A Letter of Gratitude from Pastor Bruce

Since we are approaching the Thanksgiving season, I want to take a moment and say how thankful that Leanne and I are to be serving at Lakewood Baptist Church.  In the weeks leading up the two Sundays in September that I would preaching in view of a call, we began to meet more and more Lakewood members.  We accompanied a deacon and his wife to make visits to our homebound members on a Sunday afternoon, and were warmly greeted and welcomed by everyone into the Lakewood family before anyone had even heard me preach.  After you called me as your pastor, the encouraging greetings, messages, texts, and cards began – and they have not yet stopped.  Not a day has passed that I have failed to receive an encouraging message from someone at Lakewood, and many people have even blessed me with candy, coffee, and Chick-fil-a gift cards (the trifecta)!

I want you all to know that I do not take any of this for granted, and I do not take you for granted.  I stop and pray for each of you and your family as the Lord brings you to my attention, or as I hear of specific needs and prayer requests. 

Also, I am confident that this blessing of kindness and hospitality which we have experienced is not unique.  What I mean is, although you are pleased to have a new pastor, I know that with any new faces, whether it be a first time visitor, or a friend of a friend, or even a new member of Lakewood, this same warmth which Leanne and I have experienced is also extended to everyone.  As Paul tells the church of Corinth in 2 Corinthians 4:15, the purpose of our thanksgiving is to bring glory to the Lord, so that more people may come to submit to the gospel of Christ.

During this Thanksgiving season, take a moment to share with others something about them for which you are thankful.  Even a little encouragement goes a long way.  And our Lord will use this to bring glory to Himself in a way that will increase His gospel presence in the world.  It may open an opportunity for you to share the good news of Christ.  And that’s really what it’s all about.

Blessings,

Pastor Bruce