This is a difficult time for church workers. Opportunities to gather with their people have dwindled, and workloads have increased dramatically. They have had to learn new technologies and face new challenges. They are working hard to find ways to care for their flocks.
As LCMS President Matthew C. Harrison said in a recent video on thanking church workers: “Your pastors and other church workers need your love now. They are Christ’s gifts to give us His gifts. Please show your love by caring for them and by saying ‘thank you.’”
Watch the video – ASL availableHere are some suggestions for ways to show your gratitude and support for your pastors, teachers, church musicians, deaconesses, and other church workers:
Mail a thank-you note: Download and print one of these cards or postcards, color it, and write a note to your pastor or church worker. Address it to them and mail it to your church’s address.
Record a video message: While you may be seeing your pastor or church workers on a livestream, they miss seeing you! Record a short video of you or your family singing a hymn, reading a psalm, or sharing words of encouragement and thanks. Send it to your church worker, and share it as well on social media to show your support publicly!
Create sidewalk art: Write a Bible verse or a thank-you message (“Thank You, Pastors!”, “Thank You, Lutheran Schoolteachers!”, etc.) on the sidewalk and share a photo of your art on social media.
Give financial support: Support your church workers in this time of financial strain with an extra donation to your church or by sending them a VISA or other gift card. You might tuck this inside your thank-you note!
Show support on social media: Visit the LCMS Facebook Page to access social-media shareables and profile picture-frames with messages of support for church workers.
Pray: Above all, your church workers need prayer. Pray for these workers and let them know you are doing so.
Use the hashtag #LCMSThankYous when sharing your thank-you notes, video messages, sidewalk art, etc., on social media.