"Ridiculously Good" Church Staff

Now that's a great-looking collection of church staff (minus Earl, parish associate)

Did I ever mention the "utilitarian" function of the preacher's husband? I'm sure I did. We've already discussed the pure joy found via freedom from stereotypical "Preacher's Wife" expectations. The church is pretty-much happy I even show up, and that's wonderful! But then, over time (and especially if you do show up on a regular basis), people will eventually find out what your particular skill set is and - Bingo! - you're busy.

Hence the designation of "utility player." I've confessed before in this space how much I enjoy photography, so I shouldn't have been surprised when I was asked to shoot the church staff for the new directory. Fortunately it was an easy assignment, as we have a naturally photogenic group who A) do not suffer from vanity, B) are cooperative and C) get along well.

Don (left) and Mark run our music ministry

So I thought I'd share the results in this week's "Clergy-Hubby" post. I'll start with the music guys. Mark is music director. He plays the pipe organ beautifully, he directs our most excellent choir, he leads a top-notch handbell ensemble, and he plays piano for the Praise Band; he is also an accomplished trombonist and puts together an occasional low-brass choir that makes truly remarkable music. Everything he touches is enhanced by his grace and quiet faith.

Don (who also plays trombone in the Florida Orchestra) is in charge of the Praise Team. Every week he crafts a multi-layered sound from a surprisingly talented band composed of guitars, brass, woodwinds, percussion and keyboard. Don brings a deep spiritual sensitivity and cutting edge musicality that is the perfect accompaniment for worship.

Steve and Debbie handle facilities

Next we have Steve and Debbie. Steve is facilities manager. Believe me, that's no small assignment in a rambling set of  buildings that have been stitched together over 50 years. This year, or course, we're in the process of updating the physical plant and pretty-much doubling our usable space. The other side of that coin is Debbie, who gets to keep it all clean and ready for whatever is going on. Between them (and with the help of God) miracles occur on a daily basis!

The next grouping is the office staff. I don't have space here to begin to do them justice. Joyce (front right) is our office manager; or, as Rebekah often says, "The Boss." How critically important is Joyce? Well, let's just say that, sometimes, I have to buy her chocolate... really expensive chocolate. Yeah, that's how it is!

Did the office staff coordinate their outfits for today's photo? Sure looks like they did....

Kathy (front left) wears two hats. She is pre-school director for probably the best program in Brandon. Then, having filled the church with love and light and enthusiastic two, three and four-year-olds all morning, she spends the afternoon bringing her positive energy to the front office. Tisa (back right) is the first warm greeting for those who walk in or call, and has revolutionized the church web page at www.fpcbrandon.org. Andy (middle) and Sue work magic with money and accounting and payroll and receipts and a thousand details I couldn't follow if they explained it to me all day. They are all awesome folk who make the work of ministry at First Presbyterian possible via their faithful service.

Kelly and Lynn, our youth are in good hands!

I didn't get to photograph our Youth Director, Kelly, other than the group picture (center back, dark hair). But I did capture this fun image last night at the staff party (we party a lot) at our house, when the mantle was officially passed from Lynn. Lynn ran the youth program for nine years, covering our young people with a quality of love and encouragement that is legend around here. This may not be the "official" portrait, but I believe it captures the spirit and the passion they both share.

Tim and Rebekah: "ridiculously good" ministers. Earl - our parish associate - makes three.

Last but not least, Rebekah and Tim. There's not enough space, but I think a quote from one of our Sunday school teachers fits best here. A week ago, Tim was teaching a discipleship ministry workshop for educators and small group leaders. He handed out some material that described several important factors in making church work. After a while, one of the teachers raised her hand.

"When I read about the qualities people look for in the ideal church setting," she said, "the first thing that came to my mind was, We have ridiculously good ministers at this church...."

Nice one, Sandy - "Ridiculously Good" it is. But then I could say the same about the rest of the staff, too.

Peace and Blessings - DEREK