Volunteering
I do not believe the quote “Money makes the world go round.” It is our willingness to volunteer and the many hours of service that are given each year by volunteers that makes the world go around. By volunteering we show that we do have compassion and want to serve our community and the world.
Volunteering is an act of an individual or group freely giving time and labor, often for community service. Many volunteers are specifically trained in the areas they work in, such as medicine, education, or emergency rescue. Other services are on an assisted basis, such as in response to natural disasters. Churches have depended on volunteers to assist the church in a number of their needs from the beginning of the institution.
We volunteer in many different areas, some volunteer military service, others for local government. Some for-church committee or boards. We have found for hundreds of years churches have depended on volunteers even for the basic needs such as cleaning the church or bringing meals to those in need. Others serve on local government boards. I am proud that the YMCA is recognized as one of the first institutions that realized the wealth of sharing that can come from volunteers. Back in 1851 during the Great Awaking the YMCA was established to serve the disadvantaged others through volunteers.
Even today, as history has shown us over the years, many institutions could not have survived without volunteers and the uncountable hours given to them on behalf of other’s needs. Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus answered a question put to him “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And the second is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” From this directive of Jesus, we are able to fill part of Jesus’ commandment by serving others in volunteerism.
When we say “Yes” and volunteer, we fill a need a community or individual has. You many use the incredibly unique gifts the God has given you or you may share your general abilities and time. All are needed. We volunteer in our schools, for emergency services, community service, social needs, sporting events, medical care, and yes for the needs of our churches.
In the next few weeks, the Claybanks Nominations Committee will be contacting members of the Claybanks Family requesting them to serve in distinct roles and positions on our church committees and council. We ask you to responsibly consider with prayer how you can love you neighbor as Jesus commanded. Volunteers are needed everywhere, and I cannot state enough the positive goodness that comes from volunteering not only for those who are served but by those who serve!
Claybanks United Methodist Church 