…”So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
Galatians 6:10
Greetings to you all!
What a very busy September we have had! Rally Day was a huge success with many of you returning from your Sabbath Summer. The sanctuary was filled with so many children, the sound of Joyful Blue brought us to our feet, and the smell of hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill brought us to the Community Fellowship Hall for a wonderful potluck (indoor) picnic. And the deserts? Lord have mercy! People in this church sure know how to bake!
We hold our Rally Day a week later than most churches because of the Hebron Harvest Fair. Each year we sell our legendary apple crumble. I love volunteering for this event, and I am always pleased to hear customers say, “I wait for this (apple crumble) all year.” I also love to hear our volunteers who “wait for this event all year.” There is wonderful fellowship at the events in our church. These events show our church at its very best. Visitors to our booth see who we are–a community of love, friendship and laughter!
Love for our church is the thread which weaves us together; we can feel it when we are working hard to raise the funds necessary to keep things going.
If you are new to us or have never volunteered, I urge you to check it out. It is great fun and an easy way to give back. It is also good for our mental health (just like going to church).
Volunteering relieves stress because it releases dopamine the “feel good” hormone, which promotes overall good health. Volunteering creates new connections; we see many people in church but do not always have the chance to get to know them better. Volunteering can cause us to step out of comfort zone, which can build our confidence and enhance self-esteem. I did not make this up. Google told me!
Volunteering does not require a big commitment; a person need not sign up for a committee or long-term job.
You never know when your smile may be what someone needs. You never know when your smile will be seen as an invitation, an invitation to come to the place where folks come as a stranger and leave as a friend!
Pastor Val