"Duty Roster"

As our bus pulled into the Oakville, Ontario, parking lot, on that third day of the Chapel Choir tour, a man, smiling and waving, bounded out of the back door of the church to greet us. He was followed, just moments later, by several other people, who seemed to have been waiting eagerly for that moment of welcoming us.

What a warm and welcoming church that was! When we walked in, we saw a long table loaded with cookies, fruit and cold drinks, great refreshment for a traveling group. The handful of youth in that congregation were there, too, and soon showed us where basketballs and board games were kept. We noticed that the church members’ conversation not only with us, but with one another, was consistently respectful and kind. In so many ways, they had anticipated our needs for our stay with them, and made sure we felt at home and were comfortable. It was topped off for me, the next morning, when we were leaving, and had freshly baked homemade hot cross buns. in little brown bags, placed in our hands for the bus journey ahead. Then, as we pulled out, the whole morning crew stepped outside to wave goodbye until we’d pulled away.

At first, all their work seemed wonderfully effortless to me, just a natural expression of themselves and their faith. And then I saw, taped to the back of the kitchen door, the “Duty Roster.” On it were about a dozen headings, like “Welcome Team,” Afternoon Snack,” “Morning Send-Off.” Under each heading were three or four names, and beside each heading an assigned time for that group to report to their “station.” I was touched by that “duty roster.” It underscored for me how much preparation and intention had gone into our experience of being cared for. Little acts of kindness are sometimes hard work – but the result can be moments of powerful impact.

As the Bishop reminded us on Easter Sunday, the first Easter was not a Sabbath – it was a work day. Some women had decided to put themselves on an undesirable “Duty Roster,” and set out at daybreak to finish final burial work on Jesus’ body. It was in the midst of their willingness to do that work, to make those preparations, that the Gift of Christ still with them, the Gift of Christ alive, became known to them. They became the first witnesses of the Resurrection.

As I experienced the joy of celebrating our first Easter with you, I thought about the many, many people in our congregation who stepped up to be a part of that “duty roster” that helped us to welcome and worship so joyfully. From the crews who changed sanctuary lights and carefully cleaned entry furnishings; to those who set up worship settings for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday; to those who helped guide parking or set up extra chairs; so many of you placed yourself on that “duty roster” to help the good news of Easter be heard, and taken to heart. Thank you!