First I get this email:
Every October, pastor appreciation month, thousands of churches throughout the United States and other countries find special ways to honor and express gratitude for pastors...If you are actively involved with a church, undoubtedly you have a pastor, maybe some former pastors who are now retired, and other pastoral staff members. Many ministers will rejoice and be glad if you remember to express your appreciation to them in some way or in many ways. St. Paul wrote, “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers . . .” (Ephesians 4:11-12).
Then I find out:
October is GLBT History Month, a month-long annual observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, and the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements. It is observed during October in the United States, to include National Coming Out Day on October 11. First observed in 1994, Presidents Clinton and Obama have declared June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Pride Month, separate from this GLBT history month.
Am I the only one confused? For some it might not make a great deal of difference but for most churches the two represent a distinct gulf and distinction. Well, the thought was nice, anyway...
2 comments:
Well, I'm gonna let my congregation decide how they want to handle (or, preferably not) both of these causes.
Personally, neither of these "Hallmark holidays" interest me a great deal, but if/when I do receive a token of appreciation from someone for Pastor Appreciation Month, I am humbled and grateful, but thankfully my folks do not make a huge deal about it (unless they are plotting secretly....stand by).
Blessings in Christ Jesus.
Unfortunately for some ELCA pastors they will only get one gift this month.
Post a Comment