Welcome to Volunteer Appreciation Sunday
A few weeks ago I spoke on the relational theme of “honour”. It’s important for Christians to honour God, honour our parents, honour those in authority and to look for reasons to honour those who serve. Today is a great opportunity to say thank you to the backbone of our church, the CLA volunteers. Over a thousand people serve – some weekly, others monthly, and still more on special occasions or annually. We find volunteers running our services and gatherings. They make an impact through prayer ministry, Life Groups, classes, the kitchen and special events. Kids have the most volunteers, followed by Rev Youth Ministry and adult discipleship. We have a lot of helpers for Canada Day picnic, Christmas and during our mission’s emphasis days. Some serve on our CLA board or our committees (HR, Governance, Missions, Finance, CLA Housing, Sharon Village, Refugee Support, or Jenni Gaglardi Place). Have you received a birthday phone call? Again, more volunteers. It’s impossible to even begin to name everyone, but from my heart, thank you. I hope you can join us for a special event after the service in the Conference Hall.
The New Testament is brimming with exhortations and examples of servanthood. There is an expectation that we would use our “spiritual gifts” to edify each other. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said, “let your light shine before others” (Matt 5:16). In Ephesians 2:10 it says, “we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works”. At the last supper Jesus took off his outer cloak and washed the feet of this disciples as a public act of service. He said, “Do you understand what I have done for you? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” John 13:12 – 17.
When we volunteer at CLA, we are serving Christ and building up the Body of Christ. Service allows us to meet new people, feel part of the church’s mission and it makes life easier for those in leadership. Loving and ministering to others allows our faith to grow and we learn important lessons about ourselves. I encourage you to consider this important opportunity. If you are not involved in CLA, please join our team! There are so many ways to bless the community of faith and to reach out to the Fraser Valley. I know God will bless your offer of assistance.
