"Family life is a team sport," was our family's motto when the kids were growing up. Each member was an important player who helped to ensure that the tasks of daily life were accomplished. Our kitchen and laundry rooms were posted with job charts and laundry instructions. Team members also had the responsibility to listen, communicate, support, and care for one another. Saturday mornings were "work parties," and parties they were. The stereo was cranked up, everyone pitched in, there was lots of banter and laughter and when the work was done, we'd celebrate with pizza or ice cream.

What did we get out of it besides dinner on the table each night, clean clothes in our closets, and a reasonably tidy house? Well, fun for one thing, and for the children, competence and self-esteem. Relationships deepened as Warren and I worked side by side with each of the kids, preparing meals or cleaning up after dinner. How much easier to talk about what's bothering you, how much more natural to chat about your values as you peel potatoes together. "You wash and I'll dry" is a more comfortable setting for a heart-to-heart talk than a formal sit-down conference. And studies show that boys, in particular, open up and talk more freely while working at a task.

I think of church as a team sport as well. I often hear people say, "They need to do something about that." I'm sure I've done it myself. But then I ask myself, "Who are they?" Just as our family needed everyone working, together, we all must work together to keep this church running. And as in our family, this means the practical stuff -- cleaning, repairing, managing the money -- as well as the relationship stuff -- listening, communicating, supporting, and caring.

What will you get out of it? A feeling of pride and self-worth when you walk into the church and see the windows sparkling or the preschool room toys organized and know that you have created a beautiful space in which we all may gather. And relationships will deepen as church members work side by side.

Does that mean you must do tasks you hate? No. Scrubbing toilets gives me some sort of perverse satisfaction, but I hate to dust. My daughter felt exactly the opposite. We made a deal that pleased us both. Do what you enjoy doing; let someone else do the things you hate. But please, do something.

This summer we are creating several new Learning Community spaces and relocating some others. As we consolidate three class sessions into two in the fall, we will need about a dozen additional teachers and more room parents. Guides will be needed to help people through the transition. You should have no trouble finding a task that appeals to you. Read on to find out what needs to be done this summer and into the next year, and then come join the team!