As I have recently observed my 79th birthday and entered my 80th year, several verses from the Psalms have become especially meaningful to me. “Do not cast me off in the time of old age; Do not forsake me when my strength fails.” Psalm 71:9 “Now also when I am old and gray headed, O God, do not forsake me, Until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come.” Psalm 71:18 “They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flour

“...honoring those who labor among us.” (I Thessalonians 5:12) “...but encouraging one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25) For over a decade, this nation, along with a growing number of others, has officially recognized October as Clergy Appreciation Month. Sunday, October 9th (for this year), will be observed by churches across the nation as Clergy Appreciation Sunday. On this day, or on other Sundays in October, churches will pause