Our church secretary retired this week.  It will be a loss for us, but I pray that it will be a blessing to her.  I believe she has retired a few times before.  She used her gifts in the corporate world for many years and then worked in another church before here.  She was drafted out of retirement again for our church and brought an organization and stability that we needed. 

In the corporate world people are often lured out of retirement by great bonuses or high consulting fees.  But St. Paul had none of those to offer.  We offered low pay and no benefits (the justice issues are a whole other article), and yet she came because there was a need and she filled it.

She served as loyally as if she had been a member here, and yet she held membership in another church and worked tirelessly there as well.  In fact, now that I want to honor her for her service here she claims she is much too busy with Bible study and Altar Guild to come to church to be recognized.

It has not been a glamorous job.  Too many people think they are her bosses.  She doesn't always get the information she needs before the deadline, but be sure people will not be tardy in letting her know of her mistakes.  But she knows who her real boss is and I don't mean me.  She serves the same Lord as we do, and the contribution she makes to our worship and church life touches so many. 

This article is a tribute not only to her but also to so many who serve so faithfully behind the scenes.  People who walk into a church on Sunday would have no idea how many low-paid workers and volunteers have been behind everything that happens.

Funny thing, she retired yesterday and when I get to church today she will already be there finishing up the newsletter.  I suspect that when she gets to Heaven and hears the words, "Well done good and faithful servant," she will look for a place to get to work.

This article is a tribute not only to her but to so many who serve so faithfully behind the scenes.  People who walk into a church on Sunday would have no idea how many low-paid workers and volunteers have been behind everything that happens.  If your heart was touched last Sunday or your faith deepened, it was touched indirectly by someone who is living out her faith every day.

Lord, We give thanks for all who serve in your church, paid and unpaid, sung and unsung.  Bless them and strengthen them in all that they do in your name.  Amen