Celebrating Our Servant Hearts: Embracing Volunteer Gifts and Service
Kia ora koutou, and warm greetings in this beautiful weather!
Volunteers, Volunteers, Volunteers- Who would like to be one?
Over one billion people worldwide embrace volunteerism.
The Bible talks about volunteering as a beautiful way for us to practise love and service in our communities. It’s about giving our time and talents to help others, which reflects the love that God shows us every day.
Today, I want to acknowledge our volunteers serving in different ministries of the church. These ministries include:
| Ministry | Volunteers | Ministry | Volunteers | Ministry | Volunteers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bible Readers | 27 | Door Welcomers | 15 | Community Lunch | 16 |
| Worship | 30 | Morning Tea | 21 | Home Group | 11 |
| Service Prayer | 12 | Events | 10 | Gardening | 9 |
| Kids In Christ | 16 | Pastoral Care | 10 | Host Families | 8 |
| Prayer Chain | 15 | Board of Manager | 8 | Elderly Care & Visiting | 7 |
| Working Bee | 16 | Interest Group | 6 | Mission | 5 |
| St Peters House | 5 | Service Leader | 5 | Skills List | 5 |
| Laundry | 1 | Pre‑Service Prayer | 4 | Boys Brigade | 3 |
| Girls Brigade | 2 | Office | 2 |
Scripture says:
Embrace God’s Gifts
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever Amen (1 Peter 410-11)
. “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:10)
Jesus is our model
…the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
May you continue to “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
about author
Ordained in 2022 after 20+ years in the education sector as a Teacher, Principal and Education consultant. Reverend Enosa heard God’s call to enter the ministry. Now Senior Minister of St Peter’s Church in Tauranga, he leads a vibrant Church in the heart of the City reaching out to the local community.
