A Note of Deep Gratitude
Dearly Beloved Friends,
I love how a large portion of the New Testament contains letters from pastor to congregation. Every week, this space in the newsletter feels like an “epistle” from my heart to yours, too (although I am no Peter, Paul, or John!). It may not always take the form of a letter, but I do see it as such.
This week is more specifically a personal “thank-you note.” On November 21, you presented me with the most thoughtful of gifts in honor of my doctorate. The framed certificate with its perfect words, the Ben Rosenkrans’ pen & ink of our beautiful church, and the bottomless well of cards are treasures around which I am still smiling. I am so grateful for the United Methodist Women and all of you in the congregation who coordinated and contributed to this outpouring of generosity.
Thank you for loving and supporting me throughout the completion of the doctorate and for honoring that accomplishment in our time of worship together. The Doctor of Ministry degree that I received is one intended to strengthen and build up the church, not only the intellect of one individual. My prayer throughout every assignment, transcript, and research was that the findings would be for the advancement of God’s kingdom and the good of his Church. I hope that the fruit it bears will bless you as much as you have blessed me in the process.
Know how thankful I am for each of you, and what an honor it is to serve as your pastor. As we move into this new year on the Church calendar, I look forward to the new thing God will do among us as we grow and learn together.
all good things to each of you,
Dr. Darian