“Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, it's at the end of your arm,
as you get older, remember you have another hand: The first is to help yourself,
the second is to help others.” Audrey Hepburn
This quote has long inspired me to lend a helping hand whenever possible. I came from a family that volunteered. My parents volunteered in church, in community organizations and to be of service to friends and neighbors. My mom and I walked the “Mother’s March” each spring for the March of Dimes. That tradition of going door to door to collect money for the March of Dimes began in 1950 and continues still today! I recall how Mom was met with open hearts and open wallets by friends and neighbors in our community.
Later, Mom and I offered a craft group after school at our church every Wednesday and we taught Summer Bible School together. I recall walking with Mother to church each morning and walking home after lunch had been served. For certain, this was one of my fondest childhood memories.
Fast forward to present day. Unity congregant, chaplain, and friend that continues to show the importance of giving of ourselves, is our beloved Katherine Goodbar. In her nineties she still felt it was important to contribute to community. This was so strong in her that we sat together and rolled yarn into balls. I watched her crochet the beautiful yarns into scarves and hats for the homeless.
Today, I sit in admiration and gratitude for the many people who contribute of their time, talents and treasure to Unity on Greenville. Without your sacred service to our spiritual community, life would be very challenging. Many of our groups are facilitated by volunteers. Without their generous contribution of time, we would not have Tuesday meditation, Wednesday Non-Violent Communication, or our support groups on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Without volunteers, we wouldn’t have support for our Music Team, Youth and Teen classes, ushers, greeters, celebration assistants, and Daily Word readers. It is volunteers who keep our office humming throughout the week. It is volunteers who hold the high watch by serving on the Spiritual Care Team. It is volunteers who graciously serve on committees such as Finance Team, Nominating Team, Renew Refresh Restore, and more. It is volunteers who unselfishly give of great amounts of time serving on our Board of Trustees. Month after month, year after year, volunteers guide the direction of Unity on Greenville and serve as stewards of our finances and our future.
Just thinking about all of the people, all of the hours, all of the love that is devoted to our spiritual community fills my heart with joy and gladness. There are no words that adequately express my appreciation for all that you precious volunteers do to make Unity on Greenville possible. Thank you!
The month of February is our annual membership renewal when we renew our commitment to Unity. We also have the opportunity to seek ways we might serve this spiritual community in a way that is sacred. I invite you to look at the possibilities, inquire within, and sign up! There is truly no better way to learn about our community and the beautiful souls who attend then by volunteering.
I thank you for all that you are, all that you do, and all that is yet to be!
Sunday we continue another week with The Humor of Christ. Please join me at 11:00 am because it is never the same without you!
Blessings and gratitude