HOUSE ConCURRENT RESOLUTION 71

(By Delegates Vance, Burkhammer, Toney, Brooks, Kirby, Worrell, Holstein, Dean, Fast, A. Hall, and Longanacre)

March 8, 2023

Referred to the Committee on Rules

Proclaiming November 7^th to be designated annually as "Pastor Appreciation Day " in West Virginia in tribute to those who, through their unwavering commitment to service and faith in God, strive to enrich the lives of the people in their congregations and communities.

Whereas, Currently, there are approximately 51,000 people in the United States who are officially employed as clergy. When we consider all that religious leaders do, it becomes clear how important it is to celebrate and uplift these dedicated individuals; and

Whereas, Pastors serve daily by nurturing the spiritual well-being of their congregants. Pastors serve their church and community not only during major life moments, but also in times of need, including during natural disasters and for a host of other humanitarian issues; and

Whereas, Pastors participate in the highs and lows of the lives of their congregants and other members of the community. They carry the difficult tasks of leading mourners during funerals, praying over the sick, and ministering to the imprisoned and abandoned. In life's most celebrated and joyous moments, Pastors play a vital role – officiating marriages, baptisms, Holy First Communions, and requests for special blessings; and

Whereas, The call to honor our church leaders’ contributions can be traced back to St. Paul, who advised the congregation to give "double honor" to the elders of the church who managed the affairs of the church well, "especially those whose work is preaching and teaching"; and

Whereas, To honor our Pastors, we recognize these individuals throughout the great State of West Virginia by proclaiming November 7^th "Pastor Appreciation Day "; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That November 7^th is hereby designated annually as "Pastor Appreciation Day ".