God bless the laity

Whose livelihood is not tied to budgets and attendence

Who notice when you’re missing

And tell you “you are loved.”

God bless the laity

Who don’t sit in meetings and make decisions

Who recognize that they don’t know everything

And tell you “you are loved.”

God bless the laity

Who are unintimidated by the power structures

Who go before you to advocate

And tell you “you are loved.”

God bless the laity

Who stay the course while pastors come and go

Who weather conflict without picking sides

And tell you “you are loved.”

God bless the laity

Who build the community of the church

Who want to walk to beside you

And tell you “you are loved.”