Ministry Appreciation

Rev. Josh Patty

Regional Minister & President

In this Month of the Ministry, I’m grateful for the many worship leaders – pastors, musicians, elders, deacons, technical crew, and office staff – who enhance our worship services. Thank you for your efforts, especially your passion, your diligence, your faithfulness, and the ways that you have stretched yourself to help other people connect with God.  

Sometimes we wonder if creativity is appreciated – how often do we feel the pushback of “we’ve always done it that way”? And sometimes we may wonder why we tried something, especially if it fell short of our hopes. I believe our efforts are appreciated more than we know. When I ask people what they love or appreciate about their congregation, many have shared examples of leaders trying new things.

Thank you! Please recognize that God is still working on you and inviting you to experience and share faith in new and expanding ways. Trust that God hopes you’ll share at least some of this helping others in worship to experience and share their own faith in new and expanding ways.

As part of our appreciation for worship leaders, our region will provide a recorded sermon for use after Christmas. I will preach, “Glory Shines Around,” based on Luke 2:8-14. This is also the theme for the 2026 Christmas Special Offering, which supports our regional ministry. Ministers and congregations will receive an email with instructions on accessing the sermon on or before December 22.