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Dear Valued Partner,
National Pastor Appreciation Month is just around the corner! In October, we will celebrate clergy across the denomination who dedicate their lives to ministry. We invite you to join us in raising awareness about this month-long celebration and act within your organization in ways that show our clergy gratitude.
It has been a challenging year for clergy. The impacts of COVID-19, social/racial injustice, and the ongoing uncertainty within the UMC weighed heavily on clergy and were reflected in Wespath’s 2021 Clergy Well-being Survey. The survey results show a continued downward trend in clergy well-being since the survey was launched nearly a decade ago.
Healthy clergy are essential for a healthy Church. Wespath is committed to taking action to stem this downward trend and better support clergy well-being (see “What’s Next” in the survey results). We also believe that, as a denomination, we can come together and reflect on how the environment surrounding our clergy may influence their well-being.
Take Action!
Please consider taking one of the following actions in October to show appreciation for clergy:
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Show gratitude locally: Organize something meaningful for the pastor at your local church that specifically supports their well-being. Not sure where to start? Here are 50 suggestions that might spark some ideas. The Lewis Center also has several ideas. |
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Spread the word: Forward this e-mail or share these sentiments with key lay members of the conference, including staff, lay leaders, S/PPRCs and others who can positively impact a clergy’s work environment. Please invite them to join us in calling attention to Pastor Appreciation Month. |
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Share on social media: Express gratitude to UMC pastors on social media and highlight how you’ve decided to recognize your pastor and their well-being. Tag your post with #UMCClergyRock or find and share our posts on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. |
Thank you for all you do to support the Church and its clergy.
Sincerely,
Tony Prestipino
Wespath, Director
Plan Sponsor Relations |
Kelly Wittich
Wespath, Director
Health and Well-being |
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