by Rev. Leslie Woodward
One of my favorite singer/songwriters has a song titled “A Light in the Window” that includes these lyrics:
“Now the old has already passed away; but the new is too new to be born today.”
That sounds like church life to me. What do we do when we can’t find ushers, can’t find RE teachers, can’t find worship techs or willing hands to complete any of the hundreds of tasks that keep Heritage open and serving our members? As the old quip goes, if I could answer that question, I could make a million bucks — or maybe at least a hundred dollars or so.
Ideas abound. Maybe we could require service hours in the manner of many high school programs. Perhaps we could offer a monetary stipend to people who take on essential tasks. What if we asked members for a service pledge in addition to their monetary pledge?
Usually we just keep doing what we’ve been doing — make endless announcements and emails asking people to step up.
Don’t get me wrong! There are people who devote many hours of time and service to our church, including our marvelous Caring Circle, our worship associates, the social justice collaborative, and an informal crew of fix-it people that tend to our aging building. And there are many, many others that do things, often quietly without fanfare or acknowledgement.
What about you?
If you are part of the group described in the above paragraph, thank you! We would not have a church without you!
If you are looking for a way to serve, talk to me, our Board President Jim Nolan or any Board member. Serving Heritage might take the form of completing an individual task, participating on a medium-term project team, or making a longer-term commitment to be an usher, a teacher, a worship tech, or be a building and grounds steward.
The need is real. The time is now. Won’t you join us?
Rev. Leslie
