First Christian Church, Flora, Indiana

October, 2011

The month of  October comes and several things cross our minds: leaves that need to be raked. The first frost. Harvest. Ministerial Appreciation Month? Well maybe that’s not on the tip of everyone’s tongue, but it is a time we pause and celebrate the ministry that we as a church claim. This church is blessed with so many ministers, or pastors if you desire. People who do the real ministry every day, from helping out at the food pantry to caring for someone who is home bound. It involves reading lessons and preparing to teach Sunday School and it means we might miss a favorite TV show so we can come to choir practice. All sacrificial and important gifts we use to accomplish what God places on our hearts to do. I thank each and every one of you for the gift of ministry that you share in this church.

I do want to thank a small group of “ministers” whom we could very well take for granted and forget what effects they have on our ministry as a church. These 4 individuals give of themselves, not expecting a thank you, but because they love the church and because they love doing what they do. As a team, they join me in the daily activities of opening and closing the church, of doing “church business”, of preparing our worship service, and they often add so much to the actual worship that anyone who follows them is going to fall short. I appreciate this team so much and you need to make an effort to thank them in October.

Phyllis Reinke is our church administrator. She is more than a secretary. I depend on her to get me where I need to go and to make sure everything you read is clear and timely. Phyllis is often the first person a visitor comes into contact with when they call the church or when they stop by the office. She orders materials, responds to phone calls, reminds me and others of our responsibilities, types the bulletins and Tidings and runs the office. Not only do I consider Phyllis my friend, but a co-minister of Flora Christian Church. Her time spent doing church work and volunteer work for Keepin’ It Real speak of her character and her drive in life. We are fortunate to have Phyllis as one of our ministers.

Jennifer Archibald is one of those behind the scene ministers. But her responsibilities are great and she always gets the job done. Because of Jennifer, the church is immaculate and clean, not only for Sunday morning but for any meeting held during the week. It is not unusual to see the lights on at the church late at night as she completes her tasks. Jenny picks up after me and whether or not you realize it, she also picks up after you. And she takes pride in keeping God’s house in a proper order. Again, we are fortunate to have Jennifer as one of our ministers.

JoAnn Smith, our organist, blesses us with her talents and her love of music every Sunday. A talented musician, JoAnn is one of those “saints of the church” that we can very well overlook. No one knows the countless time she spends practicing the organ, preparing for Sunday morning. She is often tossed a change at the very last minute, and goes on, doing whatever she needs to do. Her playing of the organ adds so much to our worship and brings us together as we feel the presence of God in her playing. She is joined by Miriam Robeson, who besides directing our choir, helps prepare the visual presentations for Sunday morning. Miriam, who loves music just as much as JoAnn, has dedicated her life to sharing her God-given talents so we all can worship in a way that is pleasing to God. I depend on Miriam to let me know when I’ve picked a hymn unknown to the congregation. Often times once the choir has sung, I feel I have “been to church” and enough has been said. I appreciate her and her ministry so much, and I am sure you do too.

Minister’s Appreciation Month. It is a time to thank those who serve this congregation in various ways. That includes you as well. So I thank you, but I especially lift this team of 4 people whom I could not get along without. May God bless us all as we answwer the call of our Father.

Pastor Woody