Thank You Card: "Gift Economy"

Peace to you, church family. 

I would like to take a moment to thank each of you - members of God’s beloved community.

A few weeks ago, some of our church leaders came to Joyce and me and asked a question: “Do you have snow tires on your car?”

We simply answered, “No.” This is our 12th winter in Northern Maine. We have always used all-season tires, and, by God’s grace, we managed just fine. We never really thought about snow tires.

But our leaders gently and firmly encouraged us. “This is not about you,” they said. “It’s about Joyce’s safety as she travels to Patten. Please think about it.”

At first, it was hard to receive such a gift. After much thought and consultation with the Clacks, we decided to go ahead and have the snow tires installed.

What a difference it made!

Just a few days later, I led a funeral and committal service in Mars Hill. The cemetery was hilly, and the snow had not been plowed. On another day, while visiting members who live out in the country, I felt a new sense of safety and confidence. Joyce also shared how much more secure she feels, especially when driving locally in Patten.

Now we say to each other, “How did we ever live without snow tires?” We were deeply grateful for the care and thoughtfulness of our leaders and our church family. In response, we felt led to offer a thanksgiving offering of our own to the church. 

And then the story continued...

This morning, I learned that Stetson Memorial Church in Patten had also sent a generous gift to Houlton to help cover the cost of the snow tires. What a beautiful and unexpected surprise!

In the end, we all became richer - Houlton, Patten, and the Hans. This feels like a true gift economy, a grace economy. It is not simply give and take. We receive everything as a gift, and we give everything as a gift - freely, with no strings attached.

I always pray that our church would be the most loving place in town. In moments like this, I see a glimpse of that prayer being answered.

Joyce and I are truly grateful to be part of this beloved community. We thank God, and we thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.

In Christ's Love, 

Pastors Victor & Joyce