Dear First Pres Family:

What a weekend we just had together!

From the "Meet and Greet" on Saturday evening to the Sunday worship services and congregational meeting, Marta, Lauren, Emily and I were (and are) simply overwhelmed by the warmth and energy of your welcome!

Friends of ours who have spent time in Houston told us the best part of your great city is the people. My friends, they don't know the half of it! We can't wait to claim Houston as our "home town" and to feel a part of the wonderful First Pres family.

I also want to thank you for putting your trust in the Lord as he revealed himself to you and to us through the call process. As I mentioned in my sermon on Sunday, I consider it a great honor and privilege to be trusted with the leadership of this church. It was such a delight to meet much of the staff over the weekend and I am so very excited to become a part of this wonderful team. I look forward to getting to know you, to gaining your trust and to working together with you on the incredible vision Christ has for our future together.

Finally, I hope you will find a way to truly celebrate the incredible individuals who gave so much of themselves in order to serve as your PNC. Though I suspect I am a bit biased, I believe they all represented you with grace, transparency, humor and vision. I am grateful for their hard work and I know you are as well.

As I said on Sunday, I can't wait to get started!

Yours in Christ,
Jim Birchfield