Check Out This Text Message...//M-Note 11.11.2022

“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” -Matthew 5.16
 
Last weekend after worship, we asked each of you to stop and write a thank you note to first responders, ER staff at Children’s Hospital and Barnes, as well as the police officers of the 2nd District. These are the people who responded and served those involved in the shooting at CVPA High School just a few weeks ago. We wrote 270 notes and stuffed every single one with a $10 Starbucks gift card. Between yesterday and today, we delivered all of those notes.

Last night, I got a text from one of our staff. Her neighbor is an ER nurse and received one of the notes and gift cards that we delivered. He recognized the name of the church and reached out to our staff member with a simple text that said, “Did you have something to do with this? Came with a SBUX gift card – that makes my heart happy”. Early this morning, I spoke with some of the officers, gave them the notes, and thanked them for serving our city, not only on the day of the shooting but every day. Afterwards, they asked me if I would stay and pray for them.  

Upon hearing about these notes, one of the local news stations asked me why we were doing it? We had already provided $10,000 to go towards counseling for students and teachers. Why the notes? My response was simple. We aren’t just called to serve people who come to our church. We are called to be light in the community, especially during times of darkness. We want to bless people in our city who are working hard to serve others. We want them to know they aren’t facing those challenges alone. We want to be a small source of hope and encouragement for them.
 
Gathering, there are so many times I have stood up in church and taught about the ways that God blesses us as people and as a church so that we can be a blessing in the lives of others. You all have consistently lived into that call, and I am so grateful for it. It is because of your generosity that we can encourage and support others in our city. So, thank you. I am always proud to be your pastor and especially felt that way this week. Keep up the work, and I will see you this weekend in worship.
 
Peace,
Matt
 
P.S. If you missed the video thank you from Love the Lou for your donation towards student counseling services you can watch it here. Also on this Veteran’s Day, I want to thank each of you who has served our country with honor and courage. We owe you our gratitude, and I am praying for you today.