I hope I do not get in trouble for this.
But I am going to post a private email exchange of mine up on this blog.
It is with Paul, who is church treasurer and John, who is executive pastor (church administrator). Neither of them is paid staff. They both put in a lot of time around here.
I share this email exchange for two reasons:
1 – It is humorous.
2 – It represents God’s goodness and grace in my life.
These are the people that He has chosen to surround me with.
I have no idea why God has been so kind to me.
He has surrounded me with men and women who love Him and love me.
Honestly, I tear up when I think about it for too long…
Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 2010 7:30 AM
Subject: 2010-2011 budget
Spencer,
Would you be willing to write an introduction/cover page to the 2010-2011 budget that includes a brief Bible study, like you have in the past? I was going to do it, but on the way out of the building last night, my dad said, “Have Spencer do it. He can finish that in no time.”
Let me know if you have other commitments this week and can’t do it. If you can, I’d like to give the final budget to Linda by Thursday morning, so she has 2 days to make copies.
Thanks,
Paul
Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 2010 8:48 AM
Subject: RE: 2010-2011 budget
Paul,
I will have it done by Wed PM.
Be prepared.
It will include graphs and charts with differently measured variants on both sides of the Y axis.
Man! That first chart of yours at board meeting last night was jaw dropping!
Spencer
Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 2010 9:28 AM
Subject: RE: 2010-2011 budget
Spencer,
Thanks for doing the intro/devotional … and I’m glad you liked the charts. Next time you need a graph to use as an illustration for one of your sermons, you know who to call. (Of course, next time would be the first time, so I won’t hold my breath!)
Have a great day!
Paul
Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 2010 8:58 AM
Subject: FW: 2010-2011 budget
Dear John,
Please note the quotation which your son attributed to you in his note to me.
“Have Spencer do it. He can finish that in no time.”
Be aware that I say the exact same thing all the time (to elders, deacons, staff, church members, missionaries, non-member regular attenders) with the simple substitution of the name John Anderson in place of mine.
Spencer
Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 2010 9:33 AM
Subject: FW: 2010-2011 budget
Spencer,
As you well know, one of the joys in serving is knowing each other’s gifts and those things that can be easily accomplished in our respective areas. Thanks for the compliment and whatever you can pass my way to make you most usable and effective by the Lord in your area of ministry is my service to the Lord, you and RBC.
John