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Guarding Our Hearts With Gratitude
Thanksgiving need not stop with the feast. Together, determine to "guard our hearts" with gratitude throughout the Christmas season and into the new year. Additional entrants' "Expressions of Gratitude" have been scattered throughout this edition of the Facing Bench. Continue to share some expressions of gratitude with gifts this Christmas.
Congratulations to E-mail Quick Response Winners!
An e-mail message was sent to all pastors requesting something they were thankful for in their church. One criteria for the contest was the basic understanding that all pastors are grateful for their entire church families - and that they would express thanks for all, if space allowed. Answers needed to be quick and specific. Listed below are the winners in order of response:
Top Ten E-mail Responses:
1 - Pastor Rick Sams of Alliance Friends in Alliance, Ohio
“We have the best, most loyal, supportive leaders in Friendsdom at AEFC, for which I’m verythankful and I couldn’t do without.”
2 - Pastor Bob Carson of Smithfield Friends in Smithfield, Ohio
“I am thankful for all the loving and caring people in this congregation. I am also thankful for Cindy’s sewing and embroidery skills! (She made new pulpit drapes and communion table runners, and, embroidered shirts for the pastor!)”
3 - Pastor Dave Householder of Providence Friends in Virginia Beach, Virginia
“I am thankful that the congregation voted to build a 28 x 56 picnic shelter. This will be a great blessing as we have our family day cook-outs each month.”
4 - Pastor Dennis Seaver of Eden Immanuel Friends in Eden, North Carolina
“I am thankful for the faithful pianist, Joy Meeks who has played at Immanuel Friends for over 25 years.”
5 - Pastor Eric Biddle of Water of Life Friends Church in Columbus, Ohio
“I am grateful for the ongoing partnership with God, the EFC-ER, Gilead Friends Church and the incredible people at Water of Life!”
6 - Pastor Ed Vinson of Shiloh Chapel Friends in Marysville, Ohio
“I am thankful for the awesome servants, both paid and unpaid that I am honored to work with as we seek to extend God’s kingdom in our community and world.”
7 - Pastor Jim Brantingham of Alum Creek Friends in Marengo, Ohio
“The thing I love most about Alum Creek Friends is the excitement that all the people are showing towards the new spirit of life and excitement in every time we meet together.”
8 - Pastor Dan Cale of Hughesville Friends in Hughesville, Pennsylvania
“I’m thankful for a brand new small group that has grown to 10 members and doesn’t want to stop meeting for the summer.”
9 - Pastor Michael Will of Pelham Friends in Fonthill, Ontario, Canada
“I’m so thankful for a congregation that has maintained an optimistic outlook toward its future in spite of sometimes strained and difficult circumstances that could easily dissuade such an outlook.”
10 - Pastor Chris Jackson of Orange Road Friends in Lewis Center,
Ohio
“I’m thankful for the half dozen or so new Christians baptized on July 31st.”
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