All in a day's work...

As we write this musing, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is being held  in the church hall. It is full of happy, chatting people, little children laughing and playing, party pies, cakes and fragrant coffee.And for we three office-workers on the fringe listening to it,  it isn’t about how much money is being raised for the Cancer Council that we love. It is the life and life-in-abundance that activities like this bring to St Philips and our daily ‘office work’. It’s the people who come in and out of the office and the people in the office joining together with one spirit for a common cause that give us the drive for being here.  We three want to do our work to bring honour and glory to God, “...in order to meet urgent needs, so that we may not be unproductive.” Titus 3:14.Elle: My motivation to volunteer time is because I can do the two things I love: I love doing things for other people and I love graphic design. The two are inherently linked for me. I value the people dynamics within a church and observing from behind the scenes the amazing thing that is God’s love when built into our working relationships. God has gifted us all in various ways and it is a joy to give where there is a need.Lesley: It was an ‘oikos’ thing that brought me here. (That is the Greek expression for extended household.) I knew Margaret from previous times and enjoyed her company.Since I am so multi-skilled (!) I am able to photocopy and fold pewsheets and put out garbage and I was available (!) - I did it to help. It’s great working with others doing bits and pieces, especially editing the pewsheet you are reading and having time to laugh a the ironies of life as we work.Margaret: Each day is a new experience for me at St Philips. I mean it - otherwise it would be difficult to find enjoyment in my work life in the office if each day was a repeat of the last. I thoroughly enjoy my exchanges with and learning from Malcolm and now James. They are never lengthy exchanges but they are always deep and meaningful. Then a call will come in or a head pop around the door and it is something new. I miss Wednesdays when I would catch-up with the sewing ladies and hear what is happening for them and see their amazing work. And I miss the masses of bouncing little ones in their tutus frolicking at Kindy Dance every Wednesday. What I am trying to say is that the ‘task list’ is not the thing that gives me joy here, it’s the people at St Philips  -  and through these people I see God’s loving heart at work.Thanks, St Philips.Margaret, Lesley and Elle