Dear Church Family,

Because of you, I have strength. Because of you, I have overcome. Because of you, I know what love is. Because of you, my faith is stronger than I could have ever imagined.

Just two and a half years ago, we changed churches because a member of the congregation had such an impact on the lives of my family and I. Little did I know, every person in the congregation would become such a large part of my life. You have all taught me so much about my self and my faith and all I have to say is "thank you."

Thank you for all of your love and support. When tragedy struck our family in September, it was all of you that helped us through. Your kind words and encouragement helped me through the most difficult time in my life. With all of the support, I was able to come out of an awful situation stronger and more motivated than ever.

Thank you for all of the smiles. At times I find it hard to smile, each of you makes it a bit easier to bear the pain and see the light in life. You remind me that there is good in the world, and there will always be a reason to smile.

Thank you for allowing me to make a difference in the life of others. My favorite thing about our church is the Vacation Bible School program that we host every summer. We bring out such a good group of children and being able to interact with them and feed the “snack” every night for a week makes my heart happy.

Thank you for giving me some of the best friends I could ever have. I have known many of you before making the change in churches, but because of the change, I have grown to know and love more individuals in our church more than I thought possible. One of my very best friends and I would not keep in touch unless it was for seeing each other in church, and we are reminded that although life gets busy, we can always find our friendships at home, in church, in God.

Thank you for reminding me that there is good in this world. So many of you have found a way to make a difference in other peoples lives, not just mine. Your acts of kindness are never unnoticed or unappreciated. From bringing new faces into the church community or going on mission trips and delivery items for those in need, you all are the good in the world.

Thank you for teaching me God’s word. When my faith and my strength became weak, thank you for lifting me up in the words of God. Because of you, I was able to recover my faith and allow myself to become stronger. Through all of you, God’s word and love are touching people all around the community, not just me. You allow so many people to experience Christ’s love and live the way he intended.

Love Always,

Taylor