Dear Church Family,
Our Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon is one of my favorite events. I'll be honest, I began the tradition 6 years ago as a new congregant. Maybe they had them in years past, I don't know. However, when I arrived in 2014 Rev. Sharon Connors was leaving the church and Rev. Brian Grandon was beginning his first ministry. I was struck at many activities this church hosted compared to the size of the attending congregation. The number of activities we sponsored rivaled the church I left in Honolulu which had over 600 in attendance any given Sunday. During that year I watched as people came forward each week at potluck to bring a dish and help clean up. The Thrift Boutique had volunteer staffing to be open 4 days a week and there were regular groups of people who served as ushers.
This year at the luncheon we honored people who volunteer in many ministries and give many hours of dedicated service. I dubbed the honor "The Halo and Wing Society" As I was preparing the list I held the thought (fear) that I would overlook someone(s) who is vital to the ministry. I often repeat the maxim: "Thoughts held in mind, produce after their kind." This means when we think it - it will manifest. I love to share wonderful stories about affirmative thoughts manifesting substance. And really this is no different - except it wasn't a direct route from affirmation to manifestation.
When honoring certain volunteers for the many events, ministries and activities they had assisted or led, I excluded people who serve God through our ministry in either more quiet ways (figuratively speaking). People like Donna Rodriguez and Faith Consuer who serve in a very big way in our music program. Each week they attend choir rehearsal, each week they attend church and lead the songs. Faith & Ray live in Encinitas and when they came to lead a program at the August Block Party it was an hour each way to get here. Imagine every Sunday driving an hour to church for choir practice and worship. Donna also makes everything pretty for us with specialty cards and assisting with our honorary plaques.
And then there's Sal and Dianne Pardo. We honored Dianne a couple of years ago as a Legendary Volunteer. But as I looked at all the "hats" they wear and the many hours of work and presence I realized I made a tremendous oversight in not honoring them on Sunday. Sal leads the Ushers & Greeters, he has served on the Facilities Committee, leading the Angels in furnishing us with new entry carpets, each Sunday morning he picks up debris, sweeps any areas needing to be tidied. He is at most church events, making sure that we ready for business. And when we're not, he makes sure that we are. I overlooked this, because for the past six years I've attended - he's always done this quietly. Very quietly.
Dianne serves as the Chair of Unity Angels, Office Volunteer, serving at most events and every Sunday Service. When I emailed her on Monday morning to apologize for the oversight, she thanked me for my concern but stated "We do what we do at the church out of love for the church and church family, not for recognition." That's why she's a legend. She serves from her heart. They both do.
This year I add the Halo and Wings Society recognition to Donna Rodriguez and Faith Consuer for giving so vocally of their talents and time in service to God. And we honor Sal and Dianne Pardo with the Halo and Wings SECRET SOCIETY. Giving thanks for the many ways you serve God through our ministry in a quiet, beautiful and very appreciated way.
Many blessings,
Robert