October 15, 2026

At the end of worship, or at one of our ministry events, I often find myself looking around with gratitude. Someone is folding tables or putting up chairs. Someone is gathering trash. Someone is washing dishes, while someone else is still talking with a newcomer who has found a reason to stay a little longer. I find myself thinking: Look at all this love.

Since 2019, we’ve been blessed to offer a blessing of the animals at St. Nick’s. Every year, faithful volunteers have made it possible. This year, I watched a young child sit with one of our visitors and tell her all about St. Nick’s, what she likes, what to expect, and why the animal blessing is so awesome.  Outside, I watched another of our young volunteers give up her time to help adults and children create a stuffed pet adoption activity; even though she wanted to go play, she stayed at her station, meeting the needs of visitors and members alike.  Behind the wagging tails, the laughter, and the joyful blessings are people who give their time and creativity so our neighbors can feel truly welcomed.

This year, my heart is especially full of gratitude for Nadine Winningham’s creativity, the men’s group’s care and hospitality, Toleea’s help with food preparation, and everyone who brought food to share. Thank you to our wonderful staff who set up and cleaned up, and to the faithful volunteers of all ages who moved tables, hosted activities, welcomed guests, and made newcomers feel at home.

One of our visitors to the blessing shared their thanks online, “Thank you Rev. Beth, church staff and all the families of the congregation for all your hard work in organizing this event. Our family looks forward to it every year! We had a wonderful time! Blessings to all the volunteers at the tables and the youth group for making the delicious dog treats, and to everyone who prepared the delicious food. 🙏🏻 ❤️🐕🐾  We appreciate you all.”

What a blessing you all are!

You helped turn a simple gathering into a true community where God’s love becomes real.

In their book The Volunteer Church, Leith Anderson and Jill Fox remind us that people serve for many reasons. Some want to make a difference. Some hope to find friends. Some have a gift they are eager to share. Some families want to spend time together doing something meaningful.

That’s such a helpful reminder for those of us who love the church. Behind every offer to help is a person with hopes, gifts, and a life already full of responsibilities. When someone volunteers, we get the chance to know them, encourage them, and help them discover where their gifts can shine. What a gift it is to walk alongside one another!

Scripture gives us many pictures of people offering themselves in service. Although they would not have used our modern language of volunteer sign-up sheets, they understood the importance of willing hearts and shared work.

In Judges 5, Deborah’s song praises God for people who willingly offered themselves during a difficult time. In Acts 6 , Priscilla and Aquila took time to help Apollos grow in his understanding of the faith. Their willingness to teach and encourage strengthened another person’s ministry.

These stories remind us that every ordinary act of service holds sacred possibilities. Whether it’s preparing food, teaching a child, noticing someone who might feel left out, or helping another person grow in faith, each act becomes a way to share God’s love in real and meaningful ways.

Paul gives us an image for this shared life in 1 Corinthians 12: the church is the body of Christ. We have different gifts, and we need one another. The person who enjoys organizing, the person who loves cooking, the child who eagerly carries supplies, and the person who makes a stranger feel comfortable all contribute something valuable.

Our volunteers are the church in action, living out their faith through the work of their hands and the love in their hearts. And as we serve together, God shapes us. We learn patience when plans change, practice generosity as we give our time, discover friendship while carrying tables, and learn to notice people and make space for them. We are growing together, imperfectly and beautifully.

To everyone who serves at St. Nick’s, whether your work is seen or happens quietly behind the scenes, thank you. Your gifts matter. You matter. I pray you feel the same care and welcome you so generously offer to others. You are a blessing to me, to our church, and to the world around us.

You help our church live into the mission of being a community of loving, giving, joyous Jesus- followers.  Through you, people experience what we hope they will discover here: they are welcome, they are loved, and they belong.

Looking ahead, you can continue to share your gifts and connect with others in our church family in many ways. Whether you volunteer at an upcoming ministry event like the Christmas Tree Lighting, join a hospitality team, or help with our outreach projects this fall, we are grateful for your presence and participation. If you are interested in learning more or getting involved, please reach out or watch for announcements about future opportunities. Together, we will continue to build a community where everyone belongs.

God’s Peace, Love, and Blessings,
Beth+