Yes, I am truly overwhelmed! Not just me. Lisa and I are both completely and utterly overwhelmed!
In a good way!
Since we arrived here just less than a month ago, the people of Epworth UMC have truly gone the extra mile to make us feel welcome and at home. Many of you have taken us out to eat, or have brought meals to the parsonage. The SPRC, UMW, Children and Family Ministries, and Backyard Mission Camp hosted a wonderful welcome reception for us this past Sunday, and I loved that so many of you were able to come. And you have been generous in your words of welcome to me and to Lisa on Sunday mornings and whenever we have met. As I have begun visiting folks in their homes, in assisted living facilities, or even in the hospitals, you have welcomed me as you would a long expected friend.
Even before we arrived, we received cards that expressed the warmest possible welcome, and as recent as this morning I received one taped to my office door. There have been emails, cards, and visits to the parsonage, each one touching our hearts. Your welcome has come through loud and clear!
And, when it came time to move into the parsonage, there was a dedicated force of Epworthians (Sharon just taught me that term) to help us unload the unit and put the furniture in its places. I learned early on that, when there might be issues at the parsonage or the church, you handle it quickly and efficiently. Whether it is a question as to how things work in Concord (the garbage and recycle schedule makes sense, thanks to you), a needed repair (all of them minor, so far), or the replacement of an appliance (the new dishwasher is working great), you Epworthians know how to get it done!
And, best of all, when you gather for worship, you truly worship the Lord with all your hearts. I have seen that on my first two Sundays with you. I have seen that nightly at the Backyard Mission Camp. I have seen that in meetings opened with devotion and prayer. I have seen that when men gather for donuts and coffee on Wednesday morning. I have seen that in the ways you live and the ways you love your church, this wonderful community, and each other.
So thank you for overwhelming us with such a gracious welcome. We are already feeling at home here among you. Undoubtedly, I am still learning how to drive in Corcord without getting lost. I am still learning the inner workings of our church life with regard to meeting schedules and organizational priorities. I will admit that I am still learning which name goes with which face, and I pray for your continued grace as I learn who each of you are. But, I have already learned and will never forget that Epworth UMC is a church that knows how to show their love. Lisa and I have received your love, and I am forever grateful.
I hope you know that we both love you, too. In the years I hope we will spend together, we will all grow closer in ways that we cannot begin to imagine. We will see Jesus Christ alive in each other, and our friendships will deepen and deepen because of his love in us. Even now, I thrive in the knowledge that, just as Jesus teaches, when I was a stranger among you, you welcomed me. And in the best way possible, I am overwhelmed!
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