November 2025
Pastor’s Appreciation – The ROCK – November 2025 – Rev. Logan Landes
“For this reason, since I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.”
— Ephesians 1:15–17
St. Paul, with his inimitable eloquence and spiritual fervor, sets a magnificent example for those who are called to shepherd the flock of God. He embodies what pastoral leadership ought to be — steadfast, prayerful, and filled with gratitude for the saints entrusted to his care. I am under no delusion that I could be likened to such a man of faith and divine gifting, yet I am profoundly thankful that God provides in Paul an enduring model for every pastor’s heart.
Each October arrives with its customary observances, its feasts, and its familiar turning of the year. And yet, without fail, I forget that “Pastor Appreciation Month” is among them — until I am gently and wonderfully reminded by you, the saints of St. Peter’s, through your kind words and gracious acts of affection. Every note, every gesture of love humbles me anew. I am deeply moved by the thoughtfulness of a congregation that so generously cares for my family and for me. It is a rare and beautiful thing to be so thoroughly appreciated, and I receive your kindness with awe and gratitude. I am so appreciative to be appreciated for what little I do.
Do not misunderstand me: the pastor’s days are seldom idle. The rhythm of ministry allows little rest, and like many other vocations, the work seems to renew itself as soon as it is done. As soon as the “to-do” list has been checked complete, a new list of tasks and duties manifests before the day’s end. Yet Scripture has impressed upon me a crucial truth — that the true labor of the Church is not the work of the pastor at all, but the work of the Lord Himself. Whatever blunders emerge from my desk or my lips — those are mine; but whatever goodness, comfort, or spiritual fruit you perceive — those belong wholly to God. I am merely His instrument, an imperfect vessel through which He performs His perfect will. And for that, I am endlessly thankful. I am so privileged!
So, I thank you — for your cards, your gifts, your prayers, your smiles, and your love. All of it is undeserved, yet every expression of kindness leaves me astonished. And though “Pastor Appreciation Month” is most heartening, it stirs within me a whimsical thought: why is there no “Congregation Appreciation Month”?
Of course, there need be none. One month wouldn’t be enough, anyway! St. Paul himself has already written the perfect message of gratitude and he has already set the appropriate pastoral tone — his epistles overflow with gratitude for the faithful congregations of the Lord. From Rome to Corinth, from Ephesus to Philippi, from Colossae to Thessalonica, and even to dear Philemon, Paul pours out thanksgiving to God for His people. Again and again, he rejoices over their faith, their endurance, their love.
And I will join him in that chorus of gratitude. I thank my God for you — the beloved saints of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Middleburg and the surrounding communities. Not only for the generosity and tenderness you show to my family and me, though that touches me deeply. I thank God for your faithfulness to His Word, for your love toward one another, and for your steadfast devotion to Christ. It is both humbling and inspiring to behold. If you wish to see the love of Christ at work in this congregation, do not look toward the pastor’s office — look toward the people. There, in your hands, in your fellowship, in your compassion, the living Christ is most beautifully revealed.
When I reflect upon our years together, I can recall countless moments in which the love of the Lord has moved visibly among you — in your care for one another, in your stewardship and service, in your devotion to worship, and in your bold confession of the faith. I think of the embraces shared on Sunday mornings, the quiet generosity that provides for the needs of the Church- new altar décor and new flooring for the fellowship hall, the meals prepared for the sick, the cards and visits given to those in sorrow and those celebrating, the laughter and fellowship that fill our gatherings whether on Sunday or any other day of the week — even the joy of worship when the air falters or the water pipes misbehave! Nothing stops the saints of St. Peter’s from being together and worshiping the most wonderful Lord, Jesus Christ! All of it speaks of a congregation alive with the Spirit of Christ. All of it speaks to a congregation of faith.
So, like St. Paul, I can only conclude with the same confession of thanksgiving:
“I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints.” (Philemon 1:4–5)
As we stand together in worship, proclaiming our faith in the ancient ecumenical creeds, I do not speak those words lightly. I confess them with conviction, and with deep gratitude that I am counted among such a faithful family of God’s children. When we sing, I rejoice to lift my voice beside yours — our hymns becoming the shared heartbeat of our love for our Savior. I am moved to tears every time we sing these words together as we just did for our Reformation Celebration, “May we with saints be numbered where praises never end, in glory everlasting. Amen, O Lord, amen!” (LSB 941, We Praise You and Acknowledge You, O God)
Be assured: as you pray for me and my family, I, too, pray for you. It is the sacred duty — and the cherished privilege — of every pastor to intercede for his flock. I pray for each household and each soul by name. This is no great accomplishment; it is simply the least I can offer in return for the love you have shown me. And I know these prayers are not uttered into silence, for the Lord hears, and He answers.
“Pastor Appreciation Month” is indeed uplifting, and I am sincerely grateful for it. But hear me clearly: I appreciate you more than words can convey. My heart overflows with love and admiration for this congregation.
May the Lord keep St. Peter’s loving.
May He keep St. Peter’s caring.
May He keep St. Peter’s humble.
May He provide for all her needs.
And may He keep St. Peter’s faithful — even unto the end of the age.
Brothers and sisters, you have my deepest love and thanks.
More importantly still — you have the love of Christ Himself.
Praise be to God!
In Christ’s Name and in His love,
Pastor Logan Landes