Will you be a Johnny today?
God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God’s generosity can flow through you. (1 Peter 4:10 NLT)
Barbara Glanz, certified speaking professional and author, tells of a true (revised) story that reminds us of some simple truths of service.
A few years ago, I was hired by a large supermarket chain to lead a customer service program – to build customer loyalty. During my speech I said, “Every one of you can make a difference and create memories for your customers that will motivate them to come back. How? Put your personal signature on the job. Think about something you can do for your customer to make them feel special – a memory that will make them come back.”
About a month after I had spoken, I received a call from a 19-year-old bagger named Johnny. He proudly informed me he was a Down Syndrome individual and told me his story. “I liked what you talked about!” he said, “but at first I didn’t think I could do anything special for our customers. After all, I’m just a bagger. Then I had an idea!” Johnny said. “Every night after work, I’d come home and find a thought for the day.” “If I can’t find a saying I like,” he added, “I just think one up!”
When Johnny had a good ‘Thought for the Day’, his dad helped him set it up on the computer and print multiple copies. Johnny cut out each quote and signed his name on the back. Then he’d bring them to work the next day. “When I finish bagging someone’s groceries, I put my thought for the day in their bag and say, ‘Thanks for shopping with us’”. It touched me to think that this young man – with a job most people would say is not important – had made it important by creating precious memories for all his customers. (For the rest of this great story, see http://www.stservicemovie.com)
Johnny’s actions transformed his peers, his customers, and his community. His actions were contagious. And as you can guess, the customer’s friends began to shop there too… all because Johnny chose to make a difference. Johnny’s idea wasn’t nearly as innovative as it was loving. It came from the heart – it was real.
You have the opportunity to make an impact on everyone who comes to Preston Trail by serving. God has given each of us unique gifts in order to serve others. This is a great time to decide to serve, and there are plenty of areas to choose from – preschool, children, youth, greeting, hospitality, ushering, parking, set-up, tear-down,… the list goes on. You can simply fill out a ‘Opportunities for Involvement’ card in Sunday’s program, or clink the link to Serving Teams on the right and let us know of your interest. Many people discover their gifts as they serve others. The more you serve, the more clearly you will see your gifts. The ultimate goal is using your gifts to love and bless others.
Will you be a Johnny today?
JD Tomlin
Director of Connections
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Calendar at a glance...
Aug. 17 - 18 Women's Retreat
Aug. 26 Teacher Appreciation Sunday
Sept. 4 Women's Ministry Begins
Sept. 9 Men's Ministry Kickoff
Sept. 16 Discover Preston Trail - 11:00
Corner office
Sept. 23 Partnership Class 9:00
AM - Noon, Corner Office
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SERVING TEAMS
Discover
Preston Trail. If you would like to learn more about PTCC
or are interested in pursuing partnership, this gathering is for you.
Stop by the information table Sundays to learn more and find the next
scheduled class, or click 
Life
Groups create a deep sense of friendship and community around
the teachings of the Bible. In Life Groups each member can learn to
love and be loved, serve and be served, celebrate and be celebrated
by others. Get more information Sundays at the Information Table, or 
Incite is
students from area middle and high schools meeting weekly in various
homes for food, hang time and challenging Bible studies that equip them
to live for Christ in this crucial point in their lives. Incite meets
11:00 Sundays
P.
O. Box 490, Frisco, TX 75034