I thank God for volunteers, people who offer to do something without being forced to or without getting paid to do it. These willing souls are the backbone of a just and thriving community.
They are also the backbone of the church. Volunteers offer gifts of time, talent, money and effort to make a difference. Each has unique gifts and perspectives to offer. This is a wonderful opportunity to give thanks for our differences; for in teams, those differences can complement the work of others.
From 1 Corinthians 12: "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds
of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good."
A team pulls together by using a common approach to achieve its goals; teamwork is a process for getting things done. I have great respect for the power and beauty of volunteer teams in our community, pulling together for the common good.
We may be motivated to volunteer for different reasons, we may be of different faith traditions or espouse no particular faith, but in pulling together with a clear purpose, complementary skills and a common approach, volunteers accomplish amazing things.
