“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,” writes St. Paul in his letter to the Philippians (PHIL. 1:3).

With this same gratitude, we thank the more than 11,000 church workers who serve our Synod with the Word and mercy of Christ. For all church workers, from pastors to deaconesses, to teachers, to directors of Christian education, parish music, family life and outreach, who teach God’s Word and point us to Christ, we thank you. Our church workers dedicate themselves, day in and day out, to serving their church and school communities. That means it’s always the right time to show them our appreciation. To help the church be intentional in showing that appreciation, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) has set aside the month of October and other special days throughout the year to highlight different kinds of church workers and their service. You are encouraged to join with your brothers and sisters in Christ across the LCMS in using these opportunities to show appreciation to our church workers, who serve us in a multitude of ways as they preach, teach and care for God’s people in body and soul.

On Oct. 4, we begin our year of church worker appreciation by thanking God for our Pastor. In His great love and mercy, God cares for His people through the men serving in church work vocations. The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and Calvary Lutheran Church thank God for the faithful leadership of Pastor DeGroot and wish to express our gratitude to him this Sunday. Please join us in Hagen Hall for cake and ice cream after the service.