From the Culture:
NYC Woman Writes 4,000 Thank You Cards to Police Officers: ‘Grateful for Your Service’
In a recent article at The Daily Citizen, Zachery Mettler showcases the kindness of one woman and the impact it has on the lives of New York police officers. Hopefully, this article uplifts your spirit and also inspires you to find ways, even small ways, to add some goodness into the world.
One of my favorite movie quotes comes from Gandalf in Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, who gives his take on the overarching battle of good against evil.
“I have found,” Gandalf says, “that it is the small things, the everyday deeds of ordinary folks, that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love.”
Maybe I like that quote because it gives me hope that everyone, no matter how insignificant they may seem to the eyes of others, can change the world for good.
One such example of a seemingly ordinary woman doing extraordinary things comes from a recent story out of New York City.
“…it gives me hope that everyone, no matter how insignificant they may seem to the eyes of others, can change the world for good.”
Coretta James, a resident of Queens, New York, is on a mission.
Over the last four years, she has spent the last four years writing handwritten thank you cards to members of the New York Police Department (NYPD).
So far, she’s given out 4,000.
“I have tremendous respect for the uniform: military, firemen and cops,” James told The New York Post in an interview. “They are not used to being thanked. And I feel for them. They need encouragement. I used to see guys with 30 or 35 years on the job but no longer.”
The text of her cards is simple, yet sincere. She writes in each one:
“Thank you for your service in the NYPD. It takes a special person to take a job that every time you put on your uniform, you put your life at risk . . . Grateful for your service.”
According to The Post, “James typically takes stacks of epistles into a precinct and asks whomever is on duty for specific names of police present, so she can personally address the notes before giving them out. Each envelope is adorned with an American flag sticker.”
These cards have made a big impact on the police officers who have received them.
After James delivered one of her cards to an officer, he told her, “In my 26 years on the job, this is my first thank-you card I’ve gotten.”
“It made me realize what I was doing was very much needed,” James said in recounting the story.
But she isn’t done yet.
There are 36,000 cops with the NYPD, and she intends to handwrite a thank you note to every one of them.
“I have a lot of writing to do,” she told The Post.
James is hoping she can inspire others to write to the police officers in their area.
“I hope people join in and do this in their own communities,” she said. “It’s really so needed.”
Do you have ideas for spreading kindness in our community? Share your thoughts or stories of how you’ve changed the world for good in small ways! Send an email to communications@myfpc.org and be featured in future Connectors.
Or, just continue reading this newsletter for opportunities to encourage others, volunteer your time, or make donations to people in need!
Starting next Sunday, October 17, we have TWO opportunities for adults between services. In the conference room, there is the adult connection group with Christa Schmeelk. Downstairs, there will ALSO be a DVD Bible Study by David Jeremiah, led by Carolyn Harris. We hope you enjoy participating in one of these classes!
Church Landscaping Committee Meeting
Wednesday, October 13 | 7 pm
Gathering Space
RJ Binau, Building and Grounds Elder, is hosting a Church Landscaping Committee meeting Wednesday, October 13 a 7 pm in the Gathering Space. Any interested church members that would like to participate in the short and long-range planning of our church’s landscaping needs are invited to attend. See you on the 13th!
Donation Opportunities
Waunakee Neighborhood Connection Hygiene Product Collection
October 10-20 | Collection Bin in the FPC Entryway
From October 10 – October 20, FPC is hosting a collection drive of hygiene products for the Waunakee Neighborhood Connection. Bring your donation of paper towels, tissues, toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hairbrushes, nail clippers, shampoo, soap, or similar items and place them in the collection bin in FPC’s front entryway.
Afghan Refugee Donations
Until October 31 | Collection table in FPC’s Fellowship Hall
We are extending the deadline to October 31 for donations to benefit Afghan refugees. Nearly all Afghan families are arriving with only the clothes on their backs, so needs are immense. Donations of clothing (including undergarments) for adults and children, hygiene items as well as baby care items are requested. They are currently prioritizing the need for warm winter clothing. Drop off your new or gently used donations in Fellowship Hall during church office hours: Monday through Thursday, 10 am-4 pm.
Once again, the deacons will be sending out care packages to college students and military personnel. We will send the packages in early November. If you have someone in the military or a college student who could use a little TLC in the form of a care package, please provide their name and address by calling the church office at 615-949-9445 or sending an email through the link below.
All names and addresses must be received by October 31.
October is Pastor Appreciation Month
FPC is blessed with pastors who care deeply about their flock and work tirelessly and with great creativity, day after day, to ensure our spirits are cared for and fed. Let’s all take some time to notice and encourage Pastors Kirk and Ben and send a note or email, make a phone call—or choose whatever means you prefer to express your thanks.
“And now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love.”
1 Thess. 5:12-13, The Message
Student Ministry Newsletter
Join us in the youth room on Sunday mornings at 9:45 for connection with others, watching funny videos, and having meaningful discussions about the relevance of God in our lives. Plus, you can also meet up with us on Wednesday nights at 7 pm.
Read this weeks’ newsletter for music, laughs, and upcoming Graceland events.
WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS | October 10, 2021
THIS WEEK:
Join us for a fall colors hike at the Gibraltar Rock trailhead (outside of Lodi) on October 9 at 2 pm. Contact Ezrah Schmeelk with questions!
THIS SUNDAY:
We need volunteers! There are 4 openings at the adult table and 5 openings at the student table. Contact Glenn Myers, Mission Elder to claim your spot.
Join us Sunday, October 17 at 1 pm at the Dog Park in Waunakee for some fun! Dogs are optional! Anyone is welcome! 951 West Main Street. Contact Christa Schmeelk for more info: cschmeelk@myfpc.org
Trunk or Treat
Saturday, October 30 | 2 – 3 pm
Please sign your vehicle up to participate. We can’t wait to see all the creative costumed vehicles this year!
Also, check out our wish list of items, We are also looking for donations of candy and treats as well. Donations can be dropped off in the church office.
For those that want to walk the Trunk or Treat trail, you are welcome to arrive any time between 2-3 pm on October 30. Look for signs where to park and where the trail begins!
Linda Ladwig is having a second knee replacement. Prayers for a speedy recovery and healing.
Prayers for the high school seniors who were killed tragically on October 2. It was a rainy Saturday night, in the Town of Middleton, when their car was hit from behind at an exceedingly high speed. Pray for the families as they grieve their loss. Also, pray for the young 21-year-old driver who must live with these consequences for life.
Stephen Ministry at FPC: Providing God’s Care to Hurting People
What is this ministry about?
Extensively trained and supervised Stephen Minister Caregivers provide high-quality, one-on-one confidential Christian care to anyone in need. They provide weekly visits and ongoing support as long as the care receiver needs. Should the care receiver have needs that are beyond the scope of a Stephen Minister Caregiver, they are referred to professional caregivers.
What kind of care is offered from a Stephen Minister?
- CRISIS CARE – For people experiencing change(s) that significantly challenge their ability to cope.
- FOLLOW-UP CARE – After the crisis event.
- CHRONIC CARE – For a person whose situation is unlikely to change.
- PREVENTIVE CARE – Providing care before a crisis occurs.
- SUPPORTIVE CARE – Care for the caregiver.
How can I find out more about this ministry?
Call the church office at 608-949-9445, or reach out to a pastor or deacon. Stephen Minister Caregivers don’t replace the care of pastors and deacons. They carry it a step further.
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