Heart to Heart
Tis the season for expressing gratitude to the LORD, for His goodness and kindness expressed to each of us in multiple ways. It’s November already, and Thanksgiving is just around the corner.
Diana and I want to tell you how much we love you as our church family. We feel so privileged to be teamed together with you. As of November 1st, we moved into our 10th year at First Alliance Church. God has worked in unexpected ways over these years, taking us all on a journey that we could never envision when Diana & I moved to Billings back in late October, 2016.
Last month was Pastor Appreciation, and you showered us with cards, encouraging words and gifts that lifted our spirits (after a very heavy and challenging time). Thank you for living out God’s word to “encourage one another”, and supporting both ourselves and Pastor Phil (& his family), as we partner together in advancing the cause of Christ in people’s hearts and lives.
We are blessed as a church, having Rita serve as church secretary & assistant treasurer, for so many years. Lynn & Marsha continue to keep the church clean (which is no small task with 3 churches and so many other groups using the building). Thanks too for our Guest Services team who warmly welcome our guests, along with our faithful Worship & Tech team who lead us in worship each weekend.
It has been a joy to serve alongside our many ministry team leaders (you know who you are), and our Governing Board. I want you to know as the FAC family, that those giving leadership to our church have their eyes fixed on Jesus, and have demonstrated unity and oneness, as we’ve sorted through challenges and determined next steps.
With last month’s completion of the AC Project, special kudos to Del Hayter, for walking us through that long process. Our primary sub-contractors (Empire Heating, Star Services, LG Electric, Longs, and Lawn Ranger all did great work for us. We remain thankful for the significant role that Tim Hall played in helping us problem-solve the AC issues, and walking alongside Del.
Diana and I look forward to spending quality time with family in Canada this Thanksgiving. As many of you know from your own life experience, family is so precious and we’re grateful for the opportunity to make more precious memories with our parents, who are battling health & aging issues.
In closing, I want to echo the sentiments of the psalmist who looked at all that God had done, and declared, “Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness” (Ps 115:1).
Pressing onward & upward for His great glory (Phil.3:14).
Pastor Adriaan & Diana <><