Thursday, May 26, 2016
Every Church Needs a Phyllis Hadley
Phyllis Hadley was one of the church secretaries at Southern Hills for almost 20 years.
She finished her journey last week and got to go home to live forever. Here are just a few reasons why I loved her, miss her, and why every church needs someone like her.
We all knew she was on her way home. Phyllis knew it too. Stage 4 cancer. Marsha and I got to see her at the hospital and at home during her last days. Prayed for healing while giving thanks for her life and for God's gift of Jesus.
She was dying and she wanted to ask about our Julie's health. Thinking of others, not herself. Of course. That is who she was.
Church secretary was not a job for Phyllis. It was a calling. It really did not do her justice to list her as support staff. She probably should have been listed under the Ministers.
She worked hard at her job. Loved her church. Knew everybody.
She was one of my secret weapons as an elder. Everyone always wondered how I knew everybody at church. I didn't. But between calling Marsha and Phyllis, there was not anyone that I could not identify.
And Phyllis worked countless hours on nights and weekends. Volunteered for everything.
I don't think she had a lot of money, and we did not pay her near enough. But she sure was generous. Gave her contribution of course, but was also quick to give to people in need.
She could speak her mind. I liked that. I always thought it was valuable to listen to someone who knew the congregation so well.
She was part of a group of older single ladies who took care of each other. And who helped untold numbers of younger women. Helped them spiritually, emotionally, and financially.
Though I do need to say here that I used the phrase "older ladies" one time in her presence. Only once.
One of her favorite things to do was get the information for the new converts. Loved all new members, but really got excited about new Christians. She wanted to know about their stories, how they found Jesus, and what she could do to help them. She showed up at several baptisms during the day -- and not just the guy doing the baptism could never find his keys. But at least I knew who to call.
Phyllis was one of God's great servants. Her faith and work helped God build our church.
We will miss her. We will see her again.
I hope your church has a Phyllis. Tell them how much you love and appreciate them.
Or better yet... be a Phyllis.
So thanks God for the gift of Phyllis Hadley. She made a difference for your Kingdom. Just like you planned for her to do. She went home just like she lived -- with grace and faith. Please raise up more like her. We need them.
She finished her journey last week and got to go home to live forever. Here are just a few reasons why I loved her, miss her, and why every church needs someone like her.
We all knew she was on her way home. Phyllis knew it too. Stage 4 cancer. Marsha and I got to see her at the hospital and at home during her last days. Prayed for healing while giving thanks for her life and for God's gift of Jesus.
She was dying and she wanted to ask about our Julie's health. Thinking of others, not herself. Of course. That is who she was.
Church secretary was not a job for Phyllis. It was a calling. It really did not do her justice to list her as support staff. She probably should have been listed under the Ministers.
She worked hard at her job. Loved her church. Knew everybody.
She was one of my secret weapons as an elder. Everyone always wondered how I knew everybody at church. I didn't. But between calling Marsha and Phyllis, there was not anyone that I could not identify.
And Phyllis worked countless hours on nights and weekends. Volunteered for everything.
I don't think she had a lot of money, and we did not pay her near enough. But she sure was generous. Gave her contribution of course, but was also quick to give to people in need.
She could speak her mind. I liked that. I always thought it was valuable to listen to someone who knew the congregation so well.
She was part of a group of older single ladies who took care of each other. And who helped untold numbers of younger women. Helped them spiritually, emotionally, and financially.
Though I do need to say here that I used the phrase "older ladies" one time in her presence. Only once.
One of her favorite things to do was get the information for the new converts. Loved all new members, but really got excited about new Christians. She wanted to know about their stories, how they found Jesus, and what she could do to help them. She showed up at several baptisms during the day -- and not just the guy doing the baptism could never find his keys. But at least I knew who to call.
Phyllis was one of God's great servants. Her faith and work helped God build our church.
We will miss her. We will see her again.
I hope your church has a Phyllis. Tell them how much you love and appreciate them.
Or better yet... be a Phyllis.
So thanks God for the gift of Phyllis Hadley. She made a difference for your Kingdom. Just like you planned for her to do. She went home just like she lived -- with grace and faith. Please raise up more like her. We need them.
