A picture of Reverend Christine at the pulpit during her installation ceremony

This week in my column, I just want to tell you how much I care for and appreciate you all.

I think in the day-to-day operations of the congregation, the worship services that come and go, and the tough times in our lives, we don’t stop and smell the flowers and have gratitude for everything in our lives. Well, I’m here to tell you that I appreciate you–as individuals and as a community. I am grateful for each of you who were here long before I was here and built this beautiful community and I am grateful for those of you who I have gotten to know while I have been your minister. I am grateful for those of you who volunteer and give of your time, experience and spirit to making this community stronger and kinder. I am grateful for your vulnerabilities, your stories that we share with each other and getting to be with you as you celebrate the highlight moments of your life and when you share your toughest.

Basically, it is a huge privilege and honor to get to be your minister, and I’m so grateful for you. I just wanted you to know that.