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Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I, Send me!" Isaiah 6:8 How often do we joyously and without reservation, raise our hand, sign our name, or vocally say, "Here am I .... I'll do that job ... Send me ... Use me ... You can count on me"? Volunteers are the lifeblood of our congregation, the Judson Association and the American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts. Throughout the Bible we read of God inviting individuals and groups of people to be obedient, faithful, and involved. Many times this required people to use their time, talent or treasure and move outside their "comfort zone" to do new things. Isaiah did not know exactly what the Lord had planned for him, but he willingly said, "Yes," when he learned of the opportunity to serve God. Some of the volunteer opportunities in our church are quite visible ... singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school, cooking/serving at Feeding Ministry, ushering, greeting, etc. Others are less noticed, yet just as important ... praying for one another, sending a card or making a phone call when we know someone is ill, picking up trash, knitting sweaters and afghans, baking a cake for feeding ministry, collecting pull tabs or soup labels, playing the tower bells, doing minor repairs and maintenance around the church, etc. Each year we recognize someone in our church family for their volunteer activities by naming them Layperson of the Year. Nominations are now being received for this year's honoree. We each have special talents and spiritual gifts, and as Paul writes (1 Corinthians 12) each of us is an important and necessary part to make the body of Christ whole and complete. As you peruse this edition of The Witness, you will find several ways in which to share your time, talent and treasure and serve God through this congregation. May each of us prayerfully consider how and when we will say, "Here am I."
Pastor Martha Dominy |
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