The Work of the Lord

In this space, I want to celebrate the ministry and service of the many in this church who give their time and energy without much recognition. Jesus appears to hold in very high regard those who perform religious service without being seen by others, saying to them, “the Father who sees in secret will reward you” (see Matthew 6:3-4 & 17-18). Indeed, we have many at WPC doing the right hand of God’s work in our midst, often without the left hand knowing what they are doing.

One such group is the Compassion Guild. I will not name names, because they asked that I not do so, but they are the faithful servants who host memorial services and receptions for the families of the deceased. They kindly and unobtrusively provide a space of welcome by ushering and attending to a host of details, including what goes on serving trays and in punch bowls, and where to put tissue boxes, flowers, pictures and drinking water. Compassion Guild members stand always at the ready…when a memorial is scheduled, they do not ask to reschedule because of a family vacation or a long-scheduled doctor’s appointment. They make it happen. They are the last to leave a memorial, waiting patiently until the last family member or guest leaves the space, long after the pastor has left the building! All of this they do so that grieving families can focus their attention on each other and the memory of their loved ones.

What a gift the Compassion Guild is to this church and our community, and what a gift are all of you who in large and small ways serve without fanfare. May the God who sees in secret reward you in abundance.

-Patrick