Past Sunday pack · October 11, 2026
A free weekly pack for Sunday, October 11, 2026: bulletin words, social posts, colouring pages, youth activities and prayers. Change the [brackets] and use any of it again.
For Sunday, October 11, 2026: Thanking Those Who Lead Us
Today we celebrate Pastor Appreciation Sunday. We thank God for our pastors and every leader who serves this church, from deacons and elders to Sunday school teachers and small group leaders. Thank you for all you do. We love you and we're praying for you.
This pack is for Sunday, October 11, 2026. Everything here is free to copy, paste and adapt for your church.
The week at a glance
| When | What | Who it's for |
|---|---|---|
| Sun, Oct 11 | Pastor Appreciation Sunday (suggested) | All |
| Mon, Oct 12 | Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples' Day (some offices closed) | All |
| Sat, Oct 31 | Trunk or treat | Families, community |
Coming up: Trunk or Treat, Oct 31 · All Saints Sunday, Nov 1 · Thanksgiving, Nov 26 · First Sunday of Advent, Nov 29 (start promoting next week)
Announcement ideas
- Pastor Appreciation Sunday: Today we honor our pastors. Stay after the service for a reception with cake and coffee in the fellowship hall.
- Thank-you book: Sign the thank-you book in the lobby for our pastors and their families.
- Trunk or Treat: Trunk or Treat is on [date]. Last chance to sign up as a trunk host at [link].
- Advent planning: Advent starts Nov 29. If you'd like to read Scripture, light candles or help with decorations, sign up at the welcome desk.
Verse of the week
"And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves." (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, KJV)
1. Bulletin (ready to paste)
Copy everything in this box into your bulletin. Replace anything in [brackets].
Welcome to [Church Name] Today we celebrate Pastor Appreciation Sunday. We thank God for our pastors and every leader who serves this church, from deacons and elders to Sunday school teachers and small group leaders. Thank you for all you do. We love you and we're praying for you.
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Order of service - Welcome and call to worship: [Leader] - Songs of praise: [Song 1] · [Song 2] · [Song 3] - Scripture reading: [Reference] read by [Reader] - Prayer: [Leader] - Message: "[Sermon title]" with [Speaker] - Response song: [Song] - Offering and announcements - Benediction
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Announcements - Pastor Appreciation Sunday: Today we honor our pastors. Stay after the service for a reception with cake and coffee in the fellowship hall. - Thank-you book: Sign the thank-you book in the lobby for our pastors and their families. - Trunk or Treat: Trunk or Treat is on [date]. Last chance to sign up as a trunk host at [link]. - Advent planning: Advent starts Nov 29. If you'd like to read Scripture, light candles or help with decorations, sign up at the welcome desk.
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Verse of the week "And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves." (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, KJV)
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A prayer for this week Lord, thank you for our pastors and every leader in our church. Give them strength, joy and rest, and help us honor them with love. Amen.
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Upcoming dates - Sun, Oct 11: Pastor Appreciation reception after the service - Sat, Oct 31: Trunk or Treat, [time] - Sun, Nov 1: All Saints Sunday - Sun, Nov 29: First Sunday of Advent
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[Church Name] · [Address] · [Phone] · [Website] · Pastor [Name]
2. Social posts (Instagram and Facebook)
Three ready posts. Each has an Instagram caption with hashtags, a Facebook version and a one-line brief for whoever makes the graphic.
Post 1: Pastor Appreciation Sunday
- Instagram caption: Happy Pastor Appreciation Sunday! 💛 Thank you, Pastor [Name], for your faithful love and service. Join us for cake and coffee after the service!
- Hashtags: #PastorAppreciation #ThankYouPastor #PastorAppreciationMonth #ChurchFamily
- Facebook: Today is Pastor Appreciation Sunday! Join us after the service for a reception in the fellowship hall, and sign the thank-you book in the lobby. Leave a note of thanks for our pastors in the comments below.
- Image brief: Celebration table in a fellowship hall with a simple cake, coffee cups, flowers and a 'Thank You, Pastor' banner, warm cream and gold tones.
Post 2: Thank a leader
- Instagram caption: "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you." (Philippians 1:3) 🙏 Tag a church leader you're thankful for!
- Hashtags: #Philippians13 #Gratitude #ChurchLeaders #ThankYou #KJV
- Facebook: Who is a Sunday school teacher, youth leader or small group leader who made a difference in your life? Tag them and say thank you! "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you." (Philippians 1:3)
- Image brief: Handwritten note card reading 'Thank you' with a pressed autumn leaf beside it on a wooden table.
