St. Paul is a “name dropper,” but not in the deleterious “I’m trying to impress you by adding a name to the conversation”. Or, maybe he is … trying to impress them. But that doesn’t make it a bad thing. At the end of his letters, including the one to the Colossian Christians (I’ve been preaching from Colossians for most of the month of July) I’m certain he wanted them to know that he cared deeply for them and the people that were most important to them.

It’s been an incredibly challenging summer. I’d be happy to share the details with you. Just give me a call and we’ll sit down for a chat. But in the meantime, I started making my own list … the list of those who have made ministry possible during incredibly difficult times.

At the top of the list is the one who makes these newsletters possible these days. Deaconess Michele has stepped up in a big way since joining St. John’s ministry last summer. Bible studies, visitation, planning and implementing events, and making sure some communication happens in the meantime. Jennifer quietly makes my ministry possible and Wendy makes sure the bills are paid.

Linda has stepped up this summer in a big way helping to lead our school through a leadership transition. Mark and Maria and Jill and Gloria have added some “extra” time and activities to their busy schedules, not to mention Chas our newest School Board member who hasn’t even attended a meeting yet. Speaking of meetings, just coming to meetings and participating actively has been an incredibly important task for Jan, Jim, Stephanie and Joy.

Our trustees often serve quietly, without much fanfare as over the past years their (relatively) new pastor brings project after project for review and approval. Steve, Jon, Dave, Josh, and Mark make an early morning trip to St. John’s worth every moment! Reading and responding to my numerous updates via text and email, reviewing an emergency need quickly but completely makes my ministry possible.

Things wouldn’t be the same around St. John’s without those who serve in smaller but critical ways making sure any number of important tasks get accomplished. I fear I’ll leave out someone important but Jim and Karen and Doc and Dave continue to make our large campus look wonderful, even when summer rains result in a crop of grass (and weeds). Deb and Jim and Al and Mark keep on working various smaller projects, most of which go unnoticed by many.

Our music ministry continues to require a huge commitment of time and energy, but Jennie, Tracy, Kati, Dionne and Sue step up again and again and again. Not to mention our elders who not only assist in worship but receive news of both the joys and struggles. Roger, Roland, Jim, Al, Pete, Bob and those who assist so often in worship at the table or behind the scenes: Doc, Josh, Tim, Mat, Bill, Ethan, Jim, Mike, and Debra. Your ministry makes ministry possible. And the Altar Guild … don’t think I dare mention one for fear I’ll miss someone (Mary Jo, Judy, Jesica, Karen, Renny, and others)!

And last but certainly not least, your Governing Board continues to meet regularly and coordinate any number of challenging tasks … especially the emergency requests that require bold action. It may not always look like ministry, but Zach, Doc, Renny, Dale, Ethan, Al, Linda and Josh make it happen in so many ways at St. John’s.

As St. Paul reminded Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”