Romans 16:3-9 says, "Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia. Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys. Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the other brothers and sisters with them. Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the Lord’s people who are with them.”

Paul's list of people he wanted to greet was exhaustive. Before Jesus Christ comes into a person's heart it's easy to see people as exhausting. Jesus can turn change our exasperated attitude toward people, however, to one of deep gratitude.

God has blessed us by meeting some wonderful, salt-of-the-earth people in our years of ministry. There are so many who are willing to go to great lengths to show love, friendship, grace and help because they have received the same and much more through the power of Jesus Christ in their lives. And this is especially true of Meadow Glade! We are so grateful for the wonderful friends we have made and continue to make here. This past Tuesday night we gathered in the sanctuary for our church business meeting. How wonderful it was to look out and see so many dear friends. May God bless us in 2025 as we pray to make many more new and eternal friends!

- Pastor Michael