It seems like every day I find myself appreciating my co-workers more. When I moved to the Chicago area nearly 5 years ago I was coming in search of "community" and I guess it only makes sense that I would find it at a place called "Community Christian Church." You'd think the honeymoon of being overwhelmed by this place would be over, but it's not. It seems like every week new expressions of community arise that keep me in a perpetual state of gratitude.
Like today when we discovered after services that our volunteer tear down team wasn't coming. I'm sure the family who was supposed to help just forgot. I was exhausted just looking at the 13 rooms full of tables, chairs, bins, and toys that had to be put away in a back closet. And I had a Kids' City event to be at in an hour. But all it took was a few cries of "help" to a few co-workers and before I knew it we had pastor muscle flying all over the place getting the task done. Guys that had preached and poured into people for four services came downstairs with unfaded energy asking, "What else can I do to help?" I love that about this place. The same people who are in the spotlight on stage are the first to volunteer to push chair carts and carry plastic kitchens.
As I'm typing this post in my loft office at home, I'm listening to the pecking of a bird above my head to the right. He's not in the house, well, I guess technically he is. He keeps going in the dryer exhaust vent. A couple years ago one of his friends decided to get adventurous and made it into the house by following the vent pipe and pecking through the foil hose on the back of the dryer. I'm all for sharing the earth with God's creatures but not my house. But the problem will be solved this week. Our Naperville Facility Manager blocked out time in his busy schedule to come to my house with a giant ladder and install bird guards on my vents. A little more pastor muscle that will be much appreciated.
Sure true community is about talking and sharing and worshiping together and spending quality time. But it's also found in hauling bins and climbing ladders.
Maybe you can generate a volunteer call in list for such events. I bet that some people wouldn't mind doing that.
I love our pastor (muscle) passion.
Posted by: Shelley | May 21, 2007 at 11:21 AM
Tammy - thanks for putting this on your blog! It's great for people to know that our pastors are the real deal! They live what they are teaching. I have been going to the church a little over eight years (on staff almost two) and I am still pinching myself to make sure I am not dreaming. I feel so blessed that our family is a part of this place and in community with all these incredible people. I love it!
Posted by: Cathy | May 22, 2007 at 02:07 PM