We're Shining a Spotlight on Our Volunteers!
Below you'll find the text of the Thank You Notes posted by members to recognize the service of the various volunteers at First Church. We've listed them alphebetically according to the last name of the person recognized. There is a special section for "groups" of people who are being recognized.
The notes are also posted on the Every Member a Minister bulletin board located in Building 5 between Rooms 122 and 124. Check out the THANK YOUs below to see who is spotlighted. See anyone who is missing? Then write them a note! You might even find that someone has recognized YOU!
Special Groups of Volunteers
Disciple Bible Study Facilitators Thursday Night United Methodist Men
Barbara Stanford, Rich Thompson, Ty Johnston, Frank Gipson, Myra Schomburg, Chick Canet, Keitha Wilson, Rev. David Adkins, Mike & Starr Freeman and Dianne Gillory. Thank you all for your faithful and self-sacrificing service to your classes. You put in hours of preparation and immeasurable amounts of agape love! Thank you!!!
A huge thanks to all of the Men @ Night who created two new name tag racks. Your desire to help our congregation and visitors feel more comfortable is right in there with "Love thy neighbor." You’ve made God and me smile. Ty Johnston
Robin Alkek
Stephen Leader
Robin does one of the hardest Stephen Ministry tasks -- doing initial interviews and assigning Stephen Ministers. Thank you.
The Baumanns
Scott Baumann is one of the newest members of the CrossRoads Praise and Worship Team. In addition to running sound for CrossRoads AM, he's already been involved in Holy Week services and a "snake" installation. His wife and her parents are faithful members of CrossRoads AM as well as ushers for the service. I could not thank this family enough for what they do each week - CrossRoads wouldn't be CrossRoads without them!
Richard Berkley
For keeping everyone informed of the wonderful Mission Opportunities that the church and community offer, for sending all of us truly inspiring, and thought provoking articles and e-mails that you often see and share with us!! Thank you for truly being a motivating force in our group, and truly inspiring all of us!!! Christie
Bernie Clifford
Director of Treble Makers
The level of commitment that Bernie has is amazing as she volunteers her time on Sunday mornings to direct our youngest choir, the Treble Makers. She is so kind and patient with these 3 and 4 year olds, and she teaches them not only about music but about the love of God. Thank you Bernie! Dr. Linda Bolding
Ben Eades
Ben has been unable to help with CrossRoads lately, but his contributions to the lighting and aesthetics are still felt every Sunday. He works without asking for a thank-you and without needing to be asked, so that CrossRoads can be experienced to its fullest. God bless you, Ben, you are so greatly appreciated.
Laura El-Deir
Director of Treble Makers
As a director of our youngest choir, the Treble Makers, Laura volunteers her time on Sunday mornings to teach these 3 and 4 year olds music. She is so creative and is constantly thinking of new ways to teach the ways of God through music. Thank you Laura! Dr. Linda Bolding
Mike Goodrich
You may know Mike as the tech guy for Sanctuary service, but you may not know that he volunteers with CrossRoads Band as well. Always willing to play electric, acoustic, bass or anything else - he's there early for most every rehearsal, ready to give glory to God! Thanks Mike for your talents and your heart.
Jennifer Hall and Keitha Wilson
Jennifer has been an awesome coordinator of the Disciples Bible Study program for several years now. She nurtures our leaders, organizes the classes, gets the facilitators trained, and makes sure all the many, many details get done! Keitha joined the Disciples team a couple of years ago and has been so amazing! She is the Registrar and makes sure the registration process and evaluations and surveys get processed just right! She has been such a team player and wonderful facilitator of Christian Believer this year, too! Thank you both for your hard work and loving service!
Sandy Harper
For as long as I can remember, Sandy Harper has led confirmation classes every year. She is tireless in her efforts to help the young people of First Church to learn about our Church, Methodism, and what it means to be ona faith journey. She is truly a minister and I am so very grateful that she is a part of our church family. ---Tricia Reid
Amy Johnson
Greeter Coordinator
Amy stepped up almost a year ago to lead the Greeter ministry and has done an amazing job! She faithfully makes sure there are friendly and helpful people to greet everyone, especially our visitors, each Sunday and for special worship services. She is a fantastic leader and truly has a servant’s heart. Thank you Amy for all you are doing! Laura
Eleanor Johnson
Costume Coordinator & Creator for
Choral Music Dept.
Eleanor is the talented and creative person who designs and sews the costumes for our cantatas and musicals. From the regal costumes of the kings at Christmas to all the costumes for our Youth Music Company’s musical, she spends hours and hours shopping, designing and even sewing fantastic costumes. She puts a team together, and they work magic. We are so grateful–and fortunate–to have Eleanor! The Choral Music Dept.
Rich Lautzenheiser
Rich served as Chair of Church Council for 2 terms, rotating off of that in February 2007 to become active in the Communications Leadership Team. Thank you Rich for all of your leadership, integrity, and hard work. You have made a huge impact on this church and on the Kingdom of God! We really appreciate all you have done and are continuing to do.