“Awesomely Ridiculous”
If you have not sat down with Bob Harwood, then you think he is quiet and keeps to himself. He is always, always working! He is our Pine Valley United Methodist Church custodian who does everything! He was in the middle of a project in the gym when we were supposed to go to lunch. He was too busy to “go” so we sat on the bleachers among the tools and equipment and visited. After our visit I knew I had another new friend! Yes, I am in meetings with Bob but he always seemed to be a man of few words. I wanted to meet with Bob because the one thing I heard him say over and over was that the new members’ enthusiasm and willingness to serve was “ridiculous, awesomely ridiculous!!”
Apparently some of our new members are jumping right in ready to serve. Every Wednesday night and the other Sunday, these new members asked how they could help. He had new men who helped take down tables. What usually takes Bob a long time was cut into less than half the time. Their wives began wiping down tables and putting things away. What normally took Bob and Shirley’s crew a long time was now done in record time. Bob said he usually has Tom to help him but no one else. This has been a treat that Bob cannot stop talking about.
As we talk about serving, this is what these new members are doing. As Bob said, “They showed up and plugged in.” And this is how you get plugged in - get involved. If you want to “be a part of” and make new friends and enjoy fellowship then get involved. You are needed all over our church campus. In fact, if you go to the Sunday 9:45 am service, you know that all of those seats have to be put away right after church. I asked Bob how many people help him with that and he said he has about 5 regular helpers. I know that our Sunday school class starts late because three of our men (including our teacher) stay to help put away chairs. We would love for all to go to Sunday school but, if you are not, then that would be a tremendous help. It is just so much quicker and easier when there are more helpers!
We had a ministry fair after church recently and Mrs. Shirley made her wonderful pot roast. That meant take the chairs down after the 9:45 service, put up tables and chairs for lunch, and then put chairs and tables away afterwards. Bob said his volunteers were there again - ready to serve! He talked about how much earlier he and Shirley’s kitchen crew got out! They are so appreciative!
I spoke with one of those new members who is helping Bob. He said it is so rewarding to see how much it means to Bob and Shirley. It has been rewarding getting to know them. He said it inspires him to do more knowing what a huge help his little bit of work is. He said they have met new friends, enjoyed the fellowship, and “the food ain’t bad either!” He feels like “a little bit of work has gone a long way. Every little bit helps - it’s all a team effort.”
My husband and I were at the ministry fair and we enjoyed the great lunch, meeting new friends, fellowship with old friends, meeting people and learning the different ministries in the church. It was such a nice time. On the way home, Mike said, “Our church spoils us.” I think he is right. We are taken care of in so many ways! How can we give back? How can we make it possible for our church to continue spoiling us? Bring your time, energy and money to the storehouse!
God has a place for you. He molded us for His purpose. We are created in His image and equipped for His work. If you do not feel equipped, remember to rely on God’s strength. Isaiah 64:8, “We are the clay, and you are our potter. All of us are the work of your hand.” We are filling out our commitment cards and hopefully, you have been praying about ways you can serve. This is a great way to “give back”. It does not matter what you do but remember 1 Corinthians 10:31, “Whatever you do, do for the Glory of God!”
I asked Bob about having a “team” to help him move chairs and tables. He would LOVE to have help. We have revival coming up in January and as he said, he appreciates the last minute help but they have a system and really need to have people who know what the plan is. If you have a servant’s heart for helping in this way please contact the church office. Also, Bob is sending out a challenge. He would love to see some younger men volunteering!
What would PVUMC be like if everyone served like I serve every month?