Serving Up Supper and a Song

Although her preference is to serve in the background, many know Melanie Traylor’s face. That’s be-cause she has served food during Wednesday night fellowship suppers for ten years and has regularly sung on the worship team for even longer.

Melanie’s many years of service all began with a simple request during Sunday school. “One morning someone asked for volunteers to help serve in the kitchen, and I was available,” states Melanie. “Volunteers are never not needed, and it became something I looked forward to.” She then continued to serve for ten years. Serving on the worship team happened in a similar way. They needed a substitute and she was available. She filled in for one of the regular altos, then became a regular, and has served for over ten years.

These two areas are not the first times Melanie has served at First Baptist. Possessing a music degree, she served in children’s choirs for four years in the early to mid-1990s. She also served as a first grade Sun-day school teacher around that time. Before that she started serving by singing in the choir and ensembles. More recently, she has served on the church’s personnel committee.
“It’s just been a lifestyle,” she states. “My family did that when I was growing up. Both of my grandmothers and an aunt served in the church kitchen. We just served.”

Not surprising, Melanie has the spiritual gift of service. The gift of leadership has also risen to the top of gifts assessments as well. Melanie serves through her spiritual gifts, with her experience and background in music, and from a heart that likes taking care of others. And it all started because she was available and willing.

When asked why she likes to serve, she said the first thought that came to mind was her favorite scripture verse: John 15:13: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (KJV). Melanie said, “I think that’s what we are called to do. It’s not about me.”