“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonderful deeds.” PSALM 9:1
It’s the season … on November 2nd we celebrate ALL SAINTS DAY. One year ago, none of us knew the names Todd, Crystal, and Shiloh.
So much has happened since last year’s Thanksgiving season that I need to stop to say THANK YOU to the amazing, incredible, loving, welcoming, worshipful, funny, joyful, and stupendous church family of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church of West Deptford, New Jersey.
Not a turkey amongst you! And yes, we are a funny church at times, whose laughter blesses me and I think blesses all of us. I am not going to name names of those who have specifically blessed me in ways that mean so much to me, but I was touched once again on Pastor Appreciation Sunday to sense the love, even though I know I have a long list of faults.
All too often I neglect or am in a rush and don’t say thank you, but I am thankful! I brag about all of you all of the time to other clergy and friends. This church family has truly touched my heart and has made many challenging days in my life better.
I want to publicly thank our AWESOME STAFF!!!! Trista, Jim and Bela!!! Great folks who work hard to make this church better! Sort of tied to the staff members, I want to thank the choir/praise team, because each Sunday I close my eyes listening to you sing and my heart is touched!
Finally, I do want to thank you for your welcoming, loving, missional, and giving hearts. We have paid all of our bills in each year that I have been here, unlike so many other churches! You have welcomed with love every person who walks into the church, and you open your wallets in addition to your hearts to help those in need.
So as Thanksgiving Day approaches … THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU with absolute love in my heart for all of you!!!
Blessings,
Pastor Dave
Photo: Pastor Appreciation Sunday, October 12, 2025