The Beginning of Gratitude: Buck Rosenberger

When does gratitude begin and from whence does it arise? 

Many of us have joyful memories of our earliest Christmas mornings seeing our heart's desire under the tree. Then there are graduations, weddings, and births. But what about the greatest joy; the knowledge, belief and limited understanding that we are uniquely formed by the designer and creator of all we can perceive? Knowing I am loved and forgiven by this awesome God is the ultimate source of all my gratitude, peace and joy.

During the last ten years as I have enjoyed and engaged in the fellowship and guidance of Third Church, my gratitude continues to grow. Third challenges, inspires and blesses my participation in ways I could not have envisioned when first attending.

Some of you know Connie and I retired to the Richmond area from southern New Jersey. We left a small rural community where we had become deeply involved for most of forty years. After moving it took time to find a church in which we could engage in useful work. Coming from a church where we knew most of the 120+ Sunday worshippers to a church with over 1,000 covenant partners was a challenge. How does one replicate thirty-year friendships?

The Third community is diverse, and the covenant partners are open and inviting. For this, I am daily grateful, and it is a joy to participate together “for the renewal of all things through Jesus Christ.”

The multiyear Renew Campaign has been a long challenge. Dedicating a portion of retirement savings and significantly reduced income has been a blessing. This is a measurable way to participate in the vision of renewal. The programs and new facilities combine to enable our church body to participate in the great vision of our Lord.

As we renew the church building, our participation inspires personal renewal. I am grateful for each new day and thankful that Jesus is working to bring me closer to his design. Despite a lifetime of mistakes and deviations from the path laid out, Jesus has never wavered or lost faith in His purpose for me. My gratitude for the saving grace of Jesus and the fellowship of this congregation are daily sources of joy and thanksgiving.

My prayer for all of us is to continue growing in our faith, supporting our staff, and joyfully participating in the missions and ministry of Third Church.