Just Be…. A Servant.
Supplies Needed:
Present a small gift to each leader to recognize their service. This could be a flower, a devotional book for leaders, a certificate, or some other token of appreciation.
Introduction
We have come together today with thankful hearts, and happy memories of the past year. With joy we have served God, each other and our community. Psalm 46:10, from The Voice translation says, “Be still, be calm, see, and understand I am the True God. I am honored among all the nations. I am honored over all the earth.”
Through this verse, we are reminded that we need to be still, to take the opportunity to reflect on the truth that He is our God. He is above all and He should be honored through all we do. This verse also reminds us that through His great work, the people around us take notice. Our job as His servants is to be willing participants in His work, to serve those around us to a better understanding of who God is through all we do.
There are a few people among us who have worked to help us in this way, who are servants of our great God, and who have pointed us toward Christ. Today we want to take a few minutes to acknowledge their leadership and service, and to say thanks in a special way.
Recognition of Leaders
Call each person to come up individually and present them with their gifts. Use the following as a guide, but be sure to personalize this recognition, giving specific examples of ways each leader has demonstrated her service to Christ and the body of believers.
Women’s Ministries Secretary
First, we say thank you to our Women’s Ministries Secretary. You encourage the growth of our Women’s Ministries programs by bringing us all together to be unified in our purpose of serving Christ. You help to plan and coordinate events, and you lead us by your example of service. Thank you for your passion for the growth of the women in our corps and community.
Treasurer
And now, a less visible, but no less important role—we say thank you to our Treasurer. Thank you for your service to us by keeping our records organized and helping us to be good stewards of God’s funds. Thank you for spurring us on to use our funds and our gifts to bless and serve others.
Membership Chairperson
An important part of Women’s Ministries is to bring others in, to share with others the same benefit we receive by being a part of this fellowship. We say thank you to our Membership Chairperson. You are someone who demonstrates the love of Christ when you notice others who could be a part of this group and you encourage them to join in this fellowship and ministry. Thank you for your example of hospitality and welcoming attitude of love.
Chaplain
It is obvious that you have a passion for our spiritual growth. Thank you for interceding on our behalf, for remembering us in prayer, for your encouraging and uplifting words from the devotions you have prepared. Thank you for your spiritual leadership and sensitivity and guiding us toward a better understanding of who Christ is.
Program Chairperson
Next, we’d like to say a big thank you to our Program Chairperson. You have done an amazing job coming up with creative ways to keep us growing and learning. Thank you for your vision and leadership; thank you for serving us by helping with the various needs of the Women’s Ministry programs.
Focus Group Leader
The next leader we would like to recognize has been responsible for the _____ group. She has brought others alongside her to run this group, and she has brought others into Women’s Ministries through their participation. Thank you for seeing this need, and for helping others by leading this group.
Outreach Leader—Gifts of Love and Evangelism
For our Outreach Leader, we want to say thanks for creating these special programs to attract women from the community into our corps fellowship. Thank you for helping women to find spiritual comfort, fellowship, and purpose in The Salvation Army.
All Other Local Officers
For the other leaders who have taken on tasks of service, help, encouragement and hard work, we say a big “Thank you!” This group could not be what it is without the role you play in helping us grow together.
Conclusion
Thank you all for your love, support and friendship. We honor God and know Him better when we meet together and serve one another. Thank you for honoring Him through your dedicated service. Let us pray together to dedicate all we have done to God’s glory, and for His blessing on this upcoming year.
Prayer of Dedication
Food Event
Theme: “Just Be… Overflowing!”
This dessert event could be used as a celebration following either the enrollment ceremony or the leadership recognition.
Decorations
Display coffee mugs or teacups, which could also be given as favors. Use centerpieces of flowers, along with quotes on chalkboards, stacks of books and candles. A jar of conversation starters is a good way to encourage conversations and the sharing of funny stories.
Refreshments
Chocolate fondue fountain with sweet treats that could be dipped into the chocolate, such as:
- Pound cake
- Fruits
- Pretzels
- Brownie bites
- Cookies
Coffee, tea and water.
Entertainment
Have an acoustic group play worship music in the background. A livelier alternative would be to have an open mic event, where the women could be the entertainment. They could sing, dance, recite a poem or favorite Scripture, or showcase a hidden talent.
Devotional: Psalm 23
I have been told that the way you play a song can really change its meaning. You can play a song more slowly and it becomes prayerful and peaceful. If you play it a little quicker, it can become more of a declaration of assurance and celebration. So often when we read through Psalm 23, we read it for comfort, hope, and inspiration during a difficult time. We read it slowly, reflecting on its promises and internalizing the peace it brings. I challenge you today to read through this Psalm again with me from a new perspective—one of joy! Think about the joy and even excitement that fills and even overflows in your soul when you acknowledge the truth in each statement. We see it right from the very beginning …
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely Your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
When we read this Psalm, we are reminded that we lack nothing. Instead we are overflowing with constant provision from God. From our everyday needs of sustenance and rest, to peace within the midst of the chaos; we have the power of the Lord fighting for us.
We are reminded that we have nothing to fear. We are overflowing with His peace and comfort. We can sit down a meal with our enemies present and not be afraid of what might happen. We know that the Lord, our rock and our defender, will raise us up out of our battles.
We can walk with an overflowing sense of confidence because we “dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” He lifts up our heads with dignity and honor because we are His children.
To be sure, this is a Psalm of comfort, but it is also one of strength and assurance, of joy and excitement because our Lord has given us so much that our cup is not just filled, but it’s overflowing! His goodness and love follow us around. We don’t have to search for it; it is a consistent and certain part of our daily life.
What an amazing life of joyful triumph we have in our Lord. Today we have much to celebrate. Our cup overflows because of the goodness our God has brought to us. In response, let us worship Him with praise and thanksgiving today.
