Ekpo is from Nigeria. He is a Senior at Trinity Lutheran College in Everett. Ekpo and other students from the College worshiped with us last Sunday. After worship we took them to Useless Bay Country Club for lunch and then to Double Bluff beach for a Whidbey Island experience. Thank you to all who sponsored the students for lunch. We actually have money left over — money that will help students at Trinity Lutheran College.
Ekpo is from Nigeria. He has not been home in years. After graduation he will be headed to London to work on an advanced degree in business.
Five High School students joined the College students for lunch. It was great to see the students interact. I asked the College students to share a word of advice with the High School students as they inched closer to college themselves. The advice was insightful: “Get involved,” “Invest in community,” “Live on campus.”
When it was Ekpo’s turn he said, “Never forget to say please and thank you.” After breakfast he told me how disappointed he was that he did not get a chance in the worship service to thank Trinity Lutheran Church for its support of Trinity Lutheran College.
It has been said that everything we need to know in life we learned in kindergarten. I think that is mostly true. Ekpo reminded us of that, and of the importance of simply saying, “Please and thank you!”
So I just want to pause and say THANK YOU! Thank you for being the most wonderful group of people. Thank you for welcoming me, and for welcoming every sinner that Jesus drags in the door. Thank you for caring hugs, firm handshakes, cookies for coffee hour and funerals. Thank you for focusing on Jesus and not on politics. Thank you for supporting the church so generously. Thank you for allowing me the time to lead Trinity Lutheran College in this time of transition.
As our closing hymn said Sunday, “I thank you in the name of the Lord. I bless you in the name of the Lord.”
Blessed to be a blessing — I am thankful for you!
Love,
Pastor Jim
