6 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

² “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. ³ But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴ so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Matthew 6:1-4

There has been a lot of changes and grief in this time of pandemic, but the one that has been the hardest for First Pres office and staff has been limiting our volunteer opportunities. While Sunday for most of us is a busy and worshipful day, the rest of the week can have anywhere from 10 to 50 volunteers in the various areas of ministry stop by the First Presbyterian campus. Each day we have volunteers who work behind the scenes to make all our ministry possible. On Sunday night our fantastic Youth group who is supported by Emily Snyder, our Director of Youth Ministry has adult volunteers and meal cooks. Early Monday morning, First Presbyterian’s Tower Chimes and offering counting volunteers provide valuable support for each other and make sure your weekly newsletter is delivered on time! Mondays can also see groups visit Sam and pack bag lunches. We also have volunteers who oversee the office as staff meetings are happening Tuesday mornings by answering phones and being a welcoming face for folks stopping by. We are also thankful for the volunteers who make Christ’s Kids and Middle School Youth group possible on Wednesdays. They watch over those very active kiddos and even sneak in a little Biblical truth to strengthen their faith. Volunteers are also what makes all the various parts of Sunday morning worship possible for those in-person and at home. We have two to four volunteers running the sound, video cameras, and streaming processes up in our sound booth and ushers to safely social distance in the pews. Some volunteers get training before settling into their work, others, like our Christ’s Kids volunteers learn as we go. And even as I write this, I am sure I’ve missed some! All are needed in God’s house and the call is always open to join in. Looking for way to share your gifts with the church of Christ Jesus? Call our church office and connect with a pastor to discuss how you can more deeply connect and make an impact as a disciple of Christ.

Prayer

Father God, we give thanks for the many gifts you have bestowed up us and your people. Allow us to find and say yes to new ways to be a part of your kingdom. May we offer thanks for those many hands that make light the work and we may never see, yet you do, O Lord. Amen.