Royston First United Methodist Church

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” – Psalm 136:1

This is the time of year we stop to give thanks. Next Thursday, many of us will gather around the table with family and friends as we enjoy a wonderful meal for Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays — not just because of the incredible food, but because it reminds me to pause and give thanks for all of the people and important parts of my life for which I am thankful.

Throughout scripture, the subject of giving thanks appears frequently as God desires for us to have a thankful heart and show gratitude for the blessings in our life. I would like to share with you some of the things I am thankful for in my life.

I am thankful for my wife of almost 17 years…she is amazing and has to deal with my craziness more than anyone else on the planet, which should qualify her as a saint.

I am thankful for my two beautiful daughters…as I watch them grow into the young women they are becoming, I am reminded that I can not take a single day for granted.

I am thankful for my parents…they invested in me (in more ways than I can ever repay) and continue to teach me every day.

I am thankful for my brother, my in-laws, and all of my extended family…outside of Michele, my girls, and my parents, these are the people who know me best, encourage me most, and love me in spite of imperfections.

I am thankful for my friends…from those life-long friendships to those that I will have for the rest of my life.

I am thankful for the Royston First UMC staff…these are the people who work hard in their ministry areas as they lead us to make disciples of Jesus who make disciples of Jesus.

I am thankful for our church leadership…our church is blessed with the outstanding leadership that has taken us from the last 142 years into many more years to come.

I am thankful for the volunteers in all of our ministry areas…without you, we would not be able to welcome, worship, teach, disciple, and serve with the many people who call Royston home.

I am thankful for YOU…Royston First UMC is a great church and the community is a wonderful community. Thank you for loving my family and me and thank you for allowing me to be your pastor!

What are some of the things you are thankful for? How do you express gratitude and give thanks? This Sunday, our youth will be leading us in worship and I hope you will make your plans to be with us as we give thanks for all that God has done. I look forward to being with you in worship at 8:45 and 11:00 AM!

Have a great week!

Blessings,
Matt

P.S. I do want to offer a word of thanks for all of those who overwhelmed my family and me with a shower of generosity for Pastor’s Appreciation Month. Thank you for your prayers, your notes, your gifts, and your support. I am humbled and blessed to be your pastor and I look forward to all that God will continue to do in you and through you as we journey together in faith.