God continues to bless us at All Pilgrims.  It is amazing to me how the theme of new birth and new beginning, so common throughout the biblical story, is experienced at All Pilgrims.  Whether it is our new Sunday evening events, the newly established "Rowing Team," which is a faith-based recovery support group meeting Monday evenings, the current Sunday morning class where we lack the discipline to stop at the eight weeks (too much fun and value), the buzz of Sunday mornings, new visitors and additions to the choir, or the many other things happening, it is apparent that the movement of God has us on the move!

Another wonderful gift in time for Christmas is our new retrofitting and roof.  The work has been completed, and the building is safer and drier with newly painted trim.  As with all that I've listed above, as well as the building project and all else in our congregational life, things don't just happen.  The loving Spirit of God and faithful people join to make them happen.  The building effort had many who committed to see it through the process, and we give a special thank you to Kathleen Hosfeld for her managing much of it on our behalf.  Thank you to Ray Nutter who was constantly available as building specialist.  Thank you to those who served on the Building Visioning Team - Bob Thompson, Theresa Hohman, Jason Kettler, Steve Clagett, Kathleen, Ray, and Parie Hines.  Also, thank you to those many folks who participated in other ways, including the visioning and planning process, and working around disruption.

Another gift that we do well to acknowledge from this past

 year is that of Lise Kenworthy.  Lise, a long-time member and leader here, passed away earlier this year.  We miss her very much.  Lise blessed All Pilgrims by her giving in many ways.  She was a key point person to start Community Supper, she oversaw our insurance, and she was a model of what it means to be kind and welcoming.  As part of her will,Lise left All Pilgrims $20,000.  By her faith, she knew that God will continue to do great things through you!

There isn't enough room to recognize all of you who are such a gift to one another, to me and other staff, and to All Pilgrims.  The foundation of our congregation is based in the relationships we have with one another and those we serve.  Thank you for your making this place and God-project such a wonderfully enjoyable experience.  I invite you to take a moment this Sunday, Christmas Eve, and the many other days when here, and look around at who we are, including a look at yourself.  We are very blessed, and you are a wonderfully important part of that!

Great things ahead!  Merry Christmas!

Greg