David Sanders has been the face of our Parking Team – even before we set foot onto this campus in 2011! At the request of our relocation team, David began looking into the possibility, procedures, and details the year before we moved from our 42nd Street campus.

"Little did I know how significant this ministry would be in my life," David said. "The Parking Team is the greatest team of volunteers and one of the most wonderful ministries I have ever served with. This team belongs in the Servant Hall of Fame.”

David’s motto has always been, “We do more than just park cars!” And that motto was exemplified in everything David and the team did.

David added, “Our team was unified in a single purpose of serving together to welcome everyone with open hearts and hands. Over time, both as individuals and a team, we formed a close relationship with those we served. We laughed together. We cried together. We prayed together. It was a joy to serve. Often, we could hardly wait to get out there to receive the blessing we knew was about to come our way!”

Many in our church family shared their appreciation of the Parking Team saying, “Your greetings brightened my day,” and “I’ve enjoyed your friendly smile and greeting on Sunday morning for years.”

When asked about a funny memory of his time in the parking lot, David told a story that happened shortly after we moved out to this facility.

A driver pulled up and asked, “Where am I?” David replied, "New Covenant Bible Church, where did you want to be?” Her colorful response ended with… “the policeman out on Center Point Road told me to turn.” David then asked if she wanted to stay for the service. She replied, “No, just tell me how to get out of here!”

We are thankful for David’s faithful service. Those who served with David mentioned his kindness, sense of humor, dedication to prayer, and funny childhood stories as a preacher’s kid. Now the time has come to pass the baton to Jim Gregory, who will take over the leadership role on the Parking Team.

“I am so thankful that I have been able to serve with David during this last decade on the Parking Team," Jim said. "He has been a model of servant leadership and an inspiration to all of us. His passion for the Lord, for people, and for parking was evident every Sunday morning. It's truly been a blessing to serve with him and I look forward to continuing our mission with the Parking Team.”