Dear Friends,
Gratitude. It’s a word that tends to pop up in various conversations at this time of year. As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, many of us, on cue, are inclined to think about and express the gratitude that we may feel inside of us. In fact, it happens rather easily, even effortlessly as gratitude is named and expressed. We may even share in the dinner table ritual in which each person is invited to share what they are most grateful for.
While this is a wonderful tradition and one that is never too late to initiate, I often wonder why so many of us are inclined to observe it only at this time of year. Why couldn’t this become a weekly ritual in which we take time on a given day of the week to simply express our gratitude for the gifts of life that we have been given—the people, the relationships, the creation and the things that provide meaning and purpose in our lives. Surely, that is not too much to ask!
I have a strong suspicion that, if we did that, if we would take the time and make the effort to express our gratitude for these good gifts, we would find that we are much happier and healthier in our living. As Richard Paul Evans suggests, “There can be no joy without gratitude.” This is not, I think, merely a pleasant inspirational statement, it is a simple fact of life. Unless we cultivate the attitude ofgratitude, we will discover that our lives are often devoid of the joy that provides the spark of happiness—the spark that makes life truly worth living. Choosing to practice gratitude, in effect, opens the door to the more joyful aspects of living. It helps us to savor and more fullyappreciate the lives that we have been allowed to live. And there is something that is indeed, joyful about the choice to do that.
So, with this thought in mind, I would like to take a moment to express my gratitude to God—and to you—for the privilege that I have of being your pastor. You may have heard that I recently announced that, “Lord willing and the creek don’t rise (or the Bishop object), I will continue to serve as your pastor for the next church year (July 1st 2026—June 30th 2027). This is a decision that Susan and I have recently made and we are pleased to let you know that I will continue in my role as pastor for another year. While I wasn’t quite sure what to expect inmy retirement years, I have been blessed to discover this congregation and the opportunity that I have been given to serve in this role.
Susan and I are, indeed, grateful for your warmth, your kindness, and your energetic spirit. I absolutely love the fact that you are a congregation that chooses to be open, inclusive and progressive in your thoughts and actions. There is no other place that I would rather be!
So, it is with joyful gratitude that I write this memo to you. I trust that you will have a wonderful holiday that is filled with plenty of occasions to reflect upon and express the gratitude that is within you.
I am looking forward to this coming Sunday and the opportunity to share in yet another season of Advent together. It is a gift that I do not take lightly. Thanks be to God!
With Grace and Gratitude,
Ron
Rev. Ron Dunn