Seth Godin ended a blog post with this line: "The value of a perk is inversely related to the expectation of that perk."

Now that's a fascinating observation. If you do something for someone, and they aren't expecting it, then it means a lot more. If I send flowers to Pam on a day that isn't Valentines Day, her birthday, or an anniversary, then it's a pleasant surprise. Otherwise, it's at least semi-anticipated.

I suppose the stimulus rebate we received is somewhat of a perk--an unexpected gift for being a tax-paying American. Whereas ongoing things like good roads, fire and police service, decent water--those are all entitlements of sorts.

How can we surprise people at church? Give them a perk, something they aren't expecting?

• A note of appreciation or affirmation that doesn't come from the pastor's office.
• A refreshing, one-time change in the service format.
• Public recognition for something they did.