Celebrating Kat

This weekend the church is honoring Kat Hutchings for her 25 years of service as your church’s Administrative Assistant. Kat was introduced in the May 1, 1989 edition of the Monday Morning in “Ron’s Reflections.” It reads “Kathy comes to us from Richland College Library. You will like her! Come in and meet her. WELCOME, KATHY!” Ron also reported on the success of Centennial Week, and just below her introduction is a brief article on how “the present pew cushions have outlived their usefulness” and the upcoming congregational meeting to name a building committee.

 

Kat has seen many changes. She has served with two installed pastors and two interim pastors. There have been other faithful staff members and many volunteers. She began her work in the old building and had a temporary office in the education center before moving into the new building in 1994. She began her work on typewriters and now has strong computer and internet skills. She has dealt with no telling how many copiers and printers over the years.

 

And then there are all the people. Not just the members of the congregation, though that has been significant. Kat also is connected with other churches and the community. She has a network of people within and without the church who have been touched by her caring and determined spirit.

And that is worth celebrating. It’s not just the years of dedicated and exemplary service. It’s the spirit in which Kat has served. Her work as the church’s AA has been a means of grace, whereby she has shown the fruits of the Spirit of God: patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self control. Oh, and also love, joy and peace! Yes, Kat has seen many changes, but perhaps the most significant is how she has gifted us with her presence so that we may all change, growing in love for God and for each other.

 

So yes, Ron Holloman, you were right when you wrote 25 years ago that we will like her. And not only do we like her, we love her. Thanks to Kat and to her family as well. And if you cannot attend, I encourage you to write her a note, blessing her with words of support and love.

 

25 years later, David