Merry Christmas

i want to include the text of a letter that i am including in a christmas sack for the children of my partners in ministry. i have been trying to figure out how to say "thank you" to the children for sharing their parents. Our staff and their spouses have been wonderful this year! They include these wonderful people: Greg and Dawn, Lloyd and Susan, Gabe and Lori, Kevin and Sandy, Marla and Tony, Jessica and Tony. We are coming off of the best year of ministry that i have been privileged to be a part of, and i want to make sure that their kids know they are appreciated.

it is probably a silly gesture, but i like silly gestures. i have a cheap Christmas bag, and assorted snacks like popcorn, different fruit drinks, candy, and other items from the local "Big Lot" that weren't the "regular kind of snacks." i bought enough so i can give different ones to each of the children to sample and to create an adventure. i am including the following letter with a small gift certificate to a local movie rental place.

to the children of the staff, Gary and Dana, Rachel, Drake, Megan and Micah, Nicole and Becca, i say, "Thank YOU!"

Movie night on Marv
Merry Christmas and Thank you!

Dear Ones :

We are finishing the best year I can remember, and i want to thank you for your part. Your parents have been willing to work hard, and to share their love with many people through this great year. You might have had to stay home alone sometimes (or with a baby-sitter) or to watch your parents leave for meetings, or watch them talk to people who are hurting on the phone instead of spend time with you.

i don’t want you to ever resent that time; because of your parents, we have been able to honor Christ in our community and through His Church. Maybe someday you will know how valuable your parents have been, if you are like me, you may take them for granted sometimes! I know this isn’t very much, but i do want to say thank you for sharing your parents with us.

My plan was to give you something to share with your parents, maybe a movie you want to watch with them, or some silly snacks to share that you might not buy on your own. You might even have some to enjoy on some evening when they are gone to a meeting or are gone to a small group. Included is a gift certificate for a couple of movies, and some silly snacks and drinks to play with.

I have enjoyed watching you grow this year. You are growing in grace and becoming more like Christ every day. You have learned that you are loved. I want to pray for you today, that in the future you will remember that you have been a part of something wonderful in our church. Your parents could not be as effective as they are with out your help, and i want to thank you for sharing them with us.

Merry Christmas, 2005
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