Who’s bringing the milk?

The church social and fundraising committee have an unofficial motto ‘Who’s bringing the milk?’ It started as a joke, because one member always asked that question. Then we realised that it was actually a very important question, it goes right to the heart of volunteering. Any meeting goes better with a cup of tea, any event is enhanced by a refreshment stall. The basic stuff - tea bags, coffee, cups kettle - are just there, waiting to be used. But the milk …. the milk needs to be fresh, so someone has to remember to bring the milk every time. No one notices the milk, unless there isn’t any.

Our church is a complex organisation, largely run by volunteers. They take on a wide variety of jobs which hold the church community together. Some of their work is very visible—the flowers for example. I hope you managed to pop in to see the church decorated for Easter, it was stunning. You might notice volunteers who greet people coming to church, or make coffee after the service and those brave souls who supervise children’s activities. It’s hard to miss the bell ringers and musi-cians, they are volunteers too, as are the much loved Angel Tots resident Grannies.

But there are many jobs we never notice —until they don’t happen. The person who spends time choosing hymns and readings, those who launder the altar linens and tea towels, who clean the church, tidy the churchyard, put out traffic cones and even compile the rotas!

The strength of a church doesn’t reside in those who stand at the front and lead, or whose names are on the bulletins, posters, or even this magazine. The Church is everyone who plays even the smallest part in it. That’s what makes it a community.

So this is to thank all those who play their part in making our church warm, welcoming and safe, who give their time, their energy and, occasionally, the odd pint of milk. 

Julia Douetil, Churchwarden

 Bouncy castle at Church on the Green