"May I Help You"

Twenty-seven years ago while pastoring at the Ladd Springs Church, Karen and I became acquainted with Jeff and Rosa Ashley. It was a privilege to study the Bible with them and be their pastor when they joined the church. Little did I know that their lives would be entwined with ours for the next two and a half decades. In December of 2001 Jeff and Rosa became charter members of Collegedale Community Church. A few years later Rosa became our church secretary. A position she kept for nearly twenty years. Today is her last day as church secretary. 

    "Hello, Collegedale Community Church, Rosa speaking. May I help you." "Hello, please hold." Are phrases that Rosa has repeated thousands of times through the years. "May I help you" has been the banner that Rosa has functioned under. I will miss listening to her try to explain to someone how to use the website to get information. She tirelessly worked with computer challenged people like myself, doing what she could to get us into the 21st century. 

    Being a church secretary in a church our size is very challenging and complicated. Rosa negotiated the position with dignity and class. When she didn't know how to do something, she educated herself. When she didn't understand situations that affected her, she inquired. She was the consummate 'team player'. 

    Rosa has many wonderful qualities. She set the office up with sweet treats and warm drinks for visitors and staff. We affectionately called it, 'Rosa's Cantina'. On the rare times she took a vacation the office seemed bleak and empty. When she returned the pastors would exclaim "Momma's home!". 

    Rosa could type, work the computer, answer the phone, and converse with someone in the office, simultaneously. Watching her work made me think of an octopus with all the arms moving.  Because of her ability to speak six languages, Rosa was able to communicate with many people who had a hard time understanding English.  

    Of the many talents and abilities Rosa possesses, the one trait I will miss the most is her Christian Character. She has represented the church with dignity and grace. She has kept private information private.  She has not talked about people or spread gossip. She has been careful with her opinion and protected the people on staff. 

    Today was her last day as Collegedale Community Church's secretary. We are going to miss her. We wish her well and thank her for many years of service to the staff and members of the church. Beginning this Monday Melissa Silva will be our new church secretary. We gladly welcome Melissa. We sadly say "goodbye" to Rosa.

    A prayer for Rosa and her family...

    Father in heaven, please bless Rosa and her family. Please be merciful to them. I pray that You will flood their hearts with love, hope, and peace. Help them in every situation, giving them wisdom and providential leading. May they know You more and more and feel You close to them. Please save their children, family members, loved ones and friends. In Jesus' Name. Amen.