Grateful for all our volunteers

One thing that has struck me lately is to be thankful for what we do have - and not focus in on what we don't have.

Let me say that I am grateful and thankful for all who minister in our church. Many go beyond the "call of duty" to provide acts of service to our church family.

Many are faithful, week in and week out. For that my heart is full of gratitude.

The fact of the matter is - that we couldn't minister as we do at Stone Church without our volunteers.

So - if you are reading this - and are a volunteer minister at our church - let me say to you - thank you very, very much.

The kingdom of God is built upon people such as yourself.

I trust that will be an encouragement to you today. What you are doing in ministry has eternal consequences and not "just" temporary ones.

Listen to this story:

"Nearly 3,000 athletes take part in the summer games of Michigan's Special Olympics. The Special Olympics slogan is "Caring is more important than winning." This is especially true of those competitors who are mentally impaired.

The events at the Special Olympics are like any other track meet with one major difference. At the finish line is a group of volunteers the Olympic Committee calls "huggers." Their job, in addition to calling out the winners, is to encourage one of the competitors throughout the race and to greet him or her at the finish line with a big hug.

In Romans 16, Paul gives special recognition to the men and women in Rome who had been diligently "running the race" for the Lord. He remembered them by name. Paul would have made a good "hugger." (Actually the Greek text mentions kissing, but you know how cultures change.) You can be that kind of encourager too. Make those around you feel like winners."

If you were here right now I would just give you a big hug in thanksgiving!