An Early Thanksgiving           

Today, as I think about 25 years of ordained ministry and 20 years at St. Luke’s Zion, I give thanks.

·       I give thanks for all of the saints I have been privileged to know along the way.

·       I give thanks for the privilege of being allowed into people’s lives – in times of sorrow and of joy, in times of birth and of death.

·       I give thanks for all of those who give of their time, talent and treasure in order to build up the kingdom of God.

·       I give thanks for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who gives sermons when I have no words and prayers when they are needed.

·       I give thanks for the opportunities I’ve had to meet brothers and sisters in Christ from all over the world.

·       I give thanks for those who welcome people and make it their mission to make everybody feel at home.

·       I give thanks for the little ones who continue to sing after the music has stopped and who get to know lots of surrogate grandmas and grandpas.

·       I give thanks for those who have been given the gift of encouragement, and who help others to discover their gifts.

·       I give thanks for all those who have a good sense of humour.

·       I give thanks that no matter how long you serve in ministry, there are always things that come along that you have never seen before.

·       I give thanks for those who faithfully serve, week after week, in order to build up the body of Christ.

·       I give thanks for all those who teach and work with children and youth, for I know how much energy this takes!

·       I give thanks for faithful co-workers who share in ministry and support one another.

·       I give thanks for the abundance and the generosity of God.

·       I give thanks for all those who pray for me on a regular basis.

·       I give thanks for all those who pray for St Luke’s Zion and for all of God’s church around the world.

·       I give thanks for youth who are serious about their faith and ready to share their energy and enthusiasm.

·       I give thanks for opportunities to share the gift of music.

·       I give thanks for the gift of faith.

·       Above all, I give thanks for Jesus, who came in humility and love, gave himself for all people, and won for us the gifts of forgiveness and eternal life.

In Christ,

Pastor Lynne Hutchison