A Trier Ridge Thank You List

Father thank you,

...for Jesus first and foremost.

...for the best Communion bread east or west of the Mississippi.

...for the chance to not just go to church, but to be the church and for all the places Trier Ridge is
   beyond  our walls and in our community. 

...for pews that are comfortable, but not too comfortable, large print Bibles, and gobs of scrap
   paper for doodles.

...for all our seniors and for their courage, generosity, care, and example.

...for the jobs of our people and the jobs soon to come.  We are thankful for every way that
   you provide.

...for Anita’s mac-salad, Rodney’s chicken, Lorie’s bread, Louise’s broccoli salad, Cindy’s
   cookies, Ned’s  peanut brittle, Bethany’s cheesy ranch potatoes, Fred’s chili, Wanda’s beef
   and noodle soup, Donna’s fudge,    Holly’s cakes, Gretchen’s chicken salad, and on and
   on and on  and on ad infinitum.

...to be a people who are the same where it matters and different where it counts.

...the times we have laughed together and cried together, for the days we have celebrated
   and for the moments we have mourned.

...enough extra stuff that every year we are amazed at the size of our rummage sale.

...for a council with wise counsel, an elder board that’s anything but boring, deacons who
   are beacons, trustworthy  trustees, and for all the committees who do way more than show
   up for meetings.

...for the warm familiar comfort of the east end and the fresh vibrance of the west end.

...for our giant seven-minute-painting of Jesus and the wooden cross over the baptismal.

...that we are located on the south east part of Fort Wayne with its businesses, schools,
   churches, and neighbors.

...for the new partnership with Friends of Bethany, for our growing partnership with
   Harding High school, and for a  long time cooperation with Bear Lake Camp.

...for great parents who never stop loving and praying no matter the age of their children.

...for when we have had the opportunity to say, “yes” and for the courage to say “no.”

...that pastors are not paid by the word.

...for a big parking lot, a bigger yard, and a one story church with no steps.

...for all the magic elves and unseen angels who do all the things no one sees, and yet do
   it again and again.

...for marriages true to their vows, and singles true to their Lord.

...prayers that you can feel, hugs in abundance, and encouragement when you need it.

...for every child and youth.  It is beyond our words, Father, to express to you how much
   each and everyone of them blesses and inspires us.

...for people not afraid of work, failure, change, the future and risking their hearts.

...for meaningful worship services and all the tools and people who make that make it possible.

...for the fact that we are 101 years old and it surprises people and for all the faces and
   graces of our past, in our  present, and will be in our future.

...for those big dumb crickets that like to slip into the building when it gets cold and that
   its crickets and not something else.

...for every life touched and changed whether we will ever know it or not.

...a copy machine that teaches the virtue of patience.

...for a people whose hunger is not confined to food.

...for all the time, talents, and tithes we are given the chance to return to you.

...for you.

...for how we could never run out of things to thank you for and the fact that we will have an
   eternity to try.

Pastor Matt Tosten

Trier Ridge Community Church 
7501 Hessen Cassel Road ,
Fort Wayne, IN. 46816
 260 447 1994