Clergy Appreciation – A Word of Gratitude to Pastor Washington & Ministerial Staff

As we celebrate and partake in Clergy Appreciation festivities, in the month of October, we wish to express these words of gratitude to our Pastor, Ministries, and Ministerial Staff. Ministry is a full-time service, and job. The hours are not so clearly defined as our life’s work, and much of what is done goes unseen, unrewarded, and sometimes unappreciated, and we recognize that it’s not just the Pastor’s job to visit the sick, pray for the needs of the people, and to encourage the down-trodden, or to be a light in a dark world. It is the duty of all who seek to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus speaks, and says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you to go and bear fruit- fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” John 15:16.

Our Clergy and Pulpit ministry, spiritually-led by Pastor Washington, is ably assisted by Rev. Dr. Kelvin Redmond, Bro. Vincent Golston, Bro Julius Jones, and Marshall A. Washington. Together with Pastor Washington, they all serve us in so many ways. Following a call to serve the Lord, as a pastor is a wonderful testament of your faith. God bless you richly as you serve Him in the years ahead. Our Administrative staff performs many tasks on our behalf, on duty during the week, taking care of the business of the church, in the person of Sis. Lee Quinones, Sis. Martha Everette, Deacon Craig Mitchell, and Bro. Marlon Washington. Whether it’s answering the phone, or cleaning the building, they have provided a place where we can come in and go out with great pride. Our Worship & Arts Ministry sets the atmosphere right whenever we gather. Whether it’s a Hymn of the Month, or just fresh, raw worship, the praise is always high, and reaches outside of our walls into the streets for all surrounding us to hear. Together with Sis. Carol D. Antrom, and Professor David James, Sis. Mercedes Golston, and Sis. Eniola Armoogan, our Choir’s, our Praise team, our Praise Dance Ministry, and our Drama Ministry gives definition to our praise, and we are always taken to higher heights, and deeper depths when you minister. This multi-faceted ministry is not just song, drama and dance, it’s the heartbeat of us all coming together in an unspoken language to Almighty God, expressing itself in movement of a heart that longs worship. Our Stewardship, Ministry of Trustees also serve us well, under the leadership of Trustee James Eason, and his team. They are diligent to make sure that our resources through our tithes, offerings and sacrificial funds are used for the upkeep and maintenance of our building, and for the edifying of the body of Christ here and outwardly. We hold them accountable and they are doing a great work in our behalf.                                                                                  

Our Serving Ministry in the person of our Deacons, led by Deacon Victor Lee Holder, Jr., and Deaconess, led by Deaconess Verlene Holder, his wife, are the armor-bearers for our Pastor and all who serve here at Shiloh. Subject to much scrutiny, you could not find a more willing group of people who want to serve the Lord, and the people of God. Not unlike the first bunch of “fishermen” chosen by God, coming from all backgrounds, having varied personal flaws, you follow our leadership with a commitment to serve. Our Door-Keepers, under the leadership of Sis. Altia White, Ushers, and Sis. Johnnie Parlor, Nurses, are always on post. Few in number, and limited in ability, you are not short on commitment either. Thank you for your watchful eyes in our sanctuary, and your spirit of true expression of hospitality to us and to all who come into our doors. Our Prayer Ministry is vigilant in prayers for us all; our sick and shut-in, our bereaved, our pastor, his family, and those who are going through life. We know that men ought always to pray, and it is comforting to know that they are praying for us even when we don’t know it. A prayerless church is a church without power. And where would we be without our Transportation Ministry. Comprised of committed drivers, who pick us up and drop us at our doorstep; who transports us on our missions, whether it be a trip to the doctor, or a fellowship at another church. Deacon Earl Armoogan, Deacon Dwayne Edwards, and their team of faithful, able, safe-drivers get us to where we need to go, and without complaining. How blessed we are! To everyone who serves, certainly to Pastor Washington, all of you have been such a joy and blessing to our congregation. The service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is it also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 2 Cor. 9:12-13. Thank you for your Christ-like witness. We have seen Christ’s love and compassion through you. Thank you for all you have done to make the fellowship and family-ship of our church so special.
 
 
Submitted By Deaconess Irene Gardon

One Response to “Clergy Appreciation – A Word of Gratitude to Pastor Washington & Ministerial Staff”

  1. Pastor Washington says:

    This is really touching

Leave a Reply