ADDENDUM: NOTES FOR THE WEEKS AHEAD

--October is Clergy Appreciation Month (or Pastor Appreciation Month). The denomination's Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee has prepared some thoughts on the occasion and ideas for expressing your gratitude in the weeks ahead. You can find those below. Be sure to take time to say thank you to your pastor and other clergy in your midst!

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Since the early 1990s, October has been recognized globally as Pastor Appreciation Month, with the second Sunday set aside as Pastor Appreciation Day.

Our pastors care for us through life’s most significant moments. Their work goes far beyond Sunday sermons — involving hospital visits, counseling, administrative leadership, and late-night emergency calls. Because much of this labor happens behind the scenes and requires strict confidentiality, ministry can often be isolating, impacting both pastors and their families.

Honor and rest are directly tied to long-term sustainability. Scripture calls us to actively value those who shepherd us:

"The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching." — 1 Timothy 5:17

"We ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you... Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work." — 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13

October gives us a dedicated opportunity to pour back into those who pour into us. Here are a few practical ways you and your family can show gratitude:

•  Personal Notes: Write a heartfelt card or letter sharing how their ministry has impacted your life.

• Tangible Blessings: Offer gift cards, a financial love offering, or dinner for their family.

• Acts of Service & Rest: Help lift operational burdens or encourage them to take dedicated rest and sabbath time. 

How will you and your family celebrate our pastors this month? Let’s make this a joyful, church-wide expression of love.

 Peacefully, simply, and together,

Harry Biddle, Chair

PCBAC

--The district office in Lombard has a new phone number! Going forward, please use 630-576-0276, ext. 800, to reach the district office directly. You can still email or contact Walt on his cell phone as before. 

--Community Peacemaker Teams--which has a Chicago office--is marking its 40th anniversary! To celebrate this milestone, CPT is hosting a special online gathering on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 11 a.m. Central that brings together stories spanning four decades of peacemaking, solidarity, and transforming violence and oppression. Sign up at cpt.org/forty.

--And note that we will hold a hearing on the proposed congregational withdrawal policy coming to district conference, sharing information from the team that drafted the policy and providing time to answer any questions. Contact the District Office for Zoom details for that opportunity on Oct. 17 (at 10:30 a.m. via Zoom)