![]() Given a little over 60 years ago, his speech can still bring one to tears and inspire other to participate in nonviolent protest movements worldwide. Not only do we remember Dr. King on the third Monday of January (his birthday is actually January 15th), but we are also encouraged to volunteer and improve our communities — to serve. Hopefully, the day provides us an opportunity to educate people about social justice and use nonviolence to promote change in our society. Which brings me to the Angels around us. Being on staff, we have the privilege of being behind the scenes and seeing so many of our quiet volunteers who weekly make a difference in our church family and our community. Probably the most obvious volunteers are those who make our Sunday services special. There is the entire Praise Team — all of those amazing musicians and singers. Our chancel and bell choirs rehearse weekly and bring moments of joy to our service. And there is the tech team — up in the balcony they do their best to seamlessly present and broadcast our Sunday service. The Welcome team greets everyone as they enter Krueger Hall, answers questions, and assists in getting folks connected to others. They welcome us as we enter the sanctuary and serve as ushers during our offering — jobs they are so dedicated to as we love and grow our church. Some might argue, the most important Sunday volunteers are the donut brigade! They arrive early Sunday morning after picking up the sugary treats, cutting and arranging them on trays, and placing them in Krueger Hall for all to enjoy. We can’t leave Sundays without mentioning our Sunday School volunteers. With our classes growing, we’ve hired primary classroom teachers, but they couldn’t do their job without the help of other adults present. You might not know who these many are, but our Sundays would be very different without them. There are many other, less visible volunteers you may not know about. Of course there are the many church committees, chaired by Elders and Deacons but are supported by many volunteers: Adult Discipleship, Facilities, Community Outreach, Family Ministry, Finance/Stewardship, Human Resources, Missions, Nominating, Welcome/Membership, Worship Planning. Additionally, there are our wonderful Deacons and Bible Study leaders. Weekly mailings go out to those who are homebound or have difficulty accessing our eNews electronically. These women come in each week to stuff, label, and mail out copies of Pastor McLane’s sermon, the weekly eNews edition, and any other important bits that might appear and need to be passed on to these treasured friends. On Fridays, our knitting ladies gather (men are welcome) in the Fireside Room to knit, crochet, and pray as they create beautiful shawls and blankets. Available to anyone who might need to be lifted in prayer and surrounded by love and warmth, these comfort gifts can be found in the Fireside Room. Our Reception Committee not only makes sure that the tables in Krueger Hall are seasonally decorated, but they also help with other services and events at the church, such as funerals and memorial services. Do you know that there are weekly pickleball games in the gym? Not only does this group of intrepid athletes get in a little exercise, but they’re also the ones who make sure the pew card holders in the Sanctuary have Connection Cards, giving envelopes, and sharp pencils. Small things but so important. Twice each year, the Facilities Team hosts clean-up days. This might be for needed repairs, removing leaves in the fall, or merely grounds cleanup. The volunteers who appear work together to make sure our campus is pristine and welcoming. There are also our secret gardeners who keep our flower beds along Lakeside Ave colorful during the spring and summer. The Love 1st Neighborhood Closet, housed at and staffed by 1st Pres, serves our greater community. The Closet serves homeless and low-income at-risk families with children in grades K-8. Our Closeteers escort families as they ‘shop’ for brand-new clothing, footwear, outerwear, and personal hygiene and laundry products. Last but not least, Family Promise. Our volunteers help set up and take down, provide and serve meals, and host as overnight chaperones. 1st Pres hosts families experiencing homelessness as they journey towards sustainable independence several times each calendar year. I haven’t mentioned names for fear of inadvertently leaving someone out. As I close, I also fear I may have left out yet another volunteer opportunity and pray for forgiveness if I have. There are so many who silently serve. That said, with our abundance of volunteer opportunities, I pray you might be inspired to consider how you can participate in our church family. Call the office if you have a desire to serve and would like some guidance. In His Name, Janet
5 Comments
Ronda Greer
1/21/2025 03:52:43 pm
So well spoken! I too focused on MLK Day yesterday and all this great man focused on. Thank you❤️
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Carolyn Keefer
1/21/2025 06:39:12 pm
Thank you, Janet, for reminding all of us the variety of ways we can serve and become involved in the many ministries of our church. We truly stretch beyond Sunday worship to "Love First"!
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Marcy
1/21/2025 07:46:47 pm
And thank YOU, Janet…who weaves us, the church, its missions and our community all together with such precision and skill!
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Yvette
1/22/2025 04:11:56 am
Thank you Janet for reminding us of the many wonderful ways we can be the hands and feet of Jesus in service to one other and our broader community; and also in witness to our Love1st mission.
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Roger Grigg
1/29/2025 12:53:50 pm
Janet,
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