Tasso Baptist Church will honor their pastor and his family Sunday during Pastor Appreciation Day.

Since April 1, 2006, Michael Cawood and his wife, Donna, have served at Tasso Baptist.

A church representative noted, Cawood “has been a perfect fit for this small in number but big in heart congregation.”

The church has seen much growth under Cawood’s leadership. The church enjoys being “old-timey” in many ways, but Cawood has brought them up to date in some useful ways.

He has put some of the church business on a computer program so it is easier to see at a glance who has been absent and trends in attendance, giving, etc.

Vacation Bible School has always been popular at Tasso; however, under the Cawoods’ leadership, it has become an outreach tool. The representative noted many new families have been reached through the Tasso VBS.

Missions involvement has also increased under the Cawoods. Tasso has been involved with many association events involving missions and participated in Helping Hands and Ocoee Outreach.

Since the Cawoods arrival at Tasso, the church has been recognized for its large — for the size of the church — offering to Lottie Moon Missions.

Cawood relates to all ages. “His love for the Lord is evident in all he does,” the church representative said.

A native of Cleveland, Cawood lived here until the age of 9, when he moved to Dayton. He returned to Cleveland in 1991. He attended North Cleveland Baptist Church. It was there he felt the call to enter full-time Christian ministry.

Cawood, his wife and two small children moved to New Orleans to attend the Baptist Theological Seminary. He graduated with a bachelor of arts in Christian ministries in 2003. He is presently pursuing a double master’s at Tennessee Temple.

The Tasso Baptist members invite the public to attend a barbecue dinner after church in honor of the Cawoods.

The Sunday worship service begins at 11 a.m. The meal will follow the service.