Thank You!

Friends in Christ,

Our “Installation Service” on Sunday, April 18^th was a Spirit-filled, joyous affirmation of our mutual ministry at Greendale People’s Community Church. Notice that I wrote “Community” because we are a community of dedicated Christians and we are an integral part of fabric that forms the tapestry to the wider Worcester community and far beyond. As Rev. Rand Peabody so eloquently referred to us, in his installation sermon, we are “an embassy of the realm.”  The “Realm,” also referred to as the “Kingdom of God” is the place where we witness to the love of God and speak of that not yet revealed realm to come.  So, our gathering in worship that day was a reflection, not just of our love for each other but also for the world to which we bring the hope and love of Jesus Christ. What a wonderful ministry to celebrate!

How do I say “Thank you!” and acknowledge all of the planning and hard work that went into making the service so successful? Humbly. I know that every committee and member of the church shared in the final outcome. The Installation Committee worked tirelessly for months in advance of April 18^th to coordinate everything from invitations, the clean-up afterwards and everything in-between, including finding the right color corsage for Wendy! Everything was done in love, and it showed! The Trustees cleaned, fixed and painted things. The Deacons attended to the hospitality and worship details, Proto 4 and the Special Projects Committees provided a wonderful assortment of our finest desserts and finger foods, the Youth Group provided welcoming greeters and scripture readers for the service. MaryAnn Ritacco, our tireless Administrative Assistant, kept track of a multitude of details. And then, there are those that brought “gifts” forward during the service, hmmm---You are a very clever group indeed and you have evidently gotten to know me oh so well already!

The list of people who provided their support to the effort was so extensive that to try to thank each of you by name would invariably leave many unmentioned. To avoid that possibility, let me offer my deepest thanks to the entire community of Greendale People’s Community Church. You are a faithful, loving congregation and I look forward to our future together working from the “Embassy of the Realm”.

Blessings of Christ,

Barry