Warden's Report

WARDEN’S COLUMN

Vernon Plack, Senior Warden

There is a tendency among some (most?) of us to take our blessings for granted. I’m usually reminded of this whenever I spend time around anyone who is genuinely and outwardly thankful. The person who immediately comes to mind for me is the late Henrietta Clementson. It seemed like anytime I talked to her, she was thankful for someone or something. Henrietta served as a great role model for me (and I believe others, as well) as someone with a truly thankful heart and I believe the source of that thankfulness was her relationship with Jesus.

If you really think about it, we have so much to be thankful for here at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church. I wanted to share with you a few things that come to mind for me.

I am Thankful for …

… All of you, who make up the community of believers of St. Matt’s. You have truly blessed my life and encouraged/enabled me to be a blessing to others.

… Chuck and Mario, for their unrelenting focus and commitment to biblical teaching and Christ-centered living, despite countless denominational and worldly distractions. These two brothers are role models for all of us.

… The rest of the staff at St. Matt’s: Jill Rich and her incredible dedication to our children; Mark Hopkins and his steadfast role as administrator; Anne Randolph Tabb and her full-time energy in her part-time service to our youth; B.J. and Megan Barlow, who have taken our music program to new heights. For those of you who are not aware, BJ and Megan will be leaving us in June for new opportunities in the Midwest. A search process is currently underway so stay tuned!

… Our pre-school/MMO program under the leadership of Sue Rickman and recently-retired Spring Kirby.

… Our Trustees (Andy McCutcheon, Dave Vachet and Lee Pemberton), who if you did not know, serve a life term (there’s dedication for you)!

… Our Vestry and their commitment to the congregation.

… That we are ahead of budget for the first three months of 2009 in a very difficult economy.

… The numerous committees and countless volunteers (too many to list here) at St. Matt’s that make our family work. This includes most of you – Thank you!!

… All the great activities (also too many to list here) that help us in knowing Christ and making Him known. From Sunday school to group Bible study to community events and fundraisers, I’m amazed at all the different ways we are in community with one another.

… Forgiveness, because I’m sure I’m forgetting to mention someone.

Finally, I’m thankful beyond measure for the reason behind our St. Matt’s family: Jesus Christ, who did for us what we could not do on our own – Reconciliation with the Father.

Take the time to thank someone at St. Matt’s who has been a blessing to you! Your thankfulness will serve as an encouragement and affirmation to them.