I am excited and pleased about the gifts that are showing up at JOY.  I could be thinking about the monetary gifts of generosity that JOY has received over the past few months.  And, I am thankful for those.  But the gifts I am most excited about are the gifts of time and talent that so many at JOY give for the building up of the Body of Christ.  Because many small tasks that Marsha and I do will need to be done by others, I have been asking people to take up another small job at JOY.  No one has said “no.”  And, I am observing that people not only are willing to take on another responsibility, but are actually trying to improve how we do things!  Gifts of organization, speaking, compassion and care, leadership, accounting: all necessary for the operation of a Church, and all filled by the disciples of Jesus at JOY.  I thank God for all these gifts and more.  I thank God that the Holy Spirit has bestowed these gifts on the people of JOY.  And I thank God for the willingness of the people to use their gifts so we can continue to spread the Word of God throughout our community.  Do not be surprised… great things are on their way courtesy of the Triune God.  Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-13:13 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Pastor Ed