Rev. Peter C. de Vries, Ph.D. has served Old Union since November 1993.
To learn more about Rev. Dr. de Vries, go to FaceBook, Linked-In, or his blog.
FROM THE PASTOR:
There’s a place in the church for you to serve. There’s a place for everyone. It’s a matter of simple math. Consider the service positions in the church:Eight committees, ideally four people each: 32
- Choir: 10
- Deacons: 7
- Sunday School teachers: 2
- Auditors 2
- Presbytery Commissioners: 2
- Nominating Committee: 7
- Manse Committee: 4
- Treasurer 1
This does not include session members, because they serve on the committees. And it does not include people who serve regularly in less formal but equally important roles, such as taking care of things in the church kitchen. So, let’s round that number up to 75 or 80 as a conservative estimate of how many positions of service there in our church.
This is roughly the same of people who attend worship regularly, even if they’re not all in church on the same Sunday. As I said, it’s a matter of simple math. There is a role to serve in for everyone who is active in our church.
Of course, there are people who serve in more than one role. Some people are on more than one committee, there are deacons on the nominating committee, Sunday School teachers in the choir, and so on. All this means, however, is that if you’re not a position of service in the church, someone else is doing your job for you! When people double or triple up on their responsibilities at the church, they are likely to become overworked and fatigued, and perhaps even resentful.
Service in the church is never meant to be a burden or a chore. In fact, Jesus makes it clear to us that the greatest joy to be found in his kingdom is the joy we find while serving God and his people. While there are many paths of service, taking part in the life of our congregation is a way that we can serve together.
Perhaps there is a different form of service that appeals to you, other than the ones we currently have in our church. Or perhaps there’s some sort of obstacle or impediment that prevents you from service. If that’s the case, please tell me or a session member. I feel confident that we can work together to open up new possibilities for service, and new ways to make service possible.
We are in the midst of the nomination season, as the church is seeking officers to serve in the coming year. If you are asked to serve, prayerfully consider if this is a role that God has in mind for you.
In Christ,
Peter
Old Union Presbyterian Church | 200 Union Church Road, Mars, PA 16046
724-538-8672 | [email protected]
724-538-8672 | [email protected]