Post 3: Advent planning
- Instagram caption: Advent is seven weeks away! 🕯️ We need Scripture readers, candle lighters and decorating helpers. Sign up at the welcome desk.
- Hashtags: #Advent #ChristmasIsComing #ChurchVolunteers #Serve
- Facebook: Advent begins Sunday, Nov 29! We need Scripture readers, Advent candle lighters and decorating helpers. Sign up at the welcome desk or at [link].
- Image brief: Advent wreath with four candles unlit on a wooden table, evergreen branches, soft warm light.
3. Sunday school colouring pages
Three pages for different ages. Print the one that fits your class, or all three for a mixed group.
Page 1: The Good Shepherd · Simple (ages 3 to 5)
- Bible story: Jesus is the good shepherd who cares for his sheep (John 10:11).
- Verse to print on the page: "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." (John 10:11, KJV)
- Line-art brief: Jesus holding a lamb in his arms with two sheep at his feet. Very thick outlines (about 4 pt), one large central figure and no more than 3 or 4 big shapes in the background. No small details. Black line art only, no shading or grey fill. US Letter portrait (8.5 x 11 in) with 0.5 in margins. A 'Name: ________' line at the top, a band about 1.5 in tall at the bottom with the verse in a clear, friendly font, and a small 'christiankits.com' credit in the bottom corner.
Page 2: Moses, Aaron and Hur · Medium (ages 6 to 8)
- Bible story: Aaron and Hur hold up Moses' hands (Exodus 17:8-13).
- Verse to print on the page: "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you," (Philippians 1:3, KJV)
- Line-art brief: Moses sitting on a rock on a hilltop with his arms raised, Aaron and Hur on each side holding them up, a valley below. Medium outlines (about 2.5 pt), a main scene with 2 or 3 figures and some background detail such as plants, clouds or buildings, all with open areas big enough for crayons. Black line art only, no shading or grey fill. US Letter portrait (8.5 x 11 in) with 0.5 in margins. A 'Name: ________' line at the top, a band about 1.5 in tall at the bottom with the verse in a clear, friendly font, and a small 'christiankits.com' credit in the bottom corner.
Page 3: Paul writes to his friends · Detailed (ages 9 to 12)
- Bible story: Paul writes letters of thanks to the churches (Philippians 1:3-6).
- Verse to print on the page: "And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves." (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, KJV)
- Line-art brief: Paul at a wooden desk writing on a scroll by lamplight, with ink pot, quill, stacked scrolls, a window showing a city and a friend waiting to carry the letter. Fine outlines (about 1.5 pt), a full scene with patterns, textures and smaller details to fill (borders, fabric patterns, leaves, stones) for older children who enjoy a longer colouring task. Black line art only, no shading or grey fill. US Letter portrait (8.5 x 11 in) with 0.5 in margins. A 'Name: ________' line at the top, a band about 1.5 in tall at the bottom with the verse in a clear, friendly font, and a small 'christiankits.com' credit in the bottom corner.
Teacher tip: Collect the finished pages into a 'thank-you book' to give the pastor during the reception.
4. Youth group activities
Game: Leader Trivia Prepare 10 fun questions about your pastors (favorite food, hometown team, first church). Teams guess the answers. Check the questions with the pastor first.
Game: Hold Up the Arms Like Moses: one volunteer holds their arms out straight as long as possible, then try again with two friends supporting their arms. Talk about how we support our leaders.
Discussion questions Read Exodus 17:8-13 together first.
- Why did Moses need Aaron and Hur? (Exodus 17:12)
- How can we 'hold up the arms' of our pastors? (Galatians 6:2)
- What does it mean to esteem leaders highly in love? (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)
- How can you encourage a leader this week? (Hebrews 13:17)
Optional challenge: Encouragement note Write a handwritten note to a pastor, youth leader or Sunday school teacher and give it to them this week.
Prayers for This Week
Free to use in your bulletin, slides or newsletter. Copy, paste and adapt to fit your church.
1. Opening prayer for Sunday worship Faithful God, thank you for calling shepherds to care for your flock. As we worship today, we lift up our pastors and leaders. Let our praise rise to you, and let our love for those who serve us be real and generous. Speak to us through your Word today. Amen.
2. Prayer for our pastors Father, we thank you for Pastor [Name] and all who lead us. Bless them for their labor in the Lord. Give them strength when they are tired, wisdom when the way is unclear and joy that doesn't depend on circumstances. Guard their hearts, their health and their families. Help us esteem them very highly in love. Amen.
