At Redeeming Grace Church, we believe the church is not a building, it’s people serving together to glorify God. We regularly highlight a volunteer or staff member who serves with RGC because they make everything we do possible!
Today, we want to introduce you to Sara Sanders, who serves with our Five15 Youth Ministry! Here's what some involved in the ministry had to say about her:
I’ve known Sara for many years, and she is humble, smart, and capable. Her words are always gracious and seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6). And I believe her kindness and understanding reflect her deep faith and devotion to God. It's not just her words; it's her actions too. Sara embodies what it means to live in community. She's always there, ready to engage in meaningful conversations and serve. I'm thankful for the impact she has had on our teens, guiding them and sharing her infectious faith and ability to find joy even in tough times. She's the embodiment of living a quiet life (1 Thessalonians 4:11). And through that, she brings glory to the Lord in everything she does.
Sara, your dedication, your love for God’s people (and our teens in particular), and your unwavering commitment to serving others do not go unnoticed. God’s grace in your life is evident to all. We thank God for you!
~ Kristo Voda, Five15 Youth Director
Sara is intentional with the way she cares for, loves, and follows up with not only the Five15 students she leads but also with me as one of her co-leads. She really takes the time to walk along life with me. Serving with her this year has been a true highlight as I learn from her servant's heart.
~Ruth Zhou, Five15 Group Co-Leader
Sara is so joyful and diligent in all the work that she does. In her leadership she listens to us well and she carefully and humbly guides us towards Christ. She is observant and ready whether it be to jot down our prayer requests or pull up Scripture.
~Sara Briggs, Five15 youth
What volunteer roles are you involved in within RGC?
I serve in the Five15 Youth Ministry. This school year, I'm one of the group leaders for the 11th & 12th grade girls.
How did God lead you to be involved in those areas?
It all started with the RGC budget that was issued in the summer of 2018 (a bit of a plot twist right from the get-go, lol). Every year, I try to read through the budget and go over any questions I have with church leadership. That summer, I noticed some significant changes in the Five15 budget and reached out for clarification. In the course of that email exchange, Paul O'Brien (the Five15 Youth Director at the time) asked if I'd be interested in serving as a group leader for the upcoming school year. Though serving in Five15 wasn't even on my radar, I thank God for how he directed my steps to serve in this ministry. All I can do is marvel at how the Lord brought it about. It has been an indescribable privilege and joy to get to know the teens of our church and to see his saving power among the next generation.
How have you seen God at work in our church community?
I've seen God drawing the next generation, particularly the teens of our church, to himself. Seeing them grow in the Lord encourages me in my walk and spurs me on to continue laboring in the work of the gospel.
Another area where I have seen God at work in our church is his tangible comfort and nearness to the brokenhearted. The testimony of many members in our church who cling to the Lord in the midst of tremendous grief is deeply impactful.
How have you seen God at work in our church community?
I've seen God drawing the next generation, particularly the teens of our church, to himself. Seeing them grow in the Lord encourages me in my walk and spurs me on to continue laboring in the work of the gospel.
Another area where I have seen God at work in our church is his tangible comfort and nearness to the brokenhearted. The testimony of many members in our church who cling to the Lord in the midst of tremendous grief is deeply impactful.
Can you tell us some interesting facts about you?
Most members of my immediate family (parents, brother, sister-in-law , and nephews) live in northern Virginia, but the one exception is my sister, who lives in Portugal! One of my favorite takeaways from my Lisbon visits (in addition to sister-time) is the deep love that the people of Portugal have for pastries and desserts. I have very much enjoyed that aspect of the culture, among others ☺️.