If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one anothers feet ... For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. John 13: 14, 15.
Len and Elaine Allen live out this example as they minister in the Strong United Methodist Church, a small congregation in a country setting. They work together to enhance each others talents in all that they do, serving God and the church, always radiating Gods love and Christianity at its best.
Elaine is our Lay Leader, president of the UMW, VBS song leader and member of the pastor-parish committee. Among her many contributions are serving as liturgist, chatting with many folks to make them feel welcome and included, providing a welcoming gift to newcomers, writing newsletter items, sewing intricate squares for our quilted wall hangings, decorating beautiful cakes for special events, and cooking endlessly for fundraisers and community benefits.
Len is Chairman of the Board of Trustees and does hours of repairs on the church, parish house and parsonage, including plumbing, carpentry and electrical projects. He quietly and skillfully attends to those tasks that make the church buildings comfortable for worship and fellowship, always with a vision toward future needs and solutions.
Together they sing in the choir, visit and call on sick members, serve on the church board, help with the church community calendar, direct and work endless hours on fundraisers which include rummage sales and our Christmas fair. They arise early every Easter morning to cook breakfast for the church family and can always be found arranging post-funeral gatherings for families who have lost loved ones. When there are holiday goodie boxes to be filled and delivered to shut-ins, Len and Elaine will be involved. They combine compassion with a delightful sense of humor, adding fun to fellowship evenings.
As they serve and provide in the spirit of stewardship, they also actively nurture their own spiritual journeys with Bible study and prayer.
We are pleased to nominate Len and Elaine Allen to be Stewards of the Month. They display teamwork and the joyful expression of Christs love in every aspect of their lives.