You may have heard that October is Clergy Appreciation Month. I know that none of us serve Jesus and his church for the appreciation, accolades, or affirmations we might receive.
I also know, though, how meaningful it is when appreciation is offered, and how much encouragement and stamina we receive, with just a phone call or email of affirmation. It can give so much energy and gratification to know that our efforts to be vessels of God’s grace, challenge, and comfort are landing somewhere, somehow, with someone. So, I hope that you know that your leadership and ministry are appreciated and valued by your community of faith and the wider church, not just this month, but year-round.
And, I offer my own thanks to you, for your leadership in Christ’s church, in all the ways you offer it! My friend and colleague, the Rev. Karen Millard of Lynn Valley United Church, offered these words of gratitude in a group this week, and gave her permission for me to share it with you:
Thank you
for the early Sunday mornings & the late Wednesday nights
for the seeds you plant & disciples you nurture.
Thank you
for the sermons you preach & the prayers you lift up
for the wise counsel & the words of encouragement.
Thank you
for creating services even when you are tired
for inspiring hope and promise even when you doubt.
Thank you
for sitting at the bedside of the ill and dying
for celebrating baptisms and mourning deaths.
Thank you
for caring for others when you need care yourself
for offering light when it feels like the world is overwhelmingly dark.
Thank you
for folding bulletins and creating power points
for showing love to people you’d rather walk away from.
Thank you
for hours of emails and administration
for building projects.
Thank you
for setting up chairs and tables and doing dishes
for listening to your congregation even when you don’t feel heard.
Thank you
for the sacrifice and service
for all the love you give and show and offer.
I give thanks to God for you, for the ways you allow God to work in and through you, and bear witness to the gospel in your words, actions and living.
You may also know, that this Friday, October 10 is World Mental Health Day. Many of us in church leadership know that mental health is vital to human flourishing, but don’t always know how to help others who are struggling. This is late notice, but you may be interested in the Church Mental Health Summit, happening online on Friday (and free). How do we show up for others, when we’re running on empty? How do we equip our communities of faith, when we’re still learning too? How do we turn good intentions, into practical care that makes a difference? You can find more information here: Church Mental Health Summit | Free Online Event for Ministry Leaders
I’ll be taking part so I’ll let you know what speakers and resources I find most helpful!
We also have three ways to support and nurture you during Advent- free resources for small groups and worship by Prayer Bench, a special online Advent worship service with our new Moderator, and a weekly online clergy group with Janice MacLean. Find details for all of these offerings here.
Thanksgiving blessings,
Michelle
