Normally I don’t get into the “special” made up days that our culture seems to be celebrating each day. It seems that every day of the year touts a recognition to something that the entire nation is supposed to observe. National Ice Cream Day, National Take-your-kid-to-work Day, National Hotdog Day, National Kindness Day, even National Sons Day (It should be stated that I love my sons and every day of their lives I’ve poured myself out for their wellbeing and for them to know that I love them. 365 days of the year is “National Sons Day” in our house). Ok, my tirade is over. And I’m pretty sure I made up most of those examples, anyway.
But maybe that’s the point. Perhaps taking time out of our busy lives to elevate those who are important to us isn’t all bad. Maybe when we honor one another we are also encouraging them. And when we encourage one another maybe we can spur them on in their faith. And when we spur one another on in faith, perhaps we’re opening the door for those around us to be drawn to the heart of God by what they see in his sons and daughters.
Wednesday was, so I’m told, National Women’s Day. Recognizing women in our lives can’t be a bad thing. In fact, it can not only encourage and honor them but it may also shine as an example for others. In fact, I’m going to take my cues from Paul who does this exactly in Romans 16.
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. 2 I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.
3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. 4 They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.
5 Greet also the church that meets at their house.
Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.
6 Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you.
7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.
12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord.
Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord.
13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too.
14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the other brothers and sisters with them.
15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the Lord’s people who are with them.
Paul goes out of his way to mention, among others, godly women who had carried the banner of Christ boldly. I’d like to recognize the women on staff at White Oak. Commend them and greet them in the love of our Lord Jesus.
Karen Lynch-Clark (Kid’s Pastor): A woman who serves and trains for ministry children, parents, and others with passion and power.
Robbon Heibel (Ministry Coordinator): She serves selflessly and graciously the needs of many in order to elevate Christ in all things.
Erin Feiser (Executive Strategy Manager): A woman who leads with dignity, boldness, and great love for others as she pursues Jesus.
Jamie Huber (Office and accounting): She bears her heart for others and showers kindness and joy in her service of Jesus.
Denise Hinkle (Ministry Coordinator): A woman who leads and executes ministry with power for the sake of others knowing Jesus more deeply.
Kat Messerschmidt (Kid’s Ministry Coordinator): She leads with bold fearlessness to lift the eyes of children, parents, and others to Christ.
Angie Jones (Office and accounting): A woman whose unassuming presence loudly speaks her love for serving Jesus and his Church.
Kate Combs (Housekeeping): She serves with joy and grace to create spaces for worship and for the glory of God.
Lisa Duran (Housekeeping): A woman who loves the Lord and desires to serve him whole-heartedly.
May we encourage and honor those among us who serve Christ. I pray that we follow the example of godly people who are near us. I pray, first and foremost, that we follow the example of Christ in all things.
With love and gratitude,
Nathan
Check out our 2022 Annual report as we celebrate all that God is doing in and through White Oak! https://www.thewocc.com/2022-annual-report
Nathan Hinkle
Lead Pastor
White Oak Christian Church