A month of gratitude, a ministry of presence

As October draws to a close, Clergy Appreciation Month offers an opportunity to recognize the clergy who walk alongside our congregations through the ordinary and extraordinary moments of parish life.

Throughout the diocese, gratitude takes many forms, sometimes as simple as gathering around a table, sharing a meal and celebrating the relationships built through years of ministry.

Here are two glimpses of that appreciation in action, shared with us by the communities of St. George’s, McAdam and the Parish of Restigouche.

Sixteen years of ministry in McAdam

At St. George’s Anglican Church in McAdam, the last Sunday of September brought a special celebration during the parish’s regular monthly potluck.

Parishioners gathered to celebrate the birthday of the Rev. Arnold Godsoe, who began serving St. George’s in 2010 alongside his late wife, Peggy.

Sixteen years later, Arnold continues to minister to the congregation, and it seems that they have no intention of letting him go!

According to Margaret Laking, parishioners have jokingly threatened to tie him to a chair if he ever announces he’s leaving.

It’s a lighthearted expression of affection shared between a congregation and a priest who has been part of its life for so many years.

A celebration of appreciation in Restigouche

On Sunday, October 18, the Parish of Restigouche marked Clergy Appreciation Month with a gift and a potluck luncheon following worship.

Among those celebrating was the Rev. Gordon Thompson, the parish’s retired priest, who was photographed cutting a cake during the gathering.

The celebration was another reminder that the relationships formed through ministry continue to matter, even as roles and seasons of service change.

Gratitude beyond October

While Clergy Appreciation Month provides an occasion to say thank you, the relationships it celebrates are built throughout the years—in worship, in moments of joy and sorrow and in the everyday life of our parish communities.

To all those who serve, and to the congregations who support and encourage them, thank you.

Photos: 
1 - The Rev. Gordon Thompson, retired, cutting cake (photo by Mark Franklin)
2 - Betty Lou Christie and Eric Christie enjoying a bowl of chili they made for the potluck (photo by Margaret Laking)
3 - A beautiful tribute to those who have served in ministry at St. George's Anglican Church in McAdam (photo by Margaret Laking)
4 - Cake for the Rev. Gordon Thompson (photo by Mark Franklin)
5 - Cake for the Rev. Arnold Godsoe's birthday (photo by Margaret Laking)