Yearly appreciation dinner honors pastors

Austin District United Methodist Men celebrated their pastors’ ministries Sept. 25 at Westlake UMC, Austin, during the second annual Pastor Appreciation Dinner.
The event gave the UM Men, along with Staff-Parish Relations Committee chairs and lay leaders, a chance to say thanks to pastors for their partnership and leadership and for answering the call to ministry.
Retired pastors and their spouses were special guests.
As part of the program, the Rev. Kim Cape, Austin District superintendent, welcomed new pastors to the district. She gave each a special gift bag containing certain “necessities” that newcomers to the Austin area would need.
Harold Batiste of San Antonio, past conference president of UM Men and past president of the National Association of Conference Presidents, was the guest speaker. He reminded group members that they were all a part of a “great cloud of witnesses.” He told of ways the laity could help support pastors with acts of kindness and special consideration.