Philippians 1:3 I thank my God every time I remember you.4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
I love how Paul starts his letters to the churches so often just thanking the people for their service. He is grateful for them for so many reasons. They took care of him physically, emotionally, spiritually. I believe the Philippian church is one of the most generous and a great model for us.
Because of their generosity with encouragement, time, and giving, the gospel was furthered and its still going! I see this same generosity as David Leonard arrives in Kid City every Sunday morning ready to share God’s love with our children. I see it in Clay Nairn, the last to leave on Sunday eve, sweeping and cleaning up, making sure everything is locked up. I see it in the First Impressions team as I rarely have had to open a door with my full (of donut) hands in my runnings between main building and Kid City. Always greeted with a smile and genuine concern by this team. And oh the delightful Ebony ushering at the 5pm service. How my life has been sweetened by her kind soul. I see it in Kaori Peterson, a 5th grader who is exceptionally helpful with the younger Kid City children, helping them spell, cut, and do their activities. This month we are doing a “generositree” where the children write on ornaments each week, ways the plan to be generous. Last week one of our volunteers showed me where Kaori put her generosity goal for the week was “Get Mrs. Kari a present”. Let me tell you, my friends, that was a gift in itself.
You should know this, beloved friends, the staff of New City Church sees great things in you. We don’t view our jobs and ministries as simply "recruiting volunteers", but we believe we are developing leaders, equipping leaders, edifying leaders. I would love to take the time to list out each of you by name, but I can’t. Know this, you are loved and prayed for. I see you and I thank God for you. Thank you for being generous with your time and energy and resources and gifts. Thank you for fostering and adopting children. Thank you for pouring your heart into others for Jesus. Thank you for your involvement in the discipleship process. Thank you for decorating the church and keeping it beautiful, thank you for caring for the children and youth, thank you for praying, thank you for the donuts and coffee, thank you for the music, the preaching, the sounds and lights, and all of the other things I’ve not mentioned. Thank you for the work you do outside of volunteering at New City. Loving your families, being a light at your place of employment, serving as unto the Lord. We see you, and our Father sees you. Thank you for all you do.
All of my love,
Kari Alejandre