Your love, and the love of God, has carried me, and I will forever be grateful.

Hello Dear Ones, 

Each of you is owed a personal thank you. You all came together in support of your pastor during an exceptionally challenging time in my life. Mere words can never be enough to thank you all for this. To be cared for and loved in life is the most important thing.  

I pray this support and love for one another continues as we serve the Lord our God as individuals and as a church community.  Throughout our lives we need each other.  This is one of the greatest things about being a part of a church family, we have each other for support! Unfortunately, many do not understand this as they are not part of a faith community. A few years ago, an elderly church member said, “I wish these young people would understand the love we have in the church. It’s a community of support. I cannot imagine those poor people not knowing this kind of love.” 

There are many reasons people are not part of a faith community. How about instead of placing judgement we listen? As we listen, let us share the love we have found in Christ with compassion and invitation.  Did you know that the primary reason someone would attend a church is because they have been invited by someone they know?  Have you invited anyone to church recently?    Sharing our faith is what we are called to do and one of the easiest ways to do this is through an invitation. Just like you are all invited to financially support the church and it's ministries, they and you have a choice. What is the worst they can do?  Say no. Remember they are not saying no to you, but to the church and to Jesus. Help your friends and family see that “His yoke is easy, and His burden is light.”  Because we are all in it together! 

Again, I thank you for the support, caring, cards, visits, hugs, and other ways so many of you have supported me and my family during this challenging time. Between selling a family home of over 22 years, moving out of the community we were part of for over 30 years, buying my family home which is in need of a good deal of work, to moving my dad to his new home, to being supportive during his death, and present for calling and funeral services, your love, and the love of God has carried me, and I will forever be grateful.

Peace,

Pastor Cheryl Rieder