One Ministry After Another
at Granada Heights Friends Church
I keep thinking that I’ve found the most remarkable ministry at our church and then I’m surprised by finding another. After Phil and I married, our service at Granada Heights Friends Church began with the trustees—Tim White, H.K. Maynard, Richard Tucker, Bob Miller, Kurt Plubell, George Barr, and Murrie Alcorn. These guys were a riot. Meetings were hilarious, fast-paced, and filled with jabs and eye rolls. Sometimes there were donuts, and sometimes we had long discussions about the HVAC, but always we got a lot done. As my time with them came to a close, they threw me a baby shower to send me into my next adventure.
After my first child was born, I discovered the MOPs ministry, which seemed like the exact opposite of the trustees. Cute decorations, uplifting encouragement, home-cooked food, chit-chat, games, and great speakers made this mama’s entry into motherhood slightly less terrifying. This was a program made possible by so many helping hands who had little ones of their own—Teri Elflet, Mishawn Tremper, Heidi Garside, Lisa Francis, Laura Blackwell, Shayleen Sanborn—these ladies had some serious gifts to offer mothers of preschoolers. Eventually, I joined the team, led a table, and even spoke a few times. What a neat time in Granada’s history MOPs was!
Next, Phil and I entered a joint adventure in the preschool department! Teri Elfelt, our children’s pastor, held training days for helpers. She put together lessons for the teachers, sent out preparation emails, and arranged for crafts, songs, and snacks each week. Frequently, she put together gifts of appreciation for the teachers. We felt so supported as we taught our little preschoolers. When I began to feel the need to have a break from my kids on Sundays, I exited that department, but Phil still continues to serve there.
About this time, I began to see a need to speak openly and honestly with a small group of women about life struggles, so I began a growth group that served as an anchor for five ladies through the COVID years. Here, we were able to share our hearts openly without fear of judgment or unsolicited advice. Surrounded by these ladies, I quit holding back on the Lord and was baptized into a whole-hearted surrender. This group was vital to my life at that time, but as COVID restrictions lifted and our lives seemed to be going in different directions, the Lord clearly said, “Take a break.” I closed this chapter and began looking for the next one. Ending my growth group left a vacancy in my life, so I asked God where I might share with others what He was teaching me.
One day, after a women’s Bible Study meeting, some ladies prayed that the Lord would show me where I might go next. That night, Devin Fieguth asked me to join the Middle School department as a small group leader. Leading a Middle School small group was not what I had in mind, but I couldn’t deny God’s answer to prayer, so I responded to the calling and discovered my new favorite place of ministry: the Youth Group. Granada’s Youth Leadership was remarkable. They were so appreciative to the small group leaders, so respectful, open to input, and encouraging of new ideas. At bi-monthly meetings, they ensured their volunteer staff was well-equipped, supported, heard, and valued. They treated us to pizza, Applebee’s, Starbucks, and a Secret Santa Gift exchange. Plus they always reimbursed us for our fuel when driving kids. The leadership there made my four-year stint in that department hard to leave. (More on this in another post.)
About a year ago, prompted by an impromptu hot dog roast with one of our church’s elders and his wife, I once again recognized the need to begin a growth group. However, this time, I wanted some backup support. That’s when I discovered the inner workings of WOW, the Workmen of the Word Bible Study for ladies. I asked to be under their leadership in starting my own group. I was seeking prayer, administrative back-up, and wisdom from them, but I found much more. This all-ladies organization functioned like a well-oiled machine. The leadership reminded me so much of Paul’s description of the body of Christ in 1 Corinthians 12. Everyone used their unique gifts to make this operation work. There was a lady to run the library, a lady to make coffee, a lady to coordinate the speakers, a lady to play the piano, a lady to select songs, a lady to print the papers, a lady to handle the offering, etc! This group of leaders held me in prayer, supported me through the start of my new group, inquired about how it was going, and prayed for me through making some tough life choices.
I see the Lord’s movement throughout the ministries where I’ve been involved, and I’m thankful for how the Lord has taken care of my needs in each new phase of life. As my time with my Middle School Students came to a close, I recall how the Lord has always had something new in store for me on the horizon. Phil and I eagerly await what comes next.
To read more like this, click a link below.
Thank you for all you have done for Granada and how you have used your gifts and abilities to serve. You have made a difference in many lives. I am praying that God will continue to open doors for you to walk through and find ways to bless others. We (WOW) will be in prayer for you and with you.
I love reading this progression of how God has led you (and Phil) and what you've done at Granada through the years. Granada is a place where people can serve and grow, and I love that!