Potluck supper draws crowd

The Emo Christian Reformed Church fellowship committee held a potluck supper last Friday evening, with about 100 people in attendance.
It also was Clergy Appreciation Night, with a presentation made by Eltjo Wiersema–on behalf of the congregation–to Pastor Gerald and Cora Van Smeerdyk.
“We present this small gift in appreciation to you both for your dedication to the church, its members, and community,” said Wiersema.
“You were there when we needed you, effectively looking after each one,” he added. “Your ministry has met the expectations of us all [and] this has made the difference to the community.”
Meanwhile, Off Lake Evangelical Covenant Church held its pastor appreciation program during the morning worship service, presenting Pastor Dan Pearson and his wife, Leah, with an Emo Inn gift certificate.
During the evening service, the couple were honoured with a decorated one-layer cake in appreciation of their dedicated work with the congregation during the past year.
October was designated as Clergy Appreciation Month by Christian radio station KBHW in International Falls to help counter the negative erosion in the lives of our spiritual leaders with positive affirmation.
This also was an exercise to look for new ways to honour and recognize the full pastoral staff and their families throughout the entire year, and supporting them continually with prayer.
KBHW will select a pastor from the district for the Clergy of the Month award but several churches decided to have their own appreciation celebrations.