our true friends are those rare individuals
who bring the right mix of support and challenge into our lives.
This is a day of blessing as we honor those rare individuals
who minister to your holy people in the office of secretary.
Theirs is a share in the holy work of redemption.
For theirs is the first of Christ’s faces to greet God’s holy people.
Theirs is the voice of the Lord.
Theirs is the first word that welcomes the stranger,
or alienates the chosen.
Theirs is the task of discretion to welcome, to direct,
to inform, to console and, yes, even admonish.
Theirs is the work of God’s listening, to the confused, the beggar,
the broken, those with malady, the mourner,
the joy-filled bride and groom or new parent.
Give them strength and courage
when so often they are scowled at and rudely treated,
for theirs is a sharing in the sacrifice of Christ.
May they delight each time
they are thanked and praised for their work.
Let them rejoice in the work the Lord has accomplished in them.
Bless them with fidelity in the ministry they perform
for in it your will is done and your Church proclaims the Reign of God.
We ask this in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
--author unknown
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