As our Marshall First UMC continues with in-sanctuary worship (masks, social distancing, temperature checks and sanitation), my mom and I continue to take over special music for the first Sunday of every month. October 4 had us singing 3 duets and also announcing the Mission of the Month, which for October is the PASBF – Preachers Aid Society and Benefit Fund. It is also Pastor’s Appreciation Month, which gave me the opportunity to share with the congregation the following:

“The word for “Pastor” in Chinese is ‘mushi’ (牧师, moo-shuh), ‘mu’ meaning ‘sheep’ and ‘shi’ meaning Master – So a pastor is the Master of the Sheep. Let me now say, Pastor Bob, we, your sheep, feel cared for, loved and protected under your guidance, leadership and faithful spirit in the Lord. Speaking for myself and for our congregation, thank you, thank you, thank you.”

“And I will add that pastor’s wife also has an appropriate title and that is ‘shimu’ (师牧, shuh-moo), the meaning of which follows as Master of the Master of the sheep.  So we also wish to thank Barb for her constant support, behind the scenes, so to speak, of Bob and for partnering with him through his call to serving the church well as a UMC ‘mushi’. We are so very, very fortunate and blessed to have you both in our Marshall First UMC family.  Please join with me in showing our “thank you” with both applause and a hearty ‘Amen!’ “

Hope you enjoy our music (below link), Pastor Bob’s moving message and the selections of our amazing organist, Jo Sanders. We are so very blessed to have such leadership and talents within my home church, Marshall First UMC.

Connie and Priscilla: 1) “Come and See” 2). Mission Moment 3) “Oh, Lord, How majestic is thy name” 4) (after sermon) “Carry the Light”.