H7 Story: Team Ball Award # 5
Team Code Maxim #5
“We have a growing-by-learning mindset, not a fixed one.”
Every Year at Team Bash, we award “Team Balls” to some examples of FCC’ers who embody our Team Code. At our recent Team Bash, we awarded one of these balls to Harry and Debbie Hayes.
Harry and Debbie came to East TN in April of 2021. Harry had recently retired from the post office, and they were seeking warmer weather and lower taxes.
They tried many churches, and near the end of June, they walked in the doors of FCC. “We knew as soon as we visited that this was the church for us,” Harry explained. The Hayes had been a part of a small group for many years at their previous church in Lincoln. They had even spent the last two years leading their group. “We knew that we needed that connection you can only get in a small group setting,” Debbie began, “so we immediately asked Chris Oakes to find us a small group.”
This was no easy task. The pace of growth at FCC has created a shortage of Life Groups and Leaders, so finding a group they could be a part of took a little while. “We did get placed in a wonderful small group about the same time Chris asked if we would go through small group leadership training,” Harry explained.
Today, this amazing couple not only lead a Life Group of their own, but Debbie also serves on the Admin Team throughout the week. She eventually became the Administrative Coach, and she spends 5-10 hours a week in the office helping to coordinate a group of ladies with various administrative responsibilities. She also serves on the Guest Team and helps with Kids Min Check-ins. Harry serves as the Facilities Director and can pretty much fix any problem that comes up (or, if he can’t, he can find someone who can!)
Debbie explained that she loves using her talents to help others and seeing that God can use their knowledge or gifts in ways we may never imagine. “God has made us in need of community and serving others or being served by others strengthens community,” Debbie explained.
Young Adults Director, David Bowlin said of this amazing couple, “Neither of them are stumped by problems or challenges. This doesn't cause them to stop pressing forward. Rather, as volunteers, they take initiative with a growing by learning mindset to help us press forward!” David went on to say, “Debbie has happily charged into the church teams (our data management system) world to help anyone in need (unburdening Kelly, and assisting struggling staff with as much of her time as it takes). Harry just kind of does the things. No questions asked. If he doesn't know how to do it, he calls people, or searches the web. They're service and attitude is exemplary, and has most certainly encouraged me in the same. They are star players, and deserve a football for something!”
We agree, David. For these reasons, the Hayes received one of our “Game Balls” at our recent Team Bash.
Harry and Debbie came to East TN in April of 2021. Harry had recently retired from the post office, and they were seeking warmer weather and lower taxes.
They tried many churches, and near the end of June, they walked in the doors of FCC. “We knew as soon as we visited that this was the church for us,” Harry explained. The Hayes had been a part of a small group for many years at their previous church in Lincoln. They had even spent the last two years leading their group. “We knew that we needed that connection you can only get in a small group setting,” Debbie began, “so we immediately asked Chris Oakes to find us a small group.”
This was no easy task. The pace of growth at FCC has created a shortage of Life Groups and Leaders, so finding a group they could be a part of took a little while. “We did get placed in a wonderful small group about the same time Chris asked if we would go through small group leadership training,” Harry explained.
Today, this amazing couple not only lead a Life Group of their own, but Debbie also serves on the Admin Team throughout the week. She eventually became the Administrative Coach, and she spends 5-10 hours a week in the office helping to coordinate a group of ladies with various administrative responsibilities. She also serves on the Guest Team and helps with Kids Min Check-ins. Harry serves as the Facilities Director and can pretty much fix any problem that comes up (or, if he can’t, he can find someone who can!)
Debbie explained that she loves using her talents to help others and seeing that God can use their knowledge or gifts in ways we may never imagine. “God has made us in need of community and serving others or being served by others strengthens community,” Debbie explained.
Young Adults Director, David Bowlin said of this amazing couple, “Neither of them are stumped by problems or challenges. This doesn't cause them to stop pressing forward. Rather, as volunteers, they take initiative with a growing by learning mindset to help us press forward!” David went on to say, “Debbie has happily charged into the church teams (our data management system) world to help anyone in need (unburdening Kelly, and assisting struggling staff with as much of her time as it takes). Harry just kind of does the things. No questions asked. If he doesn't know how to do it, he calls people, or searches the web. They're service and attitude is exemplary, and has most certainly encouraged me in the same. They are star players, and deserve a football for something!”
We agree, David. For these reasons, the Hayes received one of our “Game Balls” at our recent Team Bash.