“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.”
Acts 20:28 NIV
We are grateful to have this opportunity once again to express our love and gratitude to our Pastor, Reverend Herman Washington, and to the supporting pulpit ministry of our church. This is Clergy Appreciation Month. In Pastor Washington, we have a preacher-man committed to his calling. We have a Shepherd who takes watching over his flock seriously. Thank You Pastor Washington.
We all watched, over the last many months, as the world changed with the advent of Covid Pandemic 2020. Its impact caused a shift in everything we know to be true. Shaking and scattering the church. Forced to lock-down. Unable to come into worship. Unable to assemble ourselves together, in the way that we’re used to. Separated. Isolated. Not knowing how to keep one another safe. Unable to pray corporately. Unable to sing, or dance together, even wondering at times if our faith still works.
But our God is faithful. Through it all, Shiloh, we’re still here. Our doors are open again, and we are gradually making our way back to the House of God. Because Pastor Washington has remained faithful, and because he is our example, we now know for sure, if not ever before, that the church is not the just the building. It’s you and me. It’s us together. Thank You Pastor Washington.
As we reflect on all that has happened, personally, and corporately in the world, we recognize that Pastor Washington never lost sight of his God-given vision for Shiloh. To this day he keeps on going in spite of the challenges. Many Sunday mornings when we were sleeping in Pastor Washington was in the pulpit preaching and teaching the Word of God, and encouraging those of us who dared to fear. With prayer, and help from the best Media & Communications Ministry (MAC Team) in the world, we are now live and streaming, and the Word of God is going forth. Pastor is still teaching and preaching, and one by one, we’re making our way back to God.
This year we witnessed the licensing services of Ministers Marshall A. Washington, Vincent Golston, and Julius Jones, who have committed themselves to the great work of this ministry. Pastor Washington knew that this work would require those who have been called and prepared to serve in times like these. In addition to Rev. Dr. Kelvin Redmond, Marshall, Vincent and Julius are a testament to God’s faithfulness, and Pastor Washington’s obedience. We thank God for the wisdom that only he can give.
Pastor we want to take this time to thank you for praying for us, and for the sacrifices that you make. It is our prayer that you will have renewed strength. It is our prayer that wherever the gospel is preached it will take root. Where we have failed to be encouraging, we pray for change. Redefining our mission means getting on board with what God is doing. It means following the guidance of The Holy Spirit. It means taking our stewardship over what God has given us seriously. It means each one teaching one; and each one reaching one. I believe we have been able to endure hard times because you have borne our burdens with us. We know that you have petitioned God on our behalf and we have done likewise.
We recognize that pastoral ministry is a business like none other. And I think often times we forget that the Man of God is a man just like us. Pastor, for you and all who serve in our pulpit ministry, we pray that God will grant each of you humility and the wisdom to know that when you get weary and in need of rest, you can depend on Him. Finally, we will not cease to pray for you and the family. We will pray earnestly and with power. We pray for your health and protection. We pray that your soul be refreshed with the love of Christ. We pray that we will have faith for the future. Thank you for being our pastor, our brother and our friend.
~In recognition of Clergy Appreciation 2021 on behalf of Shiloh Church Family~
Submitted By Deaconess Irene Gardon