I can still see it clearly, even after thirty years. His dark brown suit with the perfectly pressed white shirt that fit snugly around his waistline, topped with a green tie adorned with white, yellow-centered flowers. He wore it almost every Sunday. More important than what he wore was what he did. I watched him, Sunday after Sunday, faithfully holding open the front door and greeting people as they entered our red, country church. The building was not your typical church building; it was an old grain mill and in it held treasure troves of hideouts galore for a good game of hide and seek. My father, Art Becker, was one of the first men to become a member of the church, started by seven women and the pastor.
Over the years the church grew, and my dad noticed that it would help the parents arriving with babies and small children in their arms – as well as elderly people trying to juggle a walker with a Bible – to have the door opened for them. His self-appointed position of greeting people who entered and exited the church soon brought him much popularity with the children (and adults) as he expanded his role to the “candy man.” Yes, you guessed it, he would fill his pockets with candy and gave one to each person as they left the building. He was at every “work day” the church held to repair things that needed fixing, as well as help with renovations projects as the church expanded. He helped with VBS and sang in the choir (God bless the choir director… he could not carry a tune!). Our church could not afford pews or cushioned chairs, so you would often find him setting up folding chairs for many events.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10
My dad did so much more than filling needs in our church. He showed me Jesus. The mission God placed on his heart was to care for others. He would not take his seat on Sunday morning until he knew there was a seat for everyone.
A smile comes to my face as I now oversee our Next Steps team here at Browncroft, recruiting volunteers to assist our attendees on Sunday and help make our church a safe and friendly place to fellowship. I’m reminded of my dad, as a handful of my volunteers serve as Greeters, holding the door for people and welcoming them into our church. It is a joy for me in my role here to help people who come to Browncroft and are looking for a place to serve. Maybe you are new to Browncroft, or maybe you’ve been here for several years and are desiring to be more involved and connected. In 1 Peter 4:10, the Bible says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” Serving with others is a great way to share your talents as well as build community. When you read the Gospels, you will see how serving was part of the way Jesus and His disciples lived.
I am forever grateful for the example my dad was to me by giving to others. Serving is oftentimes more fulfilling for us than for those who are being served. Here are Browncroft, we have many opportunities for you to volunteer, and the start of our new program year is a great time to begin. Click here to find out what roles are available and how you can get involved.
I look forward to following up with you!
