Roster Changes for Team Shiloh
Spring Training is underway for Major League Baseball. Names are being jostled and juggled as managers look for a championship lineup. You have also noticed some roster changes for Team Shiloh. By the end of February, we filled all parenting positions at the ranch and with the “front office” administrative staff. There have also been some changes of titles among that crew to reflect adjustments in current responsibilities.
Mark retains his original title of Executive Director, or team coach/manager.
Mari joined the team in January as Director of Accounting and Finance, following Amy Bishop’s retiring after 19 undefeated seasons.
Jenn (EAA) took the field last summer. Her job as Executive Administrative Assistant find her supplementing the Executive Director, technology, and compliance with ministry and governmental policies.
Our AAA player, Mandy, is not a rookie to this squad. A change of title to Administrative and Accounting Associate reflects a greater focus on the financial and accounting duties.
Robyn’s Ministry Resource Manager tasks include human resources, property inventory, and onboarding new staff. She was also a summer acquisition to the lineup.
Another veteran utility fielder for us is Nikki, now serving as Ministry Support Secretary. She balances between serving the administrative needs of the CSC and DOS, and many other duties.
Denice’s retirement from 40 years of homeparenting brings tremendous insights when fielding requests for children to be placed at Shiloh. A new title of Children’s Service Coordinator denotes some additional responsibilities.
Kevin has been working as Stewardship Officer for a few years and has recently been upgraded to Director of Stewardship.
Shiloh Christian School is expanding its portion of the team too! The Teacher/Supervisor position fills a vital role like a Position Coach, helping students overcoming deficits in certain academic areas while encouraging progress in areas of strength. Interviews are in progress!
Here is Our “Why?”
What happens with God’s heart?
Beyond the urge to sing out with robust, baritone exuberance comes the invitation of the Spirit to soften, and to listen. We are three songs into the worship service replete with the gentle strings of keyboard and guitars, plus rhythmic percussion. It is an upbeat rendition of an ancient lyric, “All Creatures of Our God and King” and I am gently drawn to listen to the cavernous sanctuary filling with the voices of God’s people. Majestic in its simplicity.
Then from the nearer reaches of my perception comes a bright, cheerful nearly nine year-old’s contributions to the Psalm 100 admonition to joyfulness. My little neighbor girl is standing behind me and she is beaming! Whatsoever she may lack in polish or pitch is lost in an ocean of delight. She has caught her Heavenly Father’s ear and she has caught His heart. And in that moment, Ezmae has caught mine too!
Two days earlier, Denice and I had trekked to a college to hear Kierslynn and Ashley perform at the Central Methodist University’s annual music festival. Both are older and understandably possess more command of polish and pitch.
It has been a few years since we had musicians involved in such contests and festivals, so we were gloriously pleased to listen from the hallway as the judge asked a previous performer, “Do you have a moment? I like what I’m hearing and I would love to help you become even better…”
After Ashley’s flute solo, her judge gave a similar invitation. This gentleman had undoubtedly jotted down an evaluation based upon polish and pitch, but in this moment, he stopped being the Judge and became a Mentor, and an Encourager.
Why is there “Shiloh”? Why do your Prayers and Partnership matter?
Because we give children the opportunity to experience life beyond simple care and feeding, we provide nurture. And a chance to realize the Ultimate Judge of the Universe has a very beautiful heart and He earnestly desires to help us “become even better”. Then, because perfection cannot be achieved, He gives us Grace. He gives us Jesus.
Cherish the Day!
Kevin Blew