After five years leading St. John’s Parish Life Ministry, I’ll be stepping down at the end of this program year in June. It has truly been a joy to serve in this role and in other positions at St. John’s over the past 13 years—on the Vestry, the Vision Team, Shepherd’s Table, the Children’s Education Team, and in various worship ministries. I can honestly say I’ve received far more than I’ve given. Through these ministries, I’ve made cherished friends and experienced the deep satisfaction that comes from serving alongside others in response to God’s call.
Now it’s time to pass the torch, and I am delighted that my good friend and fellow parishioner Liz Mullikin has agreed to succeed me! Liz loves people, and has made a great contribution over the years building community and fellowship at St. John’s. (Look for an upcoming profile of Liz in Crossroads!) She invites all parishioners with a love for hospitality to reach out to her to join the leadership team. There are many fun ways to get involved in Parish Life to suit talents and schedules!
This ministry is the backbone of the warm fellowship St. John’s strives to offer our congregation, overseeing the 20 annual Parish Life events that help anchor and connect our parish family. The work is very manageable: the leadership team directly organizes just four of those 20 annual Parish Life events, inviting others to help. The leadership team also serves as the occasional “consultant” for the St. John’s ministries who host the other 16 annual events (even when you don’t have all the answers—none of us ever do!).
If you’re even a little curious, Liz and I would love to talk with you about what’s involved with hosting these four special, annual events—our Renewal Sunday BBQ, the Christmas Eve cookie reception, the Easter brunch reception, and the Epiphany cake reception—or anything else you’d like to know about Parish Life.
More broadly, I’d also love to encourage everyone to consider choosing at least one ministry to serve in at St. John’s—maybe even to lead. Our church thrives when many hands and hearts share the work and take turns leading that work. Volunteerism in all areas of life has taken a dip since COVID, and that’s understandable. Life is full—raising children, caring for parents, working, and managing the everyday tasks of home. It can feel like a lot.
But I’ve found that saying “yes” to these ministry commitments often adds more joy than stress. I promise I am not superwoman (my family and those of you who know me would quickly confirm that!), and I’m certainly far from perfectly organized. If I can make room to serve, I truly believe others can too. Sometimes it just takes one small step forward.
I’m excited to see who will step in to help Liz in our vibrant Parish Life ministry—and I’m also excited to discover what my own next step will be.
- Lee Walsh
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Editors' note: Please join the leadership of St. John's in expressing a heart-felt "thank you" to Lee for her years of service!
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