Very dear to us So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us. Sometimes there is news that is so good that we can't wait to share it with the people we love the most: a new job, a graduation, an engagement announcement, a child or grandchild on the way... We are caught up in the excitement and can hardly wait to share the good news. The apostle Paul speaks the same way about the Gospel. It is such precious good news that he wants to share it with those that he is close to...in this case, the church in Thessalonica. Paul has come to love these people, and it is this same love that moves him to share the good news of Jesus. Paul uses the image of a mother tending to her children. Who are the people in your life that have become so dear to you that you share not only your life with them but the good news of Jesus as well? Have the people of Grand County become "so very dear to us" that we would are determined not only to share our lives with them but also the Gospel of Jesus? My prayer is that the Lord would continue to open our eyes to see the people around us the way he does: precious and dear in his sight. And then might we look for the opportunity to share the good news of Jesus with the heart of our community. Blessings,
Matthew+ Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP p. 235) | 
