We rejoice in Donna Hinke’s tenth year of service as Ministries Coordinator at Community Lutheran Church! Her main focus has been on spiritual gifts and organizing volunteers, but she has contributed to the development and growth of countless ministries.

It all began in 2003 when God placed a desire on Donna’s heart to teach a church program to help members discover and use their own spiritual gifts. When Donna saw an announcement in the church bulletin looking for a Ministries Coordinator, she felt strongly that she should respond. She didn’t know exactly where the path might lead, but she decided that she would obey the Lord’s leading and let Him take it from there. When she called the church office regarding the position, our office manager Sarah Grainger told Donna that the position had been filled. Believing that God had a plan, she asked if she could at least meet with Pastor Vogelsang. When Donna met with Pastor Vogelsang and told him of her dream to teach a spiritual gifts class, Pastor thought it was a good idea. Donna figured she had done her part in doing what God had laid on her heart and did not think anymore about it.

A few weeks later, Sarah called Donna back and said, “Pastor told me to put you on the payroll. When can you start?” Donna was amazed because she and Pastor hadn’t even discussed coming to work at the church! It wasn’t long before Donna was sharing the position of Ministries Coordinator and working at the church office. She began teaching classes on spiritual gifts, meeting with new members to assist in their assimilation, and coordinating volunteers in various ministries. Because of Donna’s dedication, more than 70% of our church families and individuals are volunteering and serving in ministries today!

Some of our staff members have had the privilege of working with Donna for many years. What I love best about working with Donna is her ability to brainstorm, dream, and prayerfully seek God’s guidance. Her attention to detail and care for each and every member is obvious. Jim Meyer says, “Donna reminds me so much of my mom because of her caring heart and her servant spirit.” Sarah Grainger credits Donna for the growth and nurturing of all our different ministries such as the library, knitting and quilting. “She’s always willing to listen to people’s ideas and help them start new ministries to benefit our members.”

Please take a moment to thank the Lord for His wisdom and providence in placing Donna here with us at Community Lutheran Church!

(Picture is of Donna and her husband Jeff from Community Players Theatre's production of A Christmas Carol in 2010.)