Spotlight on the "The Men in the Yellow vests"

  • Michelle Botha
  • May 21, 2010
  • Series: The Informer

Here at St. James we have a number of opportunities to get involved in all kinds of ministries through which we can serve one another. Some are in the forefront and others more behind-the-scenes. This week I want to draw your attention to the parking ministry and the men who serve us faithfully on Sundays and Wednesdays.

The men who volunteer for the parking ministry give up their time every three weeks or so, on a roster basis. They not only take care of our cars but they succeed in pulling off monstrous luminous yellow vests (quite a feat – have you ever tried to look respectable in luminous yellow?).

I spoke to a reliable inside source (ie: my father, Hugo Botha) to find out more about what this ministry entails.

A typical Sunday morning on parking duty begins at 8:30 when the team arrives at church in time to control traffic leaving the 8 o’ clock service as the 10 o’ clock traffic begins to arrive. With the help of two-way-radios they man certain areas of the car park making sure that as many of us as possible get to park in the parking area. They also help to guide the busy traffic up and down Derby Rd.

As they miss the service they take some time (once the service is under-way) to pray and fellowship together over some coffee.

The parking ministry is really on the front line when it comes to maintaining good relationships with the neighbors of the area. If cars are parked illegally they often get the brunt of the frustration which this causes. It is really important that we park our cars in a considerate way so that we can avoid annoying the neighbors.

Because of various stipulations, most importantly emergency management and easy evacuation if necessary, the parking ministry can not fill the parking area beyond its capacity. Parking is allocated on a first come, first serve basis as it becomes available and the “No Parking” sign at the Derby Rd. entrance is used when the area is full. Even though missing the convenience of a parking space is frustrating let’s be gracious and understanding when there is simply no space left in the parking area.

If you have small children, however, the parking volunteers will be happy to let you into the parking area to drop them off at the Children’s Church.

Don’t let the presence of the parking ministry lull you into complacency; they are an unarmed team and cannot be everywhere at all times. It is still vital to lock your car and not to leave things on your seats.

The parking ministry also serves us on a Wednesday evening during bible study in very much the same way.

The “men in luminous yellow” serve a very important purpose and are often the first faces which welcome new-comers to our church. They give up their time and energy to serve us so let’s let them know that we appreciate them.