ˇ   I'm grateful to elders who are working hard in weekly meetings to lead our congregation through challenges, even while they lead us in many of the good things going on here. Oh, and don't forget this is along with their responsibilities as fathers, husbands, and employees.

ˇ   I'm grateful for our deacons, who have stepped up so ably in organizing our Sunday Suppers, as well as handling many other matters for the elders. For instance, one of the deacons is always here early on Sunday mornings to start unlocking doors and then stays until everyone else leaves to make sure the building is secured.

ˇ   Willis Drew has volunteered probably half of his weekday hours for the past year to maintain our facility and grounds. With 66,000 square feet and 46 acres of property, something always needs to be done. Willis has set up and taken down more chairs in the past year than probably the rest of his life combined. My standing answer to most questions around here regarding the building or something in it is, "You'd better ask Willis that question."

ˇ   Mae Andrews is on her second tour of duty as our bookkeeper and interim treasurer. She spends many days here each month and manages to keep all of our financial records up to date, our bills and employees paid, and critical information going out to the church's leaders. As a semi-retired CPA, she does all of this with great precision and skill. As a godly woman, she does all of this with great kindness and joy.

ˇ   The Lord has brought a great staff to our church. Ashley Donovan continues her good work in our youth ministry and is now supplemented by the recent addition of Mackay Smith as a seminary intern. Debbie Cain keeps our children's ministry humming. Amy Munson supports us all in the church office and her name is the first one we call when anything office-wise needs a response, from a paper jam in the copier to a bulletin announcement to a ringing telephone. James Dickson is ably leading our men's small groups and fellowship opportunities as he prepares for ministry through his studies at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte. Bryan Crotts has quickly become an essential part of our church in his 4-1/2 months here as Associate Pastor.

ˇ   Morgan and Marilyn Jones are here every Sunday morning by 8 o'clock to make the coffee and other refreshments for us to enjoy later in the morning. They then quietly put everything away later in the day.

ˇ   Since I am busy in other parts of the buildings at the time, I never get to see-or thank -our children's Sunday School teachers or our nursery workers. They are in their places each week, faithfully teaching, consoling, and caring for the children of this church.

ˇ   Our band and choir members make a joyful noise to the Lord each week in their rehearsals as well as on Sunday mornings. They are offering up their talents and time to help us worship God in spirit and truth.

ˇ   Finally, for now, I am reminded of the inaugural season of our Upward Basketball outreach ministry to the community.  Mark Smith, Chad Montgomery, Colin Streng, and a host of volunteers too numerous to list served quietly, vigorously, and effectively to better connect us to our community and communicate the content of the Gospel to the children and families involved.

Time and space don't allow me to continue, though I could come up with this many more in little time. Think on these folks and their service and then thank the Lord for His leading them toward these ministry areas. Resolve to spend time each day thanking God for the blessings of salvation in Christ, His fatherly provision for all of our needs, and the Spirit's work in keeping us in Christ to the end.  The Lord is at work at Christ Community Church!

With thanksgiving for you, I am

Your friend,