fellowship team worked behind the scenes to allow the feast of our liturgy to
continue after the service in the auditorium. Our communications team made our website
clear and inviting, and our evangelism team welcomed in newcomers. Counters stayed late to
tally up offerings. Our office volunteers kept the copier humming.
And I especially want to recognize the talents and dedication of our staff. Mary Cyrus has
worked hard to put systems in place that allow us to manage the finances that make so much
possible. Santana sent out MailChimp notices every day of the week. Ben, Pedro, and Amorita
kept our building clean and hospitable throughout this busy time. Isabel and Betsy oversaw the
bustle of the nursery. Sam, Nina, and Paul helped make worship not only possible but
beautiful. And Kevin Hamilton kept all of it in order—and produced a gazillion bulletins, to boot.
We are blessed in one another. And we are blessed in the God who died and rose for us, who
over and over again offers us new life.
Yours in Christ,
Anne+