A couple of years ago I developed a litany of appreciation for the work of the staff of Salem Presbytery. I share it with you in hopes that you will adapt it to show appreciation for the hard work of the people who serve in your presbytery.

Psalm 111

Prepared by Stephen McCutchan

Adapted in Celebration of Salem Staff

(Leader) “Praise the Lord! (We) will give thanks to the Lord with (our) whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.

 
(People) We celebrate the ministry of Sam Marshall, our General Presbyter, who offers love and compassion in the interest of God’s work in Salem Presbytery.

 
(Leader) “Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.”

 
(People) We celebrate the creative ministries of Lemuel Garcia who has brought his loving spirit to nurture God’s people in North Carolina and beyond.

 
(Leader) “Full of honor and majesty is God’s work, and God’s righteousness endures forever.”

 
(People) We lift up Diane Wright’s ministries on behalf of the African American churches in our presbytery and now extends creative compassion to all of our churches.

 
(Leader) “God has gained renown by God’s wonderful deeds; the Lord is gracious and merciful.”

 
(People) Today we praise the call of Alfredo Miranda that has broken down the barriers of language and ethnicity and opened us to God’s Pentecostal Spirit.

 
(Leader) (God) provides food for those who fear him; God is ever mindful of God’s covenant.”

 
(People) We extol the ministry of Bryan McFarland who, through both word and music, has invited us to minister to the hungry.

 
(Leader) “God has shown his people the power of God’s works, in giving them the heritage of the nations. The works of God’s hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. They are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.”

 
(People) We recognize with appreciation the work of Wanda, Laura, Kim, Bre and Mac whose skills and commitment have supported Salem’s ministries in the spreading of God’s word.

 
(Leader) Each of those named and so many who are yet to be named have responded to the call of God in special ways that have strengthened the ministry of this presbytery. We give thanks to God for the working of your Spirit in their lives and in ours.

 
(People) “(God) sent redemption to God’s people; God has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is God’s name. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever.”