Welcome to the New Year!

In Old Testament days, the Israelites were told to pass the stories of God’s deliverance on to their children. Each generation was to know of His faithfulness and to tell the stories to their children and grandchildren. And so the stories continued to be shared.
Today, we do the same thing as we retell the story of Jesus’ birth. He came to deliver us from the bondage of living life on our own terms. He came to bring us hope! And He came to introduce us to His Father. So, we celebrate the story year after year with the retelling of the Baby in a manger and the wise men who sought Him.
May you find wisdom and hope as you celebrate His birth in the year ahead!
New Year resolutions provide opportunities to think about ways to let your leadership team know they are valued. Seize the moment to send them a card, and point out one specific thing they’ve done in the past year that made a difference for you!
As you make your goals for the upcoming year, take time to create some goals for your staff as well. Plan for learning and plan for team building, but plan for rest and recreation, too. You have four seasons in your year; why not plan one event for each season (or, quarterly sessions)?

5 Ways to Pamper Those Who Carry the Load

5. Weekend Planning Retreat
In the grand scheme of things, getting away for a weekend to make long- and short-range goals can be a big boost to your ministry or business. Brainstorming together is crucial for staff development. Each person gets the opportunity to give an opinion and feels valued for their input. Going to a retreat setting enables the team to direct their energies in the same direction and to concentrate on their mission statement. Don’t have a mission statement? Why not use a retreat as the opportunity to develop one? Provide worship time, team building activities, recreation…and don’t forget the chocolate!
4. Slumber Party
An overnight gathering can be just the ticket to rejuvenate tired leaders. What? Doesn’t that sound like an oxymoron?! Hear me out…when you’re running a business, people get too busy for each other. Sometimes we just need to set aside time to watch a silly movie, eat popcorn and giggle together. Rest is so much sweeter when preceded by laughter! Then, in the morning light, take time to pray for each other and for your ministry goals. You’ll leave feeling supported and ready to tackle the world again!
3. Officers’ Party
At Christmas, our officers each brought a $5.00 gift to exchange. We played a fun game to determine who got the presents, and enjoyed the process of opening each one. We dipped fresh fruit and marshmallows in a chocolate fountain, and overall felt like celebrities!
Has it been awhile since you had a party for your crew? Why not do it now? You can celebrate everyone’s birthdays or find an obscure holiday to commemorate. Make it fun! Life is too short to always take ourselves so serious!
2. Gift Subscriptions
Does your business have a trade magazine? Why not get one for each staff member, delivered to her own door? Denominational publications, regional news and ministry updates all fit the bill. There are publications for youth leaders, ministry wives, pastors, camp leaders, speakers, writers, lay leaders, club presidents, treasurers,…every niche imaginable!
Gift subscriptions let each person know they are valued, month after month, all year long!
1. Thank You Notes
Most of all, everyone needs to be appreciated. The majority of volunteers would go an extra mile on one “Thank you!” Your note doesn’t have to be five pages long. Just state simply what you experienced because of someone’s effort, and how much it meant to you. It could be something you benefitted from, observed, or heard. But it always helps the other person to feel noticed.
A thank you goes a long way toward self-esteem and relationship building. And it knows no limit to the timing. Why not write one today?

How will you show appreciation to your leadership team in the year ahead? This is the perfect time to begin!

Where is Sally now?

I’m jumping into the social networking full “splash!” Ten articles were approved at ezinearticles.com! I also set up accounts at myspace, linkedin, plaxo and facebook.
Come join me!

Sally Ferguson

sallyswords@windstream.net

979 Southwestern Drive
Jamestown NY 14701

(716) 488-1254

Participate in Sally's Networks:

http://sallyswords.braveblog.com

http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sally_Ferguson

http://www.facebook.com/people/Sally-Ferguson/1196797577

http://www.linkedin.com/in/sallyferguson

http://www.myspace.com/sallyswords

http://sallyswords.myplaxo.com