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On Sunday we gathered not just to celebrate the myriad volunteers of our church, but also to honor someone whose dedication and service truly embody what it means to live a life of faith and stewardship.

This person gives tirelessly of their time and talents in so many ways that it's hard to list them all. First, they hold a role that most of us wouldn’t dare touch—one that requires balancing numbers, managing budgets, and keeping track of every penny entrusted to our congregation. Yes, our volunteer of the year is the church treasurer, a responsibility they carry with grace and precision.

But that's only the beginning. When they’re not crunching numbers, you might find them standing up front, helping to lead worship as an assisting minister. Their calm and steady presence reminds us that we are all participants in the sacred work of our faith.

This individual is also the keeper of our stories. They know where the dusty old documents are stored, they can recount moments from years past that most of us have long forgotten, and they’ve made it their quiet mission to preserve the history of this congregation for generations to come.

And if you’ve ever admired how our facilities stay in working order—despite the wear and tear of ministry—you can thank this person, too. Though they wouldn’t call themselves a committee of one, the truth is, they’ve taken on so much of that responsibility without fanfare, always with a spirit of fairness and thoughtfulness.

Above all, this person’s heart is in everything they do. They’re devoted to the mission of this church, kind to everyone they encounter, and thoughtful in their decision-making. They never seek the spotlight, but their work ensures that the light of this community continues to shine brightly.

This year's recipient of the FLC Volunteer Award is Richard Phillips!

Richard, thank you for everything you do to keep this church thriving and for inspiring us all to serve with faith and love.