07-31-24

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
July 31, 2024
There are so many folks who volunteer their time around the church, and I am beyond thankful for the impact they have on the fulfillment of our mission: Helping individuals and families put love first in all things. Of course, many of these people’s contributions to our work are done behind the scenes and ever-so-quietly. Now let me add a quick apology for what I’m about to do, as it is always dangerous to call out one or two people… so I apologize for all those who have given tremendously but are not included in this email. With that said, I want to thank Debbie Rawlins, who not only serves as our current Board Chair, but during Joel’s sabbatical the last two months, Debbie has done a ton of stuff that Joel would have done. Joel even contemplated giving up his sabbatical as he was concerned about the many things that might fall through the cracks. I’m not saying we were perfect, but Debbie did a pretty fantastic job of keeping the boat afloat. I also want to give a big thank you to James Mike Smith. We have two Mike Smiths, and they are both awesome. Today, I want to say thanks to J. Mike Smith for doing some crazy work in regard to some financial things here at the church. When you are doing money transfers online and it decides to kick off the main person who has access to the account, it is not as simple as putting in your first pet’s name and the color of your first house. We nearly had to ask for an act of Congress to be reinstated, but Mike was willing to make it happen. Thanks!! In Proverbs 11:24, we read: “Some give freely, yet grow all the richer…” Sadly, neither one of these people’s bank accounts saw a dime for the sharing of their time, but I pray that they and all who do good work can feel just a little richer in the good work of love, mercy, and kindness.

There are so many gifts that are shared each day for making your reign of grace real. O Holy God, for every minute offered for this work, we are grateful. Amen.