For nine years my office desk and Sandie Draper’s office desk have been separated by 20 feet and a mostly open door. Her desk has enjoyed the benefit of heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer; my desk tolerates the window raised and outside air. Her desk is easier to see since she uses overhead lighting; my desk gets bumped into a lot. Her desk has candy for children that pass by; my desk collects used coffee mugs.

To be honest, those two desks have no real connection; they are inanimate objects after all. However, it is through being appointed to Calvary and having the privilege to sit behind one of those desks that I have had the opportunity of working with Sandie. I can never fully express the gratitude I feel for that good fortune, a reality that is sinking in as her retirement day approaches.

On a personal note, she has been a loyal co-worker friend. By the design of our team ministry she has been the gatekeeper of my time; responding to needs as able, scheduling appointments as needed, and guarding my calendar when necessary. Her position has also been the ear for much comment about Calvary and/or my ministry, affirming and critical. I have known the rare gift of one who has supported me in every encounter with the membership and the public, reserving her critique and advice for private conversation between the two of us. I am humbled to have had such a faithful partner in ministry and to know one so committed to the success of others. Sandie has been a nurturing presence on the staff, strengthening each and every co-worker, not just me.

As an employee of the Calvary congregation for 20 years, she has been an exceptional servant. Her ministry of hospitality has reflected beautifully Judeo-Christian theology that calls us to treat everyone justly and to receive strangers as if guests. Often the first face or voice of Calvary, she has always provided folks a good impression of this faith community.

It has been especially meaningful to watch children come through the front door on their way to the YCS and run to hug Sandie. One boy, upon learning that Miss Sandie was retiring from this office, suggested that she come to work at the school he would be attending in the fall.

And you, the members, knew that you could call Sandie about any matter, be treated with respect, helped efficiently, and trust her care of information and knowledge. Indeed, Sandie knows as much about the members of this congregation as any one person. That she has been able to absorb with constant grace the full spectrum of feelings shared and hold in confidence intimate knowledge about Calvary members has been a sublime witness of rare integrity. We are all indebted to God for her years of dedicated service.

Sandie is retiring at the end of July, though she has told us she will continue to work in the office as a volunteer. She knows so well the need for, and contributions of, volunteers. In fact, one of the great, and I hope enduring, gifts Sandie has given is her conviction that in all matters we must first be a church. That is not as simple as it sounds when you are part of a large staff serving a large membership congregation.

It is precisely because she would stop working on a bulletin to hug a child, because she gave unconditional time to phone or face to face encounters, because she kept trust with people and responded to every need with compassion, because she supported co-workers and empowered volunteers, and because she completed all tasks with a sense that she was doing them for God, that we have stayed so rooted to our purpose of being a church. Her service to Calvary and her ministry among us have connected us to the very animate movement of God’s Spirit through this part of the body of Christ. I know you join me in saying: “Thank you Sandie.”

Peter van Eys, Senior Pastor
pastor@calvaryumc.com