"Every week thousands of brethren serve behind the scenes to make Sabbath services a place where we can all meet and be taught God's truths," said Jim Franks, Ministerial Services operation manager. "We wanted to express our deep gratitude for the wonderful spirit of service you have shown in setting up the halls, the sound systems, providing music, caring for our widows and widowers, preparing for socials and doing all the things that make the local congregation a pleasant place for learning and fellowshipping.

"Sometimes we don't always hear a 'well done' as we quietly go about taking care of these needs, but God appreciates all you do on His behalf," Mr. Franks said. "Ministerial Services and all our pastors and elders thank you so much for your time and effort."

All the activities of the local congregations—from Sabbath services to socials—contribute to developing us as a people prepared for God.

Many congregations have 30 or more responsibilities necessary to help the congregation run smoothly. This can be quite challenging in congregations with less than 30 people, but in the larger congregations, the number of responsibilities and people needed grows as well.

Here are just a few of the tasks handled by unsung heroes in the congregations: announcement brochures, bulletin board, cards for the sick, flowers, greeters, "Local Church Updates" reports and photos for United News, meals for the sick and shut-ins, mothers' room, piano players, providing rides, Sabbath school teachers, sermonettes, set up and take down, social committees, song leaders, sound crew, special music, tape library, teen activities, teen Bible studies and ushers.