October is Pastoral Staff Appreciation Month

September 29, 2025

Did you know that October is Pastor Appreciation Month?

It should be Pastoral Staff Appreciation Month because Saint James has a team of 6 people working on the same project: proclaiming the love of God in word and deed with the people of this congregation.

This October I hope you will show your appreciation to:

·      Our Parish Steward, Linda Queck

·      Our Education Director, Rebecca Allison

·      Our Youth Director, Kristin Rodenberg

·      Our Cantor, Larry Christensen

·      Our Property Manager, Dave Dygert

This is an amazing group of creative individuals who love our congregation and give generously of their time and talents.

And the best way to express your appreciation is to “Show Up.”

Everything about our shared work is better when you show up: youth groups, children’s sermons, confirmation, worship, choir, Bible study, cleanup days, fellowship, yoga… Everything we do is better when you show up!

And just to be clear, let me say the same thing in the opposite way: everything we do is harder, more frustrating and discouraging when you don’t.

So this year, please no cards, no gift-certificates, no flowers on the altar; just show up.

Imagine the joy of it… running out of bulletins or coffee, setting up extra chairs, another out-of-control children’s sermon, choirs, acolytes, visitors… Just the idea of it makes me smile!

Just show up… October 4/5, 11/12, 18/19, 25/26.

Thank you,

Pastor Bill

©️2025 Pastor Bill Bernau. All rights reserved.