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Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. What sets it apart for me is that it invites us—maybe more than any other day of the year—to slow down and reflect. In a culture so often driven by consumerism and status, Thanksgiving stands out as a humble reminder to pause and recognize the blessings we might otherwise overlook. It nudges us to look past the daily grind and notice the abundance of love, friendship, and grace woven into our lives.
For this month’s newsletter, I’ve asked a few of our planters to do exactly that: to pause, reflect, and share—in their own words—what they’re grateful for in this season of church planting.
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“This fall, the message of grace hit me in a fresh and illuminating way. It’s so easy to become numb to the profound truths we traffic in. But I was recently struck anew by the gravity of my sin, nothing particularly shocking, just my own selfish fallenness. Rather than making me feel bad about myself, I was overwhelmed with gratitude: my life is so beautiful and filled with opportunities I don’t deserve. Evergreen is one of these gifts of grace, and I am so thankful they are helping us spread this spectacular joy in the Pacific Northwest.”
~ Jesse Lusko, Counterculture Church • Portland, OR
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“It has been such an exciting season for our church in so many ways— life change stories, generosity leaders, numerical growth, and more. Of course, I feel deeply indebted not only to the committed people of Generations Church, but also to the partnering churches who believed in me and in us when it was only a vision. Each are making us a better, stronger and healthier church. I honestly can’t imagine where we’d be without the caring, coaching, and support of Evergreen Network.”
~Sol Rexius, Generations Church • Eugene, OR
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“One of the things I’m most thankful for in this season of church planting is the strength and blessing it has brought to our marriage. The gift of serving alongside my wife Caitlin as we invest in eternity and love the people of Seattle has brought so much joy into our lives. That, of course, comes with challenges, but far more rewards. Our marriage is better because we’ve joined it to a greater kingdom purpose. We are both so grateful for the care and covering of Evergreen. Toney’s wisdom, counsel, and steady encouragement have helped carry us through this journey.
We thank God for his leadership and friendship as we’ve learned to navigate waters that are completely new to us.”
~Filmore Bouldes, OneChurch • Seattle, WA
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“During this season of church planting in Portland I am so grateful for seeing new people come to faith in Jesus! From neighbors to co-workers to random strangers we have seen God moving in people's lives in some really inspiring ways. We are grateful for seeing others take new steps of faith that include: connecting in community groups, confession, prayer, and deeper discipleship. We are giving thanks for how God has brought support, encouragement and wisdom through Evergreen so that we are able to step into this vision and mission God has put in our hearts.”
~Tim Coburn, Society Church • Portland, OR
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“I’m grateful for God finding me faithful and calling me into this ministry. I’m grateful for an incredible group of people who have believed in the vision of Odyssey Church and have partnered with us to see this dream become a reality. I’m grateful for the lives and families that already have been transformed in our community because of our church. I’m grateful for my wife Leah and our girls who are fully committed to seeing God’s kingdom advance here in the Seattle area. I’m grateful for the incredible support, coaching, and encouragement that we have received being a part of the Evergreen Network. God is building his church and we’re just extremely grateful for the work he is doing in our lives and in our city!”
~Zeb Greenfield, Odyssey Church • Tukwila, WA
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“I am extremely grateful and thankful for this season of church planting and how God has used Evergreen Network to propel our new church forward. Toney and the team have equipped us with the tools necessary to ensure that the impact we are making in the Lakewood, WA area is sustainable and transformational. Their guidance, resources, and unwavering support have been instrumental in helping us build a strong foundation for ministry. We, here at The Cove, are so thankful for the partnership, wisdom, and encouragement Evergreen has provided as we pursue God's calling in our community.”
~EJ Brown, The Cove • Lakewood, WA
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I’m deeply grateful for the privilege of running alongside these incredible leaders. They inspire me, stretch me, and constantly remind me to thank God for their lives and their willingness to step out in faith. It’s amazing to witness what God is doing across our region.
I also find myself daily thanking God for each of you who choose to partner with us. Your support is adding fuel to the fire of what God is already doing here, and none of this would be possible without you.
Thank you for walking this journey with us. Happy Thanksgiving, friends.
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