A printable PDF can be found at the end of this article.
Pastors, deaconesses, directors of Christian education, teachers and other church workers spend so much of their time caring for us. A simple and meaningful way to demonstrate your gratitude is by putting together a thoughtful “WE CARE” package filled with items and treats that they enjoy. Let’s show them the love and care they deserve!
Here are a few ideas to help you get started:
- Pray for your Church Worker.
- Personal note of thanks and prayer for them (downloadable cards available on the LWML website at lwml.org/church-workers-in-mission).
- Devotional for teachers, “Splashes of Grace” from Concordia Publishing House.
- “Coupons” for babysitting so church worker and spouse can have a date night (optional: offer to pay their trusted babysitter).
- Restaurant gift cards for date nights.
- Remember their birthday and anniversary.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Pocket tissues.
- Band-Aids.
- Small sized pain reliever (e.g., Tylenol or Advil).
- Powdered energy drink mix with caffeine.
- Energy bars / granola bars.
- Trail mix packets.
- Hard candy/ mints.
- Cough drops.
- Lip balm.
- Hand cream.
- Scented candle.
- Refreshing lotion for feet.
- An eye mask or neck wrap.
- Gift card to a local coffee shop.
- Gift card to a local store where school or church supplies may be purchased.
- A mug or small desk plaque with an encouraging Bible verse such as Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6).
- Membership at a gym or health club.
- Healthy snacks.
- Tickets to sporting events that they enjoy.
- Tickets to concerts or theatrical productions that they would enjoy.
- Books, CDs, or DVDs on topics that interest him/her.
- Supplies (or gift cards from suppliers) for crafts or hobbies they enjoy.
Things to Do for Your Church Worker:
- Share baked goods, homemade foods, and/or homegrown fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Organize a group of volunteers to help with home repairs.
- Recognize your pastor/church workers on their ministry anniversary.
- Invite your pastor/church worker to your home for a meal, family gathering, or special event.
- Sponsor an Appreciation Day for your church worker (pastor, DCE, teacher, deaconess).
- If you have a problem with them, talk to them directly.
- Be involved in the church. Attend worship regularly, join a Bible study, volunteer.
- Speak well of your church worker.
Cards of Encouragement:
- For Pastor Appreciation (October), or Teacher Appreciation Week (May), DCE Appreciation (June), or Church Worker Appreciation (October). You may use one of these texts or write your own:
- Thank you — for the countless times you have stretched out your hands in service to others in times of need.
- Thank you — for the early Sunday mornings and many hours in preparations for your great sermons.
- Thank you — for the thousands of prayers you have prayed for your congregation and others.
- Thank you — for the time spent out of church to help those who needed help or needed a friend.
- Thank you — for not judging people and embracing everyone with open arms.
- Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end (KJV).
- What I pray for you: Guidance for the paths your feet will daily follow. Wisdom for the counsel you are asked to give. Compassion for those you are called upon to help.
- What I wish for you: Strength to stand for what is true and right even when there is opposition. Courage to press on, even when things seem routine. Perseverance to follow the desires God has placed in your heart, even when you doubt.
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What I give to you: Support for your leadership, appreciation for your calling and gifts, thanks for the person you are in Christ. God Bless you!
- Remember cards for special holidays like Valentine’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and especially their birthday and anniversary!
- A card or note for any time of year could include:
His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’ (Matthew 25:21).
A (Pastor/DCE/Deaconess/Teacher) devoted to giving so much,
God only knows all the souls that you touch.
Committed to serve when you answered God’s call,
you prove it by being a servant to all.
You’re such a wonderful (Pastor/DCE/Deaconess/Teacher), filled with compassionate love. Your faith inspires one and all to honor the Lord up above!
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Related Resources
View more resources on the Church Workers in Mission webpage
