Role of the Recorder

By: Vonda DenBoer  ​Canada East Mission Centre Co-President

One of the important responsibilities in congregations is that of Recorder.  Why, you ask? People frequently relocate temporarily for education or employment and then several years later when a decision is made to permanently relocate, unless the recorder is notified, we lose track of members. When children leave home and become their own household head, unless someone tells the recorder, they remain in their birth family household. It may seem insignificant but when you are trying to locate someone and the information recorded in the Shelby system is not current, you may inadvertently be on a wild goose chase.  Wild goose chases are for kids in new fallen snow, or maybe hunters, but not ministers of presence.
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Recently, I saw a notice of death in the newspaper of someone who I knew was a former member of my congregation.  I did not know where their membership resided but was able to notify a recorder who could update the record.  Later I sat with a recorder of a congregation trying to update their membership list.  We assumed that the 112 year old woman whom neither of us knew, was no longer living.  But that was cause for reflection.  How did we lose track?  Did she feel abandoned by her pastor?  Did she have mobility issues and was unable to get to church and think that no-one cared and that is why people stopped calling or sending cards.  If she actually lived to 100, was special recognition given? Did she move and wait futilely for contact from the pastor of that town? Or did she die thirty years ago unknown and feeling unworthy? I'd be sad if that were the case. In this age of independence and mobility, yet also with a desperate need for interpersonal relationships and connection, wouldn’t it be nice if we could keep our records current so we could meaningfully keep in touch? I once was given the wrong address for a patient, right house number, wrong street.  I certainly surprised the person at the wrong address.  After a few calls, the information got corrected and I was able to get to see my patient.  I would not want to arrive at the wrong door when called to administer the sacrament of administration to a housebound person.  Whether we connect by phone, text, zoom, social media, email or personal visits, you can help foster the ministry of connection by keeping your recorder informed of changes.  Let’s stay connected!!