FBC Gallatin,
As I look back to last year around this time, I remember packing and preparing for my candidating weekend at our church. As we packed all our bags to fly on a plane for the first time as a family of 7 all together, we didn’t quite know what to expect but we were trusting God with the whole process. It really does seem like much longer than a year ago doesn’t it? At least for me it does. I think it’s because of all the big transitions from California to Missouri, and from one vocational career to another. And then to top it all off, the pandemic has added a whole new unexpected challenge for us this past year as well that just seems to make things seem longer for everyone. The feeling of “when is this going to be over” has that same seemingly unending experience as the kids who ask “are we there yet” at the beginning of the long road trip.
And even in light of all the big changes and challenges we’ve all faced this past year, all I can think of is how thankful I am to be here in Gallatin. I am so thankful that God called me and my family here exactly when he did. And I am thankful to be your pastor and to labor in preaching and teaching and counseling and pastoral care. It is my great joy to be your pastor. And as I’ve received so many nice cards and kind words during pastor appreciation month, I also want to let you all know how appreciative I am myself for all of you. Thank you for generously supporting and providing for me so that I can devote my time to the work of the ministry. Thank you for making my wife and children feel so welcomed in our church. Thank you for praying for me as I know so many of you are as indicated by the recent Facebook posts Ashley Marshall sent out last month regarding praying for pastors. Thank you for your encouraging word and friendships. And thank you for your faithful service in our church as you use your gifts to edify and build each other up.
And all of this joy, encouragement, and blessing even in light of a challenging year is only possible and made evident to us because of God’s faithfulness. So, join me in setting our hearts to realize our overwhelming gratitude and thankfulness to God and His grace to us. Thank Him for so greatly providing for our greatest needs and saving us from the guilt of our sin. Thank Him for continuing to sustain our lives and our church through this pandemic. Thank Him for giving us love and unity at our church when the enemy would seek to cause us to divide. Thank Him for everything. Thank Him for being Him as we seek to do regularly in our evening prayer services together. God is great and gracious and glorious and we owe our whole lives and worship to Him in all that we think and do. Thank Him!
Sincerely,
Pastor Daniel Pelichowski
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