TO ALL FRIENDS OF THE PHILADELPHIA CHURCH PROJECT:

It's amazing how one church visit can change your life, isn't it? Back when I visited Our Lady of Hope a year ago, it was supposed to be a onetime thing. I never imagined that it would spawn a crazy project that would take me to all corners of the city, to good areas and bad, and throw me into contact with comedian pastors, jiving gospel choirs and kissing parishoners. Oh, and we've seen some pretty amazing buildings, too.

I would like to thank everyone who helped make the Philadelphia Church Project possible--the parishes that have welcomed us with open arms, the dedicated fans who have shared so many of their own experiences and the people who are doing the dirty work behind the scenes. The Project would be nowhere without all of you!

With one year under our belt, here's hoping for an even better second one. We're starting to gain steam and, judging by your comments, we've hit on something huge. Look for a bigger and badder Philadelphia Church Project in 2008, with more ridiculous buildings, more snappy commentary and more sidesplitting irreverence.

All the Best,

The Project

P.S. Birthday gifts are both encouraged and appreciated.