This is Pastor Weon, and I wanted to write this note to express my affection for you. Words are often not enough to adequately express my love and affection for you. I find myself wandering around many of you to make a conversation, and I appreciate that you welcome my presence with a smile or a respectful greeting. It’s not easy to feel connected, whether it be because of the age gap, culture, language. In fact, it’s easy to feel awkward.Despite the many differences and gaps, I am grateful that at the core, we have a common bond.

You probably remember our fall retreat. For three days, we worshipped together, cheered during games, and ate together. We were more than just acquaintances, we were a church (= family) with a shared faith. Since that day, we drew closer and came to understand each other more than ever before. Our connection is deepening beyond just saying hello to each other. Today’s joint Thanksgiving service is another step towards that deeper connection. It’s truly something to be thankful for.

Grace Church is entering the era of Grace 3.0. I will be retiring at the end of next year (2024) and God will bring a new pastor to this church several months before that. I may not be able to see you as often after I retire, but please know that you will always remain in my heart and prayers. I know that other adults in the church love you more than you know. They genuinely cherish you more than themselves. They are on their knees fervently praying for you that you would love and believe in Jesus more than them. You are very precious as God’s people. We know how much you love and understand the older generation. We know how much you zeal to build God’s church, and how much you struggle to ground yourselves as immigrants in this land. At the end of it all, let’s remember the sacrifices of each other and love each other deeper with understanding and respect.

As your senior pastor, I bless you and urge you to live by faith. Consistently read the Bible. Overcome challenges of these times. Walk the narrow path. Be great not only in faith, but also have decency. Live lives worthy of heavenly praise and reward. As adults, we will pray for you. Let’s build this church together through prayer. Words can’t fully express our love for you, so I conclude with these words: I love you and I bless every one of you in the Lord. I grace YOU!! We grace YOU!! [Weon]