A Note from Pastor Bruce

St. Paul wrote to the Church in Thessalonica about their faith and love sharing, “Grace to you and peace. We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and

steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Paul continues in Chapter 3:9, “How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you?” (1 Thessalonians 3:9)

My heart is filled with thanksgiving for you and for your work of faith and the labor of love you honored me with on June 14, 2020. What a wonderful and memorable service and celebration you prepared for my 25th Anniversary of Ordination! I especially want to thank our ministry staff team, Nancy Schoenbaum and the Good News/Great Times Team.

What a surprise! You surprised me with the banner, balloons, shared stories, a beautiful

crystal plaque, the cookies (and buckeyes) and the OSU Fight Song - The Buckeye Battle Cry! It was amazing! You even surprised me with the presence of my parents, who were able to leave Columbus for the first time in three months, for the celebration. The work and

effort, the personal gifts, the shared blessings, and your encouragement are all deeply appreciated.

To answer the Apostle’s question, I don’t know how I can thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that I feel before God because of you. I thank God for every day of the 25 times 365 days it has been my privilege to serve in the ministry of Word and Sacrament and the (just about) 20 times 365 days I have been privileged to be your pastor. And, with God’s help, I look forward to experiencing more years of shared ministry with you. I thank you again, from the bottom of my heart, for a touching occasion and such generosity.

Truly, this is a church where love lives!

With Thanksgiving,

Pastor Bruce