In the first week of our “Giving Tree” Stewardship Campaign, we were asked to name the gifts of others in our community that touch or inspire us.
While it’s hardly an inclusive list — in fact, as it happened in worship, it’s just sort of an accidental list, but maybe the gifts that inspire others, might also inspire us.
Adam for his energy
Adam for his commitment to church alongside of so many other commitments
All the members of my church family from whom I have benefited and been blessed
All glory goes to God
Barbara’s quiet presence
Barbara for serving faithfully on BOTH Saturday (at the cupboard) AND Sunday mornings (as an usher)
Betty for her Bible introductions each week
Blossom for her friendliness and spirit
Bobbie Benjamin and her compassion
Beth Manus and the organ
Beth W. for her initiative and hard work for our church
Beth W. for being where it makes a difference
Beth W. for being Beth
Beth W., for having her in our church
Beth W. for her law and ministry
Bob Polk for his friendship and inspiration
Choir for the music they make
Clark’s kindness and generosity of spirit
Dee Juah for her faithfulness
Emily M. and her words in worship and her asking prayers for her divorce
Esther for when she calls us “dear ones”
Esther for the way she leads worship (2x)
Fay and her singing
Gerry and her faithfulness to church
Grant for his voice
Greta for her friendliness and spirit
Greta for all she does
Guests in our shelter and how they keep going in tough situations
Harvey and Diane Thompson
Holly whose joyful spirit and love of music inspires us
Holly for her musicianship and her willingness to take an eclectic approach to her music ministry
Holly and the gift of music
Holly for her music
Holly for her blessing us with music
Holly for being Holly
Ibidun for her faith and openness
Jackie for the gift of visitation and caring
Jackie… like Suzanne wrote
Jane H. and the beautiful flowers she prepares for us
Jane W. and her care for Eli
Janice for all the projects and work she takes on around the church
Jonathan A. and his time and talents as our Moderator
Jon V. for keeping our books and our finances
Kathy for her attention to detail
Kristyn for her administrative work for us
Liz for her dedication to her nephew Aaron
Many people here
Margaret Rohdy for coming to my sister’s funeral
Margaret Rohdy for the racial dialogue
Margaret Rohdy for always being willing to offer support and advice as I start grad school
Maranda for her Sunday School teaching (2x)
Mark Steiner for whizzing up to every new person in his chair to greet them
Mark Strassbaugh for his historical tours
Michelle Obama — “when they go low, we go high”
Michael for understanding my crazy travel schedule and still being supportive of my faith
Michael for always having a wonderful sermon and making me laugh
Michael for things he does that we don’t even know to keep us together and keep this church going
Michael for reminding us with his life that Christianity isn’t just what you do at church, but also in the world
Mimi for her care of families at Old First and her care of families in greater Philadelphia
My children
My mom (Bethany H.)
Nancy D. for all she knows about our church history
Nancy H for her big heart and smiling face
New people who keep showing up… and joining the church
Peter Buxton for keeping the Hospitality teams functioning
Prince for all the reasons Mimi mentioned!
Rachel Maddow
Rochelle for being my sponsor and for her lovely laugh
Samantha For her lesson planning
Spencer Anderson for being an inspiration who motivates me
Richard and his singing voice
Suzanne Cole for sharing her amazing competence
Suzanne Cole for always making me feel welcome
Suzanne Cole for doing the little things that others don’t care to do and for being an amazing mom
Teetee Chea for her smile
Tony P. and his volunteer work in the office
Unsung heroes and their work around here
Yiwola for the Elder’s card ministry
Young families making Old First a part of their children’s lives
