Thanksgiving Greetings in Christ,
I wanted to take this opportunity to write to you as we come upon the Holiday Season, especially Thanksgiving.
The Bible tells us in Exodus 4:2 (NRSV) The Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A staff.” When God called Moses, God did not give Moses great power and wealth, but first asked what was in Moses’ hands. We often tend to think of things that are not in our hands but are in the hands of others. Especially in a difficult time like now, it is easier to do so.
It has been a little over 4 months since I came to Fairfield Grace. As we approach Thanksgiving, I began to think about what God has given us. At this time last year, we were unable to hold in-person service, but now we are able to offer in-person service. At the 10 o’clock service, Sunday School started in September. And in October, at the 1 o’clock service, for the first time in the history of our church, Korean Sunday School started with 8 children in-person (10 children now). Since July 1, 2021, five families have newly joined our church. On Wednesday, the Korean Bible study started, and on Thursday, the English Bible study started. The table tennis class is held on Tuesdays at 3pm. Of course, there is still a long way to go, but I believe that now is the time to first consider what God has given us and give thanks. There have been many times in my life that the difficult things have turned into blessings!
Clearly this pastoral transition has occurred during difficult times, but I still believe that God’s goodness and mercy shall follow us. If we are faithful to the mission that God has entrusted to us as a church to make disciples of Jesus Christ, I believe that God will still show us miracles among us today. I give thanks for each of you and the amazing privilege God has granted me to serve in your midst. It is a gift that I do not take for granted and one that I count as precious.
Stay well, be blessed, and know how much each of you are loved and appreciated. May God’s grace, peace, goodness, and mercy follow you in this season of Thanksgiving!
In Christ,
Rev. Young Choi