We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ. We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-4

When I read through the beginning part of 1 Thessalonians, I immediately think about the staff of the church gathering in the Manor Conference Room, lifting up our congregation at First Presbyterian Church. Every Tuesday morning we gather for a Staff Meeting which consists of going through members of the congregation which we know are facing medical issues or are in need of immediate prayers. It also consists of a special prayer time where we go through all the members of the church, twice during the year, praying for them and sending out a prayer card, letting them know we are praying for them. Oftentimes, we hear from members saying, “How did you know we needed prayer?” or “Your prayer card came at a perfect time.” It’s amazing how the Lord works and HE knows exactly who needs what and when.

We do thank our Lord for each and every one of you. We appreciate all that you all do around the church from bagging lunches, to serving in the Soup Kitchen, to folding the Tower Chimes, to singing in the choir, to teaching Sunday School, to leading VBS, for everything you do to help make First Presbyterian Church all that it is – we thank God for each and every one of you!

Prayer

Thank You, Lord, for our wonderful church family. Just like the church in Thessalonica, we thank you for the people who make up First Presbyterian Church of Winter Haven. Please continue to lead, guide, and strengthen us Lord to be Your people. Amen.