Complete Thanks

I’m thankful. I’m truly thankful.

After celebrating another wonderful Thanksgiving in Northern Michigan, I have to offer an early Christmas greeting of thanks to the whole Church in the Hills community. You really have no idea how utterly and totally thankful I am for the opportunity to serve as your pastor.

What I’ve learned and gained in my faith these past few years was only possible because of your continuing love, prayer, and concern for being all God has called you to be in this place. In the training and preparation seminary offered me before accepting this call, there was never enough mention about the growth I could expect through being surrounded and supported by people called to be a church.

And so, I offer my thanks again for allowing me the privilege to be your pastor. Thank you for teaching me grace, hospitality, service, community, and leadership. Thank you for pushing me, encouraging me, and inspiring me to use my gifts to show the gospel in my life and my ministry.
Thank you for helping me be the best pastor I can be through your patience, understanding, and willingness to be led, regardless of my experience. Thank you for inviting me into your lives to partner with you in your faith.

I daily give thanks for you in my prayers, but I rarely verbalize this thanksgiving directly to you. I know it shouldn’t take Thanksgiving or Christmas to spark this type of gratitude, but sometimes we need that extra reminder. Take the time this Advent to give thanks for those unsung heroes in your lives and pass along this note of thanks.
Again, I cannot express the joy I feel to be called to be your pastor and your friend.
Merry Christmas,

Pastor Andrew Pomerville