Volunteer Spotlight

If you set out trying to find Jerry doing something around the Church… good luck! But not for the reasons you might think. You will have a hard time finding Jerry, because he likes to work in the background. He likes to take on a project, and make it his own. Whether it is cleaning the church during the week, and going the extra mile, or his biggest undertaking, the lawn at Antioch Christian Church, Jerry commits himself wholeheartedly. For years, Antioch has asked volunteers to take turns mowing and edging the lawn. But last year, and this year, the sign up sheet disappeared. Jerry decided to take on the project for himself. So, when you show up on a Sunday morning and the yard is mowed and edged nicely from the road to the back of the property, you can thank Jerry. And we do. And when you wonder how he got the cross hill cleaned up so nicely, ask him, I’m sure he’d love to tell you.

People like Jerry are what make the Antioch family so special. Men and women who are willing to work in the background, doing the jobs nobody really likes to do, while taking pride in their Church. And it is because of Jerry’s willingness to use his time, effort and talents, to bless God’s Church, we continue to move forward, fulfilling our Mission and our desire to expand the Kingdom. And for that, your ACC family wants to say thank you!

If you are looking to catch Mickie Caswell volunteering at Antioch… good luck. If V.B.S. is going on, there is a great chance that you will find her at the registration table, or helping with crafts, or games, or eating a string of donuts. (You’ll have to ask her about that one!) If it is a church-wide event, or funeral dinner you will find her right in the middle, helping in the kitchen, cleaning up and making sure everyone feels welcome. Sometimes you will find her in the nursery, and other times just helping with a children’s event. But, other than that, good luck. Mickie is one of those amazing souls that does most of her volunteering when no one is looking. Whether she is rolling silverware for a dinner, decorating for an event, dropping off donations for a mission or ministry, or decorating for Christmas and Easter, that is where you are more likely to catch Mickie serving. She doesn’t need the spotlight, she just needs to do what she can to serve others in the name of Jesus, and that makes her a special breed.

It is people like Mickie that make our Antioch family such a special group of folks. Because of her willingness to serve in the background according to her gifts, Antioch continues to move forward, fulfilling our Mission and our desire to expand the Kingdom. And for that, your ACC family wants to say thank you!

If you are looking for Kourtney, just listen for the laughs, and look for the smiles. That is usually where you will find her. Kourtney is one of those people that is just fun to be around. She never takes herself too seriously, and she always likes to have fun. And because of that attitude, she fits right in wherever she decides to help out. In August of 2017, Kourtney stepped up and took on the task of coordinating KiCK!, the Wednesday night program for our kids aged 4 years through 4^th grade. It was big step, but it was one that she jumped into with both feet. Her enthusiasm and her desire to provide the best for the kids has shown in the reaction of the kids, as well as the volunteers who help out. In addition to Wednesday nights, Kourtney volunteers in Children’s Church, as well as the Nursery, and it is not a surprise to see her show up at other events, “just to help out”, whether it is to serve at a meal, hang out with the youth, or decorate for an event. And she always does it with a smile on her face. One of the great things about Kourtney is the fact that although she has high standards, and puts a lot on herself, she always seems calm and collected, which makes her a great person to volunteer alongside.

People like Kourtney are what make the Antioch family so special. Because of her willingness to let God use her according to her gifts, we continue to move forward, fulfilling our Mission and our desire to expand the Kingdom. And for that, your ACC family wants to say thank you!

Joyce Nagle is just one of those special people, that Antioch is blessed to have around. For many years, Joyce has been a part of, or headed up the Fellowship Committee. As such, it has fallen on her to organize dinners and events. No matter the occasion or event… whether it is a funeral dinner for a family, meals for a family, coming home from the hospital, organized fellowship events at the church, special events, VBS, feeding the local football teams, or getting ready for our "World famous" cake walk, you will find Joyce right in the mix. Spending time on the phone recruiting, cooking in her kitchen, decorating tables, or getting there early to make sure it all comes together. But the amazing part is that no matter what it is, Joyce approaches every event as if she were preparing for her very own family, she puts her heart into it. She is one of those unique people, who always puts others first, and it is evident in how welcome visitors and guests feel at any event she is a part of. She does it with a smile on her face, and joy in her voice that flows out of the kindness in her spirit. (even when she is stressing over whether we will have enough food! And we always have extra…) In addition, Joyce is a consistent volunteer in the Childrens ministry, doing whatever is needed, and doing it with a smile. And even when she isn’t “officially” serving, you will still find her making sure everyone is enjoying themselves and having a good time.

It is because of the attitude of service and hospitality that Joyce exudes, that Antioch Christian feels so welcoming to all. And for that reason, your ACC family wants to say thank you. Thank you for your years of service, and all you continue to do to help us fulfill our Mission and expand the Kingdom.

As we spotlight volunteers at Antioch Christian, we can’t overlook the foundation that has been laid by those before. And with that in mind, we take time to recognize the efforts of Lois Caldwell. Lois has been a part of the fabric of Antioch Christian Church for many years. For a significant number of those years, she served as the church treasurer, keeping track of everything that went in and out… by hand. Lois has served, and continues to serve on the Fellowship committee, working to make Church events as inviting as possible. For many years, she and the Caldwell family hosted the Annual Caldwell Weenie Roast, offering up their property as a fun place for all to share in fellowship, weenies, and smores. Throughout the years, she has been part of the Pearl Girls, been involved in skits, as well as all sorts of events, and parties. And for too many years to count, it was Lois Caldwell and her Farmall tractor pulling the Church float in the annual Rodeo parade.  

It is due to the legacy of volunteers like Lois Caldwell that Antioch Christian Church is the place that it is today. And for that reason, your ACC family wants to say thank you. Thank you for your years of service, and all you continue to do to help us fulfill our Mission and expand the Kingdom.

