Consider It Done!

On Sunday we took our administrator, Helen, totally off guard by acknowledging her twenty five years of ministry at St. Paul's during worship. I use the word "ministry" rather than "work" or even "service" because a good secretary or administrator in a congregation realizes that she or he will often be the frontline person in the broader picture of effective pastoral care, outreach, and even worship.

Helen has done this job admirably through the years. For six years it was with Rev. Ed, then nine years with Rev. Nancy and another nine avec moi. There was a transition year from one pastorate to the next, a number of other staff positions, and an ever-changing corps of congregants who take on roles of leadership.

I am amazed at Helen's ability to get her work done with such efficiency given the constant interruptions. Often she hears about the travails and triumphs of our folk before I do as they stop by for a quick chat. The best of the adminstrators I have worked with through the decades are supportive collaborators in providing the best ministry possible and Helen is at the top of the list.

Our Child and Youth Worker, Laura, gave Helen a plaque some time ago which says Consider it Done as a response to her efficiency. It is so apt for Helen who seems to respond to each request almost before we have finished voicing it.

Well done, good and faithful servant!

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