Welcome to Steward of the Month™

When I read the "Steward of the Month" item in Stewardship my thoughts immediately turned to Elfriede, an 85 year old steward, and one of the backbones of our church.

When our Wednesday volunteers show up each week to do landscaping, cleaning and other odd jobs, Elfriede is there to greet them with a smile and to remind them of things that need to be done. When they stop for a mid-morning break she has set the table, brewed the coffee and put out some nibbles (often including something she has baked herself!).

Want to know who is Lector this week? Ask Elfriede, that's one of the many things she sees to. Who are the ushers? Ask Elfriede, that's another of the many things she sees to.

Does our roadside sign need changing? She will get someone to do it. Can't locate the Christmas decorations from last year? Ask Elfriede, she knows where they are. Is it time to change the liturgical colors on the crucifix or the pulpit? She will get someone to do so.

Always smiling, loved by us all, we cannot say no to her requests to be mini-stewards. And dont try to find her at her home; she spends more time at church than she does there.

Not only an active member of WELCA, she is also a member of our Mens Club! Not just an honorary member either. She attends the club meetings and her suggestions, her knowledge, and her wisdom are much appreciated.

We are truly blessed by Elfriede's example, her warmth, her love of our community. It is a privilege to know her, a gift to have her help, and just wonderful to feel her warmth and love. She teaches all she meets by her beautiful, humble example, and she will probably be upset with me for writing this!