It is a pretty good bet that if there is anything creative that needs to be done at Antioch, you will find Levina Martin in the middle of it. Whether it is creating crafts for VBS, designing layouts for painting the sidewalks for Be The Church Sunday, or helping teach lessons in Children’s Church, Levina’s creative side is always on display. In addition to her creative flair, her willingness and desire to “get it right” shows in the time and effort she is willing to give in order to get a project finished. It is nothing out of the ordinary to get an afternoon visit at the church from her as she goes through supplies, tries out designs, and just tries to make the most out of the project she has taken on. And whether she is building a 9 foot tall Goliath, or designing “frog plague” costumes, she goes all in. One of the great gifts that Levina brings to the Antioch family, is a love of kids, and a willingness to do “whatever”. She doesn’t need to be in the spotlight, she just wants to help. And if that means helping in nursery, teaching Childrens Church, corralling kids for an event, or helping to serve food at a dinner, she is willing to jump in and help.  

Without volunteers like Levina Martin, Antioch Christian Church, just wouldn’t feel the same. And for that reason, your ACC family wants to say thank you. Thank you for all you do to help us fulfill our Mission and expand the Kingdom, and for your willingness to serve in whatever capacity is necessary.

As a founding member of Antioch Christian Church, Sandy has been a part of the ministry of ACC for more than 30 years. And while many might think that means she could slow down and “let somebody else do it”, that is not Sandy’s attitude. She continues to serve in whatever capacity she is needed and gifted; whether that means becoming the “voice” of Antioch’s announcements, or helping someone learn to sing a specific part. Sandy is just one of those unique personalities that can make anyone feel comfortable; whether it is children in nursery and Children’s church, youth invited into the Posey home, members of the Praise team, or a visitor on Sunday morning, it is evident that she cares. Sandy has served in many different capacities at Antioch, but probably her greatest contributions are her positive attitude, ever present smile, and infectious laugh. On any given Sunday, or at any given event, you are sure to find Sandy bouncing around and making everyone else smile, and we wouldn’t want it any other way.

It is because of volunteers like Sandy Posey that Antioch Christian is such a fun place to serve and worship, and for that reason, your ACC family wants to say thank you. Thank you for all you do to help us fulfill our Mission and expand the Kingdom, and for your willingness to serve in whatever capacity is necessary. 

One of the things that makes a great volunteer, is a great attitude. That is just one of the reasons that Kyle and Juli Kilhoffer are Antioch’s Volunteer Spotlight for May. As an elementary school teacher, Juli is ready, willing and able to jump in and help in VBS, or Sunday School, or Children’s Church, or on Wednesday nights. And Kyle being a big kid, is willing and ready to jump in and help, or at least play! But the thing that sets these two apart is that no matter where they are serving, they do it with a smile on their faces. Having two young boys, Kyle and Juli want to not only be a part of their kids church experience, but they want to make it the best it can be for all the kids in our church, and that is why they are willing to help out in any capacity that they can. In addition to helping in all facets of the Childrens ministry, they are also involved and active with the young adults.   And if there is a need, you can count on one of them coming to you and asking, “what do you need me to do?” Both Kyle and Juli have a can do attitude, a genuine heart,  and a willingness to step out of their comfort zones if needed. And when you combine that with a great attitude, you have a fantastic pair of volunteers!

It is because of volunteers like Kyle and Juli Kilhoffer that Antioch Christian Church is the great place that it is. And for that reason, your ACC family wants to say thank you. Thank you for your willingness to step in wherever necessary to fulfill our Mission and further the Kingdom, and for the amazing attitude with which you do it! 

If there is something going on at Antioch Christian Church, you will probably find Kevin there, helping out in one way or another. For too many years to count, Kevin has taken responsibility for the Audio/Video ministry. Spending almost every Sunday in the booth, and countless hours researching new equipment, and making sure things are working the way they are supposed to. Whether it is helping out on Wednesday’s with KiCK!, or with VBS, mowing the yard, changing out light fixtures, or wearing a hotdog suit to direct traffic at the annual weenie roast, there aren’t many things that Kevin isn’t willing to do when it comes to the ministry of ACC. He is one of the first ones at the church on Sunday mornings, and one of the last to leave, and that is the way he likes it. And you don’t have to spend much time around Kevin before you realize that when he asks if there is anything he can to do to help; he means it.

Without volunteers like Kevin Martin, Antioch Christian Church, just wouldn’t be the same, and for that reason, your ACC family wants to say thank you. Thank you for all you do to help us fulfill our Mission and expand the Kingdom, and for your willingness to serve in whatever capacity is necessary.

If you have even shown up early to Sunday School, you will find Linda preparing donuts and making coffee, in an effort to make your first impression of ACC as inviting and welcoming as possible. And although she is almost always a flurry of activity, Linda always has a smile on her face, and a kind word. But her willingness to serve extends beyond Sunday morning. If there is a fellowship dinner to be set up for, or an event that needs decorating, you won’t have to look very long or hard to find her right in the middle of the action, asking what she can do to help. In addition, Linda is also a consistent part of the Sunday School teaching rotation, taking part in instructing and raising up the next generation of believers, and every year, you will find her right in the middle of V.B.S, planning, to the closing party.

If you spend just a little time around Linda, you will be sure to hear her asking, “what can I do to help?” And it is that kind of servant’s heart that makes Antioch the family that it is. Without volunteers like Linda Thomas, Antioch Christian Church, just wouldn’t be the same, and for that reason, your ACC family wants to say thank you. Thank you for all you do to help us fulfill our Mission and expand the Kingdom, and for the amazing attitude with which you do it.