The dictionary definition of the word gratitude is “quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for, and to return kindness.” In this time of dealing with the pandemic that is the coronavirus, it may be difficult for us to have much gratitude and thankfulness. Our world has been turned upside down and our lives completely changed. However, in this time of isolation we have the opportunity to evaluate all aspects of our lives and to intentionally seek just what God given gifts we have for which we are to be grateful and thankful.
 
Important to me is God’s gift of the congregation of the Neighborhood Church. I am so grateful and thankful to have you in my life. And, you are in my life even though we are physically apart. I think of you very frequently. I’ve spoken to, written to or “zoomed” with many of you. I eagerly anticipate the days when we physically worship together and see each other after our service.
 
But we have so much for which we can be grateful even though we are apart. I am very thankful for having to be quarantined in one of the most beautiful places on earth. I am grateful for the gift of God’s love and kindness we see in those around us whether they are loved ones or strangers. That love and kindness seems to be growing through us all in proportion to the hardships we are enduring.
 
I would like us all to take a moment to share the gratitude and thankfulness for something we all have in common. That is the house of God known as our Neighborhood Church and those who are working so hard, despite these times of difficulty, to continue to bring life and well-being to our church. Lauren Hardin, Setta Lytle, Dr. Hyunju Hwang, David Sateren, Ellen Steinmetz, Myra Ghabrial, Kat Corbett, Doug Falzetti and Jose Castro. All of these people are constantly searching for and implementing new ways to accomplish their contributions to our church. They are now working harder than ever to deal with the uninvited changes in our world. 
 
I would like to take this opportunity to thank, on behalf of all of us, one individual of our staff who has shown outstanding leadership and dedication in these trying times, our Senior Minister Rev. Dr. David Young. I have personally watched and experienced all of the time, complete commitment and leadership presence that he gives to the church each and every day. His unflagging energy and creativity are devoted to all of us in finding innovative means by which we can worship God together while maintaining the traditions of our church and its community. He has been available to all of us to offer guidance and comfort in these troubling days. He does deserve our thanks and our gratitude.
 
I believe we do in fact have so very much for which we are to be thankful and grateful. We know that God is with us and has blessed us in so many ways. We know that Jesus Christ can show us the way through this crisis on the path he would have us follow. Always remember that the Neighborhood Church, which is present on a hill, overlooking the sea and through which God’s light shines far and wide is available to us now and evermore. That is a gift for which we are to be truly grateful and thankful to God.

Michael Moorhead
Licensed Minister