CELEBRATING THE DIFFERENCE JESUS MAKES!

A Visit from the Mayor

This past Sunday we concluded a series of messages where each week we talked
about the importance of not just GOING to church but BEING the church. The
previous Sunday we actually modeled it by sending people out, during the
worship service, to several different projects. We have received much
positive feedback from those who participated.

Well, imagine our surprise when the Mayor of Knoxville, Harv Sprafka,
stopped by the church office on Friday. He had a letter of appreciation
that he wanted to share with Celebrate. The following is what he wrote:

Dear Pastor Gary and Celebrate Community Church members:
On behalf of the city of Knoxville, I want to recognize and thank you for
the varied service activities you performed on Sunday, October 7 th.

Although I was out of state that special day, I have seen the results and
heard so many positive comments about Celebrate’s Faith in Action projects.
The weeding of the perennial flower garden at City Hall and the painting of
the Chamber of Commerce meeting room are but two examples of jobs that I saw
done with my own eyes but I have heard of countless other acts of caring
that people have reported to me. The pruning of the trees, weeding and
distribution of mulch at the Knoxville Senior High School; raking of mulch
at West Elementary; trash pick up on the grounds at the VA; visiting the
shut-ins and other service activities are not only commendable but also
instructive and grounds for celebration.

Please accept this letter of appreciation from a grateful community.

Mayor Harv Sprafka
I thought it was very kind and thoughtful of Mayor Sprafka to hand deliver the letter. Again, I want to thank everyone who participated! †
Pastor Gary