As churches around the world prepare for Easter weekend, I have a few words from a church staff member’s perspective to share with those of you who will serve in your church this weekend.
To those who serve regularly, and Easter is no different:
Thank you for your commitment and passion. We know you’ll be there each and every week and it brings calmness to our lives. We count on you and we are so very grateful for your faithfulness. We don’t tell you often enough how valuable you are to us. But we think about you often because our ministries would not be the same without you.
To those who answered the call:
Thank you for your sense of obligation. Someone stood up in the worship service and explained the need for additional volunteers for this weekend, and you signed up. You may not know what to expect and you may be a little apprehensive. But we promise to try to make things as easy and painless as possible. We even hope you might sign up again. You are so important to this weekend. Even if you don’t feel like you made much of a difference, or did very much, you reminded us that people see the need for what we do.
To those who volunteered without being asked:
Thank you for your boldness. Your text message/phone call/email made our day! We smile every time we think of you and your willingness to step up. You encourage us to keep working and trying to do better. People like you are rock stars!
To those who said yes when we asked:
Thank you for your yes. We didn’t just ask because we thought you were available. We saw something in you that we needed for this weekend. We’re not just filling a spot….we need YOU! You remind us that people want to serve. Sometimes we forget that!
To the families behind those who serve:
Thank you for your sacrifice. Many of you will get kids ready all on your own because your spouse had to get to church early. You’ll lay out clothes the night before to make things a little easier. You’ll celebrate your family traditions a day earlier, or hours later than usual so your family members can serve. Your sacrifice is often overlooked by others, including us. But we know we couldn’t do it without you. You are our safe place and our rock.
To those who are paid to serve:
Thank you for your work. You don’t do this for the money but because you love God and His people. But it still wears on you. These weeks are hard and long and busy. Work hard, then plan some time to rest hard. Take a moment to look around at all the things that are happening because of your hard work and remember that none of it is done in vain. You are a good and faithful servant.
Because you serve, people will enjoy their time at church. Because you serve, parents will worship knowing their kids are safe. Because you serve, people know the church supports them. Because you serve, people will come to know Jesus as their Savior. Because you serve, God is glorified.
Thank you for serving this weekend.
Michelle Suarez 