21st Pastoral Anniversary

Today our congregation celebrated my husband's 21st year pastoring and my 7th year pastoring alongside him. Twenty-one years as a pastor is remarkable and especially so because my husband has NEVER received a salary. He has always worked fulltime along with pastoring. I also work fulltime and pastor.

We know our members care about us: they went all out to demonstrate what we mean to them. We walked into the sanctuary that had been transformed for the celebration. Love was obvious in every detail. The order of service included a poem, praise dance, Bible verses recited from memory from the youth, and three "mini sermons" from out ministry team. The presence and power of God was palpable. After worship we were given gifts, an offering (that we KNOW was a SACRIFICE), and a delicious dinner had been prepared. We were so blessed by everyone's participation and all the effort that was obvious in everything.

The most precious part of today however, was not in the preparation, or the gifts, or the dinner. The best part of today was knowing that each member is doing their best to live for God. THAT is what pastoring and ministry is all about. The spiritual growth that is evident in EACH of their lives is the BEST appreciation we could ever have.

THANK YOU, Vineyard Family, for LIVING the GOSPEL!

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