10/11/2026
"What do two burned birds, a rainy day, and wonderful people have to do with Pastor Appreciation Day?
Well, let me tell you a story!
Last Sunday, I preached about what happens when there's "No Plan B."What do we do when the unexpected happens?
I shared this thought: *Faith doesn't guarantee that everything will go according to our plans. Faith gives us strength when our plans change. We should plan and prepare, but we also need to leave room for God to lead us through the unexpected.*
And guess what? Today I got to put that message into practice! 😂
This morning, everything was ready for worship. It was a cold, rainy day, but when I arrived at church and saw the faces of those who had come to celebrate Pastor Appreciation Day, my heart was already full!
They had prepared a special fellowship time with cakes, coffee, and so many thoughtful cards. What a beautiful way to start the day!
But then... the unexpected happened!
Our church furnace started releasing smoke, the fire alarms went off, and the firefighters arrived! To make sure everyone was safe, they asked us to evacuate the building. And just like that, our worship service had to be canceled.
So, instead of worshiping inside, we gathered outside the church, prayed together, and everyone headed home.
As I write this, I'm still here at church, reflecting on everything that happened.
And you know what? This was still a beautiful Pastor Appreciation Day!
Before everyone left, I received so many hugs, kind words, and expressions of love. Those moments meant more to me than I can put into words.
Today reminded me of something important: No matter what happens, we are still the church! The church isn't just a building or a Sunday service. It's people loving, caring, praying, and walking together in faith.
I'm so grateful for this wonderful community of faith. You made me feel appreciated and loved, even in the middle of an unexpected situation.
Oh, and about those two birds?
Yes, two birds somehow got inside our furnace, burned, and damaged the motor. That's what caused all the smoke! Definitely not something we had planned for Pastor Appreciation Day!
Thankfully, everyone is safe, and we're already working on fixing the furnace.
Sometimes there's no Plan B, but there's always an opportunity to experience God's love in unexpected ways.
Thank you, Jason Lee Memorial UMC, for making this day so special. I love being your pastor! " Rev. Marvel Souza
