October is Clergy Appreciation Month. It provides an opportunity to honor those who shepherd us on the journey of faith. One such shepherd in my life was Dwight Elving. Although Dwight was significantly shorter than I, he was a man to whom I looked up.

Along with his wife, Esther, Dwight moved to Mercer Island in 1980 where he became the first chaplain at Covenant Shores. In addition to being a gentleman, he was a gentle man who quietly won the confidence of those with whom he ministered.

When his wife passed away in 1988, Dwight moved to the Midwest to be near his adult children. He returned to Covenant Shores a dozen years ago where he once again involved himself in the spiritual life of the community. This time as a lay person.

I had been aware of Dwight since the beginning years of my ministry. But I really hadn’t known him personally. Having served significant congregations in our denomination over seven decades, he was a patron saint of sorts. When I became chaplain at Covenant Shores two and half years ago, I began to spend time with Dwight. Here was a man who could relate to my challenges and opportunities as a chaplain.

On Sunday mornings prior to preaching at the worship service I conduct each week at The Shores, I would stop by Dwight’s apartment. He would encourage me and pray over me. My elderly colleague was a constant source of encouragement. What the 12th Man is to the Seahawks, Dwight Elving was to me.

This past summer Dwight informed me that he would celebrate his 100th birthday on Oct. 11. How appropriate that my spiritual shepherd would reach such an amazing milestone during Clergy Appreciation Month, I thought. But without much notice my friend began to rapidly fail physically.

Sadly, Dwight died three weeks before his birthday. My sadness was softened by knowledge of how much this little giant had enriched my life. And that he had lived a full and meaningful life.

His family approached me and asked if his memorial service could be held on Oct. 11. I smiled as I consented. How perfect, I thought. Dwight’s first birthday in Heaven would be celebrated with birthday cake following the ceremony. And indeed it was.

My favorite photograph of my dear friend is him wearing his Seahawk jersey at a Super Bowl party a year ago. It will forever be a reminder of his non-stop support.

So who is a spiritual 12th Man in your life? A rabbi? A priest? A pastor? Before this month is over, why not find a creative way to express your appreciation to them?

Pastor Greg is a regular contributor to the Reporter.