October is Pastor Appreciation Month.
One of the definitions of appreciation is ‘the act of estimating the qualities of things and giving them their
proper value’. We’re taking the month of October to make sure our Pastor knows just how valuable she is to
us.
Pastoring must be one of the most selfless acts of service there is. To put the needs of others before yourself,
to love without expecting anything in return and to give until you are spent are no easy tasks. Not everyone is
capable of this role. A pastor is a shepherd. A shepherd’s job is to tend for an entire flock of sheep while at
the same time assessing the condition of each individual sheep and attending to their specific needs. It takes
intuition and compassion to seek out those sheep that are lost or hurting; but when a shepherd is familiar with
their flock, they can easily find and help those who have lost their way.
Our flock is especially blessed to have such an amazing shepherd. Pastor Adrienne is a physical extension of
the love of Christ. She’s pushed past her own hurt and grief to make sure the sheep entrusted to her care are
tended to with a tender, but firm hand. Over the past year she has taught us how to keep going. She’s taught
us fortitude, resilience, and devotion. Even during her own personal challenges she’s put her flock before
herself. Through every assault of the enemy, physically and mentally, she pushed past the limitations of her
natural self. She gave when she felt empty, she pushed when she had no strength left and she loved through
her own grief. Rather than quitting when she lost a part of herself, she picked up the mantle her beloved
husband left behind and she continued forward.
It was difficult for the church to lose such a strong pillar. Pastor Eddie was the epitome of what we all should
desire to be as followers of Christ. He loved and gave when there was no earthly reason for him to do so. He
had the ability to make all those who knew him feel like they were the most important person in the world.
Whether you needed a toilet fixed or healing in your body, he was there to serve and beseech heaven on your
behalf. I’m sure we’ll never fully realize the countless hours he spent in prayer for all of us. How he stood in
the gap for his sheep, petitioning the father for the betterment of his flock.
Every month should be pastor appreciation month because there just aren’t enough days for us to adequately
express the gratitude or ways in which both of these individuals have enhanced our lives and helped us to be
more than we thought possible. Pointing someone to Christ is the most valuable gift that can be given. They
have enriched us. Let us take this opportunity to demonstrate our gratitude.
Pastor Adrienne, the church is so appreciative of your sacrifices. We have cried with you and now we are
ready to rejoice, move forward, and continue to carry on the charge that Pastor Eddie left to all of us. We
would not be where we are today as a body if you had not been willing to stick by us. We honor you for your
years of service to us and to the Lord. We’re so grateful for your prayers and petitions to the Father on our
behalf. Look around, you’re making a difference! The light of Christ shines through you and we are drawn to
that. You are a beacon of hope to us during this dark time in history and as the return of the Lord draws near.
Thank you for shepherding us. Thank you for caring for us as a body and as individuals. Thank you for loving
us through our flaws and encouraging us to get back up when we fall. Thank you for giving us the tools we
need to succeed in this walk and for reaching down deep to give of yourself even when you felt like there was
nothing left.
We pray the Lord blesses you always. That he will continue to preserve you and strengthen you for His
purpose because you are a blessing to us. Your love feels like home and your smile can brighten any dark
room. Thank you for all you do. We love you.

-M. Miller