In Internet etiquette, capital letters represent shouting and are often associated with anger. Well, I’m definitely shouting, but I’m not angry! I am simply overwhelmed with gratitude, not only to God (who is definitely able to do exceeding abundantly more than we ask or imagine!) but also to the many, many people who worked so hard to make the grand opening of Goldthorpe Pentecostal Community Church such an outstanding success.
You will get the full story over the week to come as I try to process the hundreds of photos that were taken yesterday. But for now, I just want to say THANK YOU!
Thanks to all those from different churches who helped out tirelessly and who willingly gave up their time and talents for God. Thank you to Angie for the balloon modelling, to Joanne for the face-painting (ably helped by Emily & Emily), to Ian for the gazebo (it was a hot day and good to be able to be outdoors for some of it!) and to Mark for the sound checks at night. Thanks to Ruth for helping in setting things up and in singing.
Thanks to the Deputy Mayor (Cllr John Parkinson) and his wife and to the Chair of Coalfields Regeneration Trust (Peter McNestry and his wife) for the official opening and for providing such support.
Thanks to Paula and Beryl for the wonderful flowers and to Gemma for providing the ribbons to make bows.
Thanks to Gary for the many hours of work in preparing the presentation and in getting so much equipment for us to use and for Father’s House in Wath for allowing us to borrow this.
Thanks to all the church members who provided such lavish food and to all those who supervised games, worked with children on craft activities and colouring competitions and who worked tirelessly at welcoming people, serving refreshments and helping in so many different ways. There really aren’t enough words to thank you for your whole-hearted support, not only in the days leading up to the Open Day or on the day itself, but for your ongoing commitment to the church over so many years.
Thanks to all those who came from far and wide to share in our joy and to make the day such a wonderful event. It’s always difficult to predict how many people will attend, but we counted in about 300 people throughout the course of the day. That is such a blessing!
And finally, thanks especially to our wonderful leaders: to Stephen and Karen, to Ralph and Letty, to Garry, to Dave and Joan and especially to Mark and Diane, whose leadership by example simply cannot be faulted. You are an inspiration and a blessing to us all.
Thanks! Grazie! Mille remerciements! Vielen Dank! (Look, I’m a language teacher…!)
