When I was growing up, occasionally my grandmother would send me a Christmas or birthday card with five dollars in it. I would promptly take this five dollars and run down to the local convenience store and spend it all on bubble gum and candy. I know that today five dollars doesn't buy a lot of bubble gum and candy, but when I was a kid it was almost more than I could carry (yes, I am old).
 
I was very excited for my candy, it was instant gratification, and I could eat it all and no one could get mad because I bought it with MY money. I was so excited for my candy that I actually forgot to ever send my Grandmother a thank you…for years. Eventually the fact that I always forgot to send a thank you made her decide to stop sending me five dollars at all.
 
I know that none of you are my grandmother, if you were it would be awkward because she died almost 18 years ago. Even though you are not her, I did want to send you a thank you note. You have been more than generous to Element over the last year. In a culture that has seen giving drop to charitable organizations, you have not only helped Element meet our budget, but also exceed it. Your support is one of the main reasons we could afford to buy (well, finance anyway) the field next to Element.
 
The Apostle Paul says in Philippians 1:3-5 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. I know I am not Paul, but I do feel the same way, I am thankful and grateful for you.
 
As we say every week, giving is part of our worship, it is why we give you the opportunity every week, and many of you are worshipping Jesus faithfully and fruitfully. So, thank you, and here is to a hopefully expectant 2014. I am excited to see what Jesus will do in and through all of us.