by Jo Wilson

I was thinking about Altadena Baptist Church and what a blessing it is to me. I often thank God for leading me here but probably do not really think about all that this entails and do not thank Him specifically for so many things that are found here. May we all consider:

Are we thankful enough?

For the two pastors (unusual for a church of our size) who:

  • Prepare and give meaningful sermons
  • Visit and counsel many
  • Perform baby dedications, marriages, baptisms, and funerals
  • Serve on many committees, teach Sunday School classes
  • Involved in Kiwanis, things at Fuller and many other seminars/meetings in the Altadena and Pasadena area
  • Oversee interns
  • On duty 24/7
  • Sure don’t do it for the money

Are we thankful enough?

  • That we are under Baptist General Conference; that we are autonomous; that we have a say in governing our church
  • That we can bring up ideas and concerns through our Deacons
  • That we can come to quarterly meetings and discuss and vote on recommendations submitted by our Deacons

Are we thankful enough?

  • For our Worship Department that plans the worship
  • For our Director of Worship and all the many talented singers and players that bless our musical worship, including our Gospel Choir

Are we thankful enough?

  • For our Education Department
  • For the nursery
  • For Sunday School from cradle to grave
  • For VBS for which ABC is famous

Are we thankful enough?

For our Member Care Department

  • Who watch for new people that attend and make them feel welcome
  • Who watch for and try to help people that have special needs or are going through challenges
  • Host showers
  • Visit people

Are we thankful enough?

For our Outreach Department

  • Who initiate outdoor services
  • Our presence at the L.A. Marathon and Rose Bowl Event (Gospel Choir and others)
  • Volunteers at Food Bank
  • Volunteers at Bad Weather Shelter
  • Youth Group on Wednesday nights which is an outreach to the neighborhood

Are we thankful enough?

For our Finance Department

  • Who work out the budget with input from various departments
  • Report to us and discuss with us how things are going
  • Give us recommendations

Are we thankful enough?

  • For our wonderful staff and officers that keep things running so smoothly
  • For our TLC groups where we can study God’s word, share our hearts and pray for each other
  • For our Missionaries who go forth to many countries in the world fulfilling the great commission that Jesus gave
  • That those of us that are alone at this time in our lives have an extended family here at ABC.