Today’s Word from Pastor Jim…
I spend a lot of time with the spoken word and in correspondence thanking you all for your generous support of the many ministries of Trinity Lutheran Church. In 2022 your church gave away more than a half million dollars. This money benefited many non-profits on Whidbey Island helping your neighbors right here at home. This money offered disaster relief to neighbors across the United States and across the world. This money was awarded to students attending community colleges, trade schools and universities. Dozens of students each year attend school on TLC Scholarships and many of them are not members of our congregation.
According to the Education Data Initiative “the average cost of college in the United States is $36,436 per student per year, including books, supplies, and daily living expenses.” On this October Saturday, I am choosing to get out of the way and to allow a few of our young people to speak directly to you. This is a small sampling of the thank you letters that we receive each year.
“Dear Trinity Lutheran Church,
I just want to give you all a brief but heartfelt thank you for the scholarship support you’ve give me over the years. It makes a difference and means a lot. Thank you and thanks to everyone at TLC, you’re all in my thoughts!”
“Dear Trinity Lutheran Church,
I once again need to thank you for your continuous kindness. This scholarship has provided me with a foundation to learn on. If it weren’t for your support year after year, I truly don’t know if my dreams would be possible. Your funds help me pay for not only my tuition, but also my housing, books and sometimes supplies. You have helped me achieve something that nobody in my family has yet. I thank you warmly and wholeheartedly.”
“Dear Trinity Lutheran Church,
I wanted to let you know how grateful I am for the support you gave to my college experience. Because of your hope in my future, I was able to accomplish my goals, play tennis for a school I’m proud of, and most importantly learn and live values and connections that encourage a better humanity. Thank you for supporting me and so many others through years of life changing experience. With a grateful heart.”
“Dear Trinity Lutheran Church,
I hope your summer is going well! As the start of college is just around the corner, I wanted to reach out and express my gratitude for the scholarship Trinity Lutheran church so generously gave to me. With only a month left before I move into my dorm, I am getting super excited for all of the new adventures this year has in store. I am registered for classes and looking forward to continuing my academic journey. Being chosen for your scholarship has definitely decreased my financial stress and will allow me to have more time to focus on my studies, take a break from working, and get adjusted to all of the changes that come with starting school. I really appreciate your help, thank you!”
“Dear Trinity Lutheran Church,
Thank you so much for support! It means so much that you chose to invest in me, and support me going forward! You’re really making a difference in my education. Thank you!”
“Dear Trinity Lutheran Church,
Thank you so much for the opportunity to apply to your scholarship. I am so honored to be a recipient. I promise the money won’t go to waste. Thanks again.”
“Dear Trinity Lutheran Church,
Thank you is no where near enough, but thank you for awarding the incredible Ruby Scholarship to me. Words cannot describe how grateful I am for this scholarship, as well as all the love and support the church has provided me with. This has changed and impacted my life greatly, and I am beyond lucky for everything. Thank you. So much.”
“Dear Trinity Lutheran Church,
Thank you so much for the extremely generous scholarship! Words cannot even begin to describe how grateful I am to all of you! Receiving this award is truly an honor and it inspires me to continue my education in a field I am passionate about! Thank you for investing in my future!”
Thank you! Together we make a difference. Together we can change Whidbey Island and the world for the better and for good.
One beggar telling another where to find bread, I am your
Pastor Jim
