Over the last few months I’ve been acutely awake to and aware of a phenomenon that is ever-present in my life–the goodness and dedication of volunteers. Here at UCG, Andy, Vince, and I have the privilege of working as resource ministers with various boards or committees that meet regularly and conduct the business of and help provide ministry opportunities with the congregation and on behalf of the community. All of these groups are composed of volunteers. The UCG life we enjoy together simply would not be possible without them. At our church-wide Retreat in April each year, everyone helps. Everyone’s part, whether large or small, contributes to making that wonderful and unwieldy event seem effortless. Last Sunday afternoon there was a musicale in our sanctuary. All the participants volunteered to practice for hours and to show up and play for an appreciative audience who volunteered their afternoon. When folks get sick and need a visit or food or a support group or a small group taught or a children’s activity at Tribal Camp in the summer, gifts purchased, and many other times, people sign up and show up, and the thing happens, and it is always amazing. I could write on and on and on. Because of folks in front of and behind the scenes, whatever is needed gets done.

So, that’s all, I just wanted to say it, to all the Boards and Committees of UCG, to all the people who show up on Sundays and all the other days and nights, too, to teach children, to sing, to read, to clean out closets, to write stuff, to work for justice and change, to dance, to create art, to figure out budgets, to help create worship, to lead seminars and small groups and youth groups, who help decorate, welcome, visit, lead, listen, meditate, march, advocate, write, pray, sign up and show up, thank you. May you be blessed today. You are a blessing.