As I have been reflecting on the past three months while Rev. David Miller has been away, lyrics from the song “You Can Do This Hard Thing” by Carrie Newcomer came to my mind:
“From the muddy ground
Comes a green volunteer
In a place we thought
Barren new life appears
Morning will come whistling
Some comforting tune for you
You can do this hard thing”
I wasn’t sure if I could do this hard thing of acting as a solo minister while Rev. David Miller was away. I wanted to do a good job, and simply didn’t know what to expect. And from that muddy unknown ground, I felt life and growth happening.
I love the fact that the word “volunteer” has multiple meanings. Both new sprouts and physical helpers signal growth and life. Our congregational life is sprouting again in a not-quite-post-pandemic world.
The LoveFest in February was a fabulous spotlight on talent and community gathering for fun, only made possible by volunteers. The MasqUUerade Auction in March featured an enormous number of volunteer helpers and generous donations. Our Flower Communion on Easter was stunningly beautiful due to the contributions of volunteers and folks who brought flowers. Our Annual Giving Campaign is only possible due to the commitment of volunteers to reach out to each and every member of the congregation to inquire about their pledge for the coming year. It was my first “rodeo” acting at the head of the Annual Giving Campaign and I could feel myself growing.
We are always looking for volunteers to help before and after the service as greeters, ushers, or for coffee cleanup. One could consider it a spiritual practice of sorts. Service as a volunteer can connect you with other folks and give a sense of purpose where you might have thought growth had ended or stalled. Serving in those roles also makes it possible for UUCF to live our mission: to transform ourselves, our community and the world through acts of love and justice. Whether you feel shy or feel overburdened with other duties, I invite you to consider how service might enrich your life.
It has been an absolute pleasure serving you during Rev. David’s sabbatical. Let’s give him a big welcome like a bunch of “green volunteers” as he returns!
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