As fall approaches, many of us delight in the changing weather, seasonal treats and colorful leaves crunching under our feet. Another reason to celebrate the dawning of autumn and the start of October is the humble, yet important occasion of Pastor Appreciation Month. The second Sunday of October is a holy day, Pastor Appreciation Day, set aside to honor men and women of the church. Pastor Appreciation Day is a wonderful time to celebrate spiritual leaders, but the entire month is an occasion to cheer.
Pastor & Wife Award Plaque
Pastor Appreciation Plaque
Pastor Anniversary TributeMany Reasons to Celebrate
To some, thanking a pastor might be an obvious occasion for gratitude, but for those who haven’t held the day in high esteem in years past, consider this: serving as a pastor isn’t just a profession, it’s a calling. When someone commits themselves to leading a church, they don’t just pledge to compose a good Sunday sermon and greet families after the service wraps up. They become a true shepherd, taking prayer requests, offering spiritual guidance, leading committees and overseeing church finances. A pastor is truly on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week; and this isn’t something that changes the longer a pastor leads a church. When considering all this devotion, it becomes very clear why Pastor Appreciation Month and Pastor Appreciation Day must be observed with gifts, and celebration.
What to Give
Because every pastor is different, there’s no single gift that’s a buy one, suits all option. But there are so many kind gestures that can be tweaked and personalized to honor the pastor at your parish.
- “History” Book: For the sentimental congregations, and pastors celebrating many years with the same church, consider a history book, highlighting moments in your pastor’s career. Pictures are a given, but consider including sermon notes, excerpts from favorite hymns, beloved benedictions, a frond from Palm Sunday or petals from a specially officiated wedding or vow renewal. Press these memories between the pages of a beautiful leather album and consider stamping names and dates on the spine.
- Thank You Chain: Instead of ordering a vinyl banner thanking your pastor and hanging it for pastor appreciation day, have the kids and teens at your church decorate cards, draw pictures and write notes on square cardstock. Once they’re done with their creations, punch a hole in the upper left corner and string each card through twine, yarn or raffia. Hang your homemade banner in the fellowship hall so your pastor can enjoy each individually-created note of thanks. The cards make great souvenirs too!
- Crystal Creations: For a gift that’s both stylish and personalized, consider a beautiful, reflective crystal plaque with deep-etch engraving. These Pastor Appreciation Gifts from DiyAwards include an inscription at no additional cost, so you can engrave scripture or poetry and add a church seal or logo too. These pieces are high quality, timeless and the inscription won’t fade as the years go by. Perfect for display, these Pastor Day Appreciation Gifts truly stands the test of time.
