There are a lot of songs from my life that include a reference to celebration.
There’s Rare Earth’s ‘I Just Want to Celebrate,’ and of course Kool and the Gang’s ‘Celebration.’ Three Dog night sang ‘Celebrate,’ and of course Roberta Flack and Peabo Bryson’s ‘Tonight I celebrate My Love.’
I think it is important to celebrate good things, great people, and accomplishments that we share in. All too often we forget in the moment to shout out ‘good job!’ We know people who try to defer being thanked for what they have done.
So as this New Year begins, I want to CELEBRATE all of you!! I don’t want to try and list names, because inevitably I will leave out a name and make someone feel awful or worse, neglected.
First, I want to celebrate each person who sits in our pews on Sunday morning and that’s most of you who are reading the newsletter. Well, perhaps you only sit in a pew occasionally, but when you are there I notice you. Ok, maybe I don’t remember everyone’s name but I look around the church, even into what I call the “cheap seats” to see who is in worship. I notice you even when you are texting … oops, maybe I shouldn’t mention that.
I celebrate those of you who worship online. We have regulars, including folks who live close by and others who live at the ends of the earth. We don’t see their faces and many never comment on our Facebook, but they are there week after week and consider St. Paul’s their church. Some of you are my personal friends and I guess I am especially thankful to those of you who know me from outside of ministry, because you have found a church home with some amazing people at St. Paul’s.
I continue to celebrate all of our amazing worship services during Advent and Christmas and right into the New Year. All of the people who read Scripture, sing songs, greet people, and are activists to make each Sunday so joyful and special at our church.
Speaking of activists, I celebrate our leadership team!!! Volunteers who are always ready to step up to take on ‘stuff’ that every day worshippers don’t have to worry about. They complete silly forms for the Conference or ensure that the heat is on for worship and meetings.
I truly celebrate our staff. Since there are only three I can name them, Trista, Bela, and Jim. You are a joy to work with, and your work has such a positive impact on the people who call St. Paul’s home.
I almost forgot to celebrate the Food Pantry team, because you feed the hungry and care for the poor. Thank you so much for fulfilling Jesus’ teaching on all of our behalf! And I truly celebrate the Red Bird team and keep hoping/dreaming that more of you will join us this year!
And I know I will forget something, but thanks to all of you who support our ministries financially!! It takes money to have a church and that money comes from you!
I just want to celebrate another day of living …