Appreciation.” Those cards are lovely, and beautiful to receive – but I also want to say that you as a congregation fully appreciate and honor your pastors year-round.

In 2021, you made a change that you didn’t have to make. You shifted my role from that of a Children’s Ministry Director to the Pastor of Families and Children. You didn’t have to make that shift. I wasn’t going anywhere. I love this community, and I feel called to serve in ministry with children and families here at The Grove. That process, that pastoral installation, and that season affirmed to me that you see the gifts and calling of your pastors, you appreciate us, and you love us well. Thank you!

So, this October, I’d like to offer a few ways that you might expand your appreciation of those who minister to you. While there are 4 of us on staff who have the credentials and calling of Pastor, there are others who serve as Ministry Directors or as Administrative staff. This church wouldn’t exist without them! They pour their hearts and souls into the work they do, and they all have moments where they respond pastorally to those who walk through our doors or call our phone number. Please take some time this month to write a note, expressing your thanks for the work they do in ministry here at The Grove.

I also encourage you to write a note or send a message to those who have served as your pastor in other places and seasons of life. When I think back on my journey, there are many women and men who helped shape who I am today. Who first shared God’s good news with you? Who has been a part of your life through the celebrations? Who has ministered to your heart in seasons of grief? Your appreciation doesn’t have to be limited to those who minister to you now. Reach out to someone who has impacted your spiritual journey and let them know how important they were in your life.

Finally, I would encourage you to find the story of someone who has served faithfully as a pastor and learn more about his or her journey. This year in our denomination, we celebrate 50 years of ordaining women to ministry. The Evangelical Covenant Church shared some of these stories in an article this past May. As I reflect on the stories I read, and as I live my own experience, it deepens my perspective on what it means to say yes to God’s call. Looking back over 2000 years of church history, imagine how many faithful men and women have answered God’s call. While their stories happen within different timeframes of history, I believe we can find encouragement and truth as we seek to understand their experiences.

Thank you for loving your pastors and appreciating us so well! While I can’t speak for my current pastoral colleagues, I have a hunch they might agree - You make this a lovely place to serve God’s people, year-round.