I didn’t preach last Sunday. I like to have those Sundays occasionally. It gives everybody the opportunity to hear other voices. We have some great speakers on the staff and in our church! It gives me a few more hours during the week to do the work of the church. And there is a lot of it these days. It’s so cool to know the grading company will start moving dirt around the property in the next month or so.
I got to Millard West a little early. The set-up team had already done their work. They set-up the stage, the chairs, pulled a lot of cables, got the audio and visual equipment ready, and unloaded a lot of carts.The greeters welcomed me. They smiled as they gave me the weekly bulletin. They answered people’s questions. I saw them pass out the attendance pads later in the service.
I could hear the band practicing. They get there early and stay late. So do the sound, media, and video people. They lead us in worship and help make our worship experience so much better.
I ate a donut. I don’t drink coffee, so I had some water. The hospitality team makes the coffee, sets up the spread of food, serves all of us, and then cleans up the mess.
I walked back through the kids area at both services. I saw dozens of adults and middle and high school students investing in our children. The kids were having fun, learning, and developing friendships. I saw babies being held and toddlers playing together so that parents can participate in worship.
I walked down another hallway. A couple was facilitating Financial Peace University. A group of people were learning about biblical principles for handling money. Across that hall was a woman teaching Love and Logic to a room full of people—a parenting class for adults wanting to grow in one of life’s most important roles.
In the back of the commons area, a team was collecting all the soup from Souper Bowl Sunday. I have never seen so much soup. People were staffing tables checking in kids, selling this really profound book, offering gifts to new people, and answering questions about small groups.
Sunday morning, on a morning when I didn’t have much to do with the worship service, the church inspired the pastor and brilliantly demonstrated what it means to be the church. The best I can tell—WE have about 100 volunteers who make our worship experiences, kids ministry, and hospitality possible. They join a dedicated crew of staff people who lead in various areas every Sunday.
Church family—thank you for being the church. I’m blessed to serve, give, and grow alongside you.
Some of the boys with all the soup from Souper Bowl Sunday.
