Labor Day weekend is fast upon us, and the summer has flown. The start of our church year looms, with Sunday school, choir, Bible study, and a return to the sanctuary upstairs after a summer of air-conditioned comfort in the Social Hall. Have you ever wondered how the work of the church gets done? Sometimes it can almost seem like a miracle. In a way it might be seen in that light, but really it is just people of faith doing small tasks that add up to meaningful ministry.
One definition of “liturgy” is “the work of the people.” If that is so, then a ministry of service in the church is rightly seen as another way of worshiping God. One member of this congregation worships through his service in so many ways that it is challenging to attempt list them all, for fear of leaving something out.
Valmekie Basil is among the first to arrive each Sunday. He is always accompanied by his son, Adi, and at least some of his many nephews, for whom he sets a wonderful example of faith in action. “Val” and his helpers prepare the sanctuary for worship, checking the candles and flowers, arranging the paraments, laying out the communion elements. Then he heads downstairs and sets up the Adult/Older Youth bible study, which he often teaches, bringing a prodigious knowledge of scripture to bear on the task. During worship he is an usher, and serves in his turn as lector and communion assistant. After worship he and his young aides, often joined by Donald and Eleanor Smithy, clean up the sacristy, take care of the flowers, and change the paraments for the next week if necessary.
While I marvel at Valmekie’s devotion to the work of this church, I also see how the spiritual benefits of his ministry of service enrich and deepen his faith journey. There is a quiet joy and peace in his labor, and a calmness that, to paraphrase Francis of Assisi, proclaims the gospel without words.
This is just one example of servant discipleship in our midst. There are many others whose efforts make this congregation “flow.” AND, there are still many areas where additional hands are needed: Sunday morning greeters at the front door; restoring the Social hall after coffee hour; working with the youth group; helping the building committee; maintaining the front of the church… the list is extensive. As we begin a new year this Labor Day weekend, I hope that you will prayerfully consider how you are called to loving service in the ministry and life of this particular expression of the “body of Christ.” However you labor, it will be a blessing to you, and to this church.
Pr. Parsons
