Making Stonebridge the Place to Serve

Greetings in the Name of Jesus,

I'm thrilled with what's happening at Stonebridge United Methodist Church. During last fall's stewardship drive, we asked everyone to fill out a servant sheet for our ministries, aiming for full participation from everyone at our church. We offered 48 service opportunities through worship, discipleship, community outreach, care ministry, and special events. Most of the teams are already working to make our weekly ministries possible. Others will be working as special events take place in the future. 

The response has been overwhelming. People are still putting their names forward to be Kingdom servants. Most filled out forms to volunteer for multiple opportunities to serve. As I reviewed the list this week, I realized that we have almost 200 people on these teams in over 500 places. Wow!! I also realized that there are many who are serving that are not yet listed on these teams. 

When I begin to count those not yet listed, we most likely have over 250 servants working in our ministries! Probably more!

Our work is not done. My vision is to make Stonebridge the place to serve and make a difference for Christ and the Church. I want to make sure that all our ministry teams have what they need to make Stonebridge UNSTOPPABLE and have fun in their ministry area. 

Two of the most important teams for our ministry are our Hospitality and Usher teams. They are the first impression to those who walk through our doors on Sunday. There are 66 individuals who serve on these teams for our Celebration and Bridge worship. The teams work throughout Sunday morning to make sure there is coffee, donuts, and other treats to facilitate our worship and fellowship. They open the doors as people arrive and wish each person well as they leave. It is amazing to watch them work!

Over the next weeks, I hope to highlight a ministry and their leader. There are many great servants at Stonebridge. Above I mentioned the great work that is being done through our hospitality and usher teams. Carol Furchak, the team leader for hospitality, arrives as early as 7:00 am to begin the preparations for coffee and treats. She is passionate about making sure everyone experiences the warmth of our church. Dave Lewis is the team leader for our Celebration worship ushers. Dave arrives early to make sure everything is set to help facilitate our worship experience. His love for Stonebridge UMC is contagious to all he meets. Let Carol and Dave know how much we appreciate them.

One final note… We have one of the finest Leadership Boards in the United Methodist Church. Trevor Castilla is the chair, and Erin Clark is the vice-chair. The rest of the Leadership Board is made up of Roger Dankel, Doug Darby, Lona Ellis, Jim Hamill, Jenny Kaiser, Brian Reilly, Sandy Tutwiler, Jeff Whanger and Pam Wilson. Their careful, steady leadership and decision making are critical to the work we do. Take a moment to say thanks to them on Sunday. 

This Sunday, we'll explore Isaac's story from Genesis. Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah, His name means "one who brings laughter and joy". We'll examine how his story relates to us, highlighting the call to sacrifice worldly ways to follow God. Offering everything to God invites God’s special miracles into our lives. When we are willing to offer all things to God, the smile of God brings a special miracle.

This week, take time to tell someone about the great things happening at Stonebridge UMC. Invite them to worship. 

See you Sunday!

Pastor John Allen