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 hope one (or two!) of you might consider stepping into the role of leading (or co-leading) Parish Life. This ministry is the backbone of the warm hospitality St. John’s strives to offer our congregation, overseeing the regular annual fellowship events that help anchor and connect our parish family.
The work is very manageable: overseeing the Parish Life budget, directly organizing just four of the 20 Parish Life events we offer each year, and serving as the occasional “consultant” for the St. John’s ministries hosting the other 16 events (even when you don’t have all the answers—none of us ever do!). How hands-on you are with the four events the Parish Life leader/s are directly responsible for is up to you—you can lead events yourself or invite others to help take the lead.
If you’re even a little curious, I would love to talk with you about what’s involved with these four events—our annual 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 into Parish Life next—and I’m also excited to discover what my own next step will be.
- Lee Walsh
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