3. Prayer for all church volunteers Lord, thank you for deacons, elders, Sunday school teachers, youth leaders, greeters, musicians, tech crews and kitchen helpers. Every one of them serves your church. Refresh them and remind them their work is seen by you. Amen.
4. Prayer for pastors' families God of love, bless the spouses and children of our pastors. Give them privacy, rest and joy. Protect them from loneliness and pressure, and let them feel loved by this church family. Amen.
5. Closing blessing Go now in the peace of Christ. May the Lord bless you and keep you; may his face shine upon you and give you peace. Wherever this week takes you, at home, at work, at school or on the road, may you know you are loved and never alone. Go and serve the Lord with gladness. Amen.
More ways to share this week's posts
Pastor Appreciation Sunday
- Text message: Today is Pastor Appreciation Sunday! Cake and coffee after the service. 💛
- Slide line: Thank you, Pastors! Reception after the service in the fellowship hall.
- Email line: Join us for a Pastor Appreciation reception after the service this Sunday.
Thank a leader
- Text message: Thank a church leader this week! (Philippians 1:3)
- Slide line: I thank my God upon every remembrance of you. Philippians 1:3
- Email line: Take a moment this week to thank a church leader who has helped you.
Advent planning
- Text message: Advent starts Nov 29! Sign up to read or light candles at [link].
- Slide line: Advent helpers needed: sign up at the welcome desk.
- Email line: Advent begins Nov 29. Sign up to read Scripture, light candles or help decorate.
Kids and Sunday school extra
- Memory verse: "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you," (Philippians 1:3, KJV)
- Activity: Thank-you crowns: kids make paper crowns decorated with words like 'kind', 'faithful' and 'helper' to present to their teachers and pastors.
Tip of the week
Check with your pastor first. Some pastors love a big public moment; others would rather have a quiet thank-you. Ask a staff member or elder which fits best before you plan.
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Posts for Sunday school
Three ready posts, one in each style. Copy the words now. The graphic will be added here when it is ready.
Classic Cinematic
Moses, Aaron and Hur
This Sunday our kids are learning: moses, aaron and hur. Friends help each other when arms get tired. "But Moses’ hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun." (Exodus 17:12, KJV)
Art direction
Painterly, cinematic storybook scene: Aaron and Hur holding up Moses' arms on a hilltop. Warm golden light, rich depth. Square 1080x1080. Leave a blank top-right corner for the church logo.
Modern Minimal
Friends help each other when arms get tired
Friends help each other when arms get tired. "But Moses’ hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun." (Exodus 17:12, KJV) Ask your kids what they learned on Sunday.
Art direction
Modern minimal: cream background, one simple navy line illustration hinting at Aaron and Hur holding up Moses' arms on a hilltop, generous white space, headline in Cormorant Garamond. Square. Blank top-right logo corner.
Bright And Warm
Kids, see you Sunday!
Kids, come join us this Sunday! We're hearing how moses, Aaron and Hur. Bring a friend, there's a seat for everyone. "But Moses’ hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun." (Exodus 17:12, KJV) [Time] · [Room]
Art direction
Bright and warm: cheerful cartoon of Aaron and Hur holding up Moses' arms on a hilltop, sunny colours, smiling faces, playful shapes. Square. Blank top-right logo corner.
Posts for youth group
Three ready posts, one in each style. Copy the words now. The graphic will be added here when it is ready.
Classic Cinematic
Hold up your leaders
Hold up your leaders. Our leaders need our prayers and encouragement. "And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves." (1 Thessalonians 5:13, KJV) Youth group this week: [Day, time].
Art direction
Classic cinematic photo-style scene: a group of teens writing thank-you cards for their leaders. Moody golden-hour light, shallow depth of field. Square 1080x1080. Blank top-right logo corner.
Modern Minimal
Our leaders need our prayers and encouragement
"And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves." (1 Thessalonians 5:13, KJV) Our leaders need our prayers and encouragement.
Art direction
Modern minimal: plain cream or navy background, verse set large in Inter with one gold accent line. No imagery, or a tiny line icon. Square. Blank top-right logo corner.
Bright And Warm
Youth night is on!
Youth night is on! Games, snacks and real talk about "hold up your leaders". New faces always welcome. "And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves." (1 Thessalonians 5:13, KJV) [Day] · [Time] · [Place]
Art direction
Bright and warm: energetic illustration or photo of a group of teens writing thank-you cards for their leaders, sunny colours, friendly faces. Square. Blank top-right logo corner.