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www.incidentsfrom.com
Category:
Inspirational
Never before written -- a meditation book written by a church secretary to honor those who work in the church office.
The stories in this book were gathered from my experiences working in the church and other faith-based organizations. They tell about the joys and challenges of working in a church setting with ordinary people, called to serve behind the scenes. Some are a bit corny—something you might expect from an author who grew up in Iowa!
For the scripture references I chose the Bible in contemporary language called, The Message, because it speaks more clearly to me than other versions. John 5:3 served as my guide for writing this book: “If I were simply speaking on my own account, it [this book] would be an empty, self-serving witness.” I give God the glory for the inspiration to write Incidents From the Church Office.
You may want to place this book close to your workstation where you can grab it (and a cup of coffee or tea). Read it alone or with other staff at the beginning of each week, or anytime you need a boost. I hope you will learn a new trick or chuckle about similar situations you’ve faced while working in the church.
A comma (,) has been placed at the end of each prayer, as a reminder that we should never place a period where God has placed a comma (Gracie Allen). I invite you to continue to pray in your own words.
Excerpt
Finding Peace and Joy
Do not forget all his benefits. Psalm 103:2
Jesus called his disciples to follow him. They didn’t have a clue what they were getting into—like me when I got my first job in the church. Before my children were born, I worked for the social service agency in our county and had daily exposure to child neglect, seniors struggling to stay in their homes, and single moms trying to live on a welfare check. Years later when the pastor of my church approached me about a part-time job, I figured working in the church would be a cakewalk compared with working in a public agency. This might be a fun job and so peaceful!
It didn’t take long for the honeymoon to end. I began to wonder if this was the job for me. There was never enough time to finish everything in my in-box and not everyone who called the office wanted to tell me what a great job I was doing. The joy of working for my pastor dissipated a bit when I found out he was as human as my own husband, and just as disorganized.
The first churches I served were single-pastor parishes. I loved the volunteers who showed up and worked hard. I soon realized that the joy I found working in the church emanated from those who already had the peace I’d been seeking.
When serving in the large church, my workweek was full of challenges and surprises. On Friday evenings as I left my office I’d stop and look at the neatly stacked pile of worship booklets ready for the ushers. It always gave me a sense of pride and relief! I’d leave the church with Peace and on the drive home, Joy lifted my spirits. By Monday morning I looked forward to going back to work and doing it all over again.
Lord, you make all things possible, over and over again,
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