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Thank You provides – most of all in the form of
By: Pastor Cameron Stirk
“I thank my God
every time I
remember you.”
Philippians 1:3
Saying ‘thank you’ is one of the
first lessons we teach our children –
and grandchildren! It is not only a
matter of good manners, it is also a
sign that we appreciate those who
have done something for us. It values
the other – says, ‘I have noticed – and
I am grateful’ – it reminds us that
nothing in our lives is dependent
solely on us. It also corrects us in the
thinking that we are not responsible
for all our life experiences, but, rather
that everything we know, do, and
experience is ultimately down to God. your city, your church – for in doing
Paul, writing to the early Church
in Philippi begins with his words of
thanksgiving. He appreciates their
support and prayers – and as a sign of
his faith in God, he teaches them, and
us, to always give thanks. To give
thanks at all times and in all situations.
To give thanks for the Church. And to
give thanks for God for all that he
Jesus.
We, the Stirk family, want to say,
‘thank you’ for your love, welcome,
hospitality, encouragement, and
sharing during our stay at St. Stephens
over this last summer. It was a great
joy for us to meet you all – and to
share in our common life of faith and
love. It has been the most renewing
and refreshing experience for us as a
family and as individuals for a good
number of years. Thank you for
sharing faith in a way that built us up
and has encouraged us onwards.
Thank you for opening your homes to
entertain us and treat us as though
you were ‘entertaining strangers’
(Hebrews 13: 2). Thank you for
accompanying us to some precious
places and build memories for us that
will last a life-time. Thank you for
allowing us to inhabit your culture,
so we have learned so much about
you and God.
Thank you for bearing with the
quirkiness and
idiosyncrasies of the
English! It has been
great to come ‘home’
– but whilst we were
with you we ‘felt at
home’ and we know
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