Our family has a Thanksgiving tradition of inscribing our gratitude on decorative fruit each year. It’s a little cheesy, but it’s fun to place the fruit all over the house as decorations and look back on the blessings God has given us over the years. It reminds us of how good God is to us.
This year I wrote “The Moody Church” on the gourd I ended up with, because we are particularly grateful for you, our new church family. Last year at this time, we had no idea what massive changes God was about to bring into our lives. In His grace, God made His calling clear and we began the process of uprooting and stepping into a new city, a new ministry, and a new church family.
I want to thank you for being our new family and for making us feel so very welcome. Despite the limitations of this pandemic, you have showered our family with love and kindness. Thank you for the cards and emails. Thank you for the gift cards, groceries, and meals. Thank you for reaching out with connections for our kids. Thank you for the Garrett’s popcorn and Lou Malnati’s pizzas. Thank you for your warm embrace and heartfelt welcome. Chicago is feeling more and more like home, and we are delighted to be a part of the Moody Church family.
I’m especially grateful for our team of pastors, directors, and staff. It’s easy to take for granted the beautiful gifts God has blessed us with in His servant-leaders. One of my greatest joys has been to get to know the team here over the past months. And I can assure you, we are blessed beyond measure at the quality and faithfulness of each member of our team.
I’m thankful for Pastor Lutzer’s support and encouragement as I’ve stepped into this role. It takes guts and humility to pave the way for another. I’m grateful for God’s grace in this transition and for the friendship we have.
I’m also grateful for our Elders, Trustees, Deacons, and Deaconesses. Their love for the Lord and for this church are demonstrated in their prayerful care and shepherding leadership. I get to see their hearts up close and in person. Their love is genuine and from the heart. We are so blessed.
So thank you. And thanks be to God for His mercies in this season!
Always remember: you are loved, more than you know!
Pastor Philip
Thank you Pastor Miller, and all the other team of pastors! May the Lord keep encouraging you and strengthens you all. As Pastor Lutzer used to say, “You don’t have to go to Moody Church to go to heaven, but it doesn’t hurt.”
I thank you for your encouraging messages that you preached every Sunday. I do appreciate the thoughts.