over the years i have had a front row seat, eagerly watching how and by whom church is done. sometimes it has been enlightening and sometimes it has been well, a little frightening. but no matter where i sat myself down for a church service - pew or chair - sanctuary/auditorium or gym or grassy field - with or without drums - organ present or awol - praise team or the solitary, suited, song leader - i benefited from the unsung heroes of the church.
they serve with no seeming need for the spotlight or the fan club.
they just serve.
she washes any stray dishes that mysteriously show up in the kitchen area after the meet and greet coffee time is over and done with. every week she shows up after the last service and doesn't leave until the counters are sparkling and free of mugs, pitchers, plates, and whatever else was used and left for the super-secret scientific mold-growth experiments covertly taking place at churches across the country.
he arrives at church before the service, usually BEFORE most of the musicians to open up, start a nice warm, inviting fire in fireplace, and greet everyone with a smile.
he coaches a boys basketball team. she teaches Sunday School. they both send post cards and make phone calls during the week to make sure the kids know they matter.
she worked in the nursery - soothing crying babies and their moms both. every week she was on the schedule there seemed to be a visitor family with a colicky infant that was beyond comfort. . . until she stepped in.
she sends notes of appreciation and encouragement to the pastor and his wife with a scary sense of timing. she is a strong prayer warrior for the body even though many of the congregation do not know of her commitment to them and the church.
as a couple, they embody hospitality - opening their home and their hearts to those who need encouragement or just a little time catching their breath in the great outdoors, enjoying God's country with it's wizened trees, beautiful wild and tame flowers, and the dance of the humming birds.
she is not in the best of health herself - maybe that is why she is committed to make the hospital visit, take someone to the doctor, line up a meal or a speed clean team to help out when sickness strikes. people who are healthy probably don't know her super hero identity.
he anonymously makes sure finances don't keep a student from the mission field. no one would suspect him of this generosity - money is tight but this is his act of love.
he listens. she prays. they clean. he repairs. they cook. she sings.
they just serve.
the church is not the "service" that takes place for one hour on a Sunday.
the church is the service of its members.
"and they'll know we are Christians by our love. . . "
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