VOLUNTEERING

When visiting KUUF a few years back, I recall being told that Sherry and I need not be members to take a class, join a group, or attend worship or other functions. We would be counted as “Friends” and welcomed to participate however we chose.

When we became members of KUUF, we learned what it meant to “join” this congregation and the responsibilities it held. Other denominations often have an external organization that imparts great influence on a congregation’s options for living out their corporate commitment. As UU’s, however, we are free to determine our own course and destiny.

“As a member,” we were told, “we were standing up to be counted as a Unitarian Universalist both locally and nationally; and that our voice and vote would help shape the future of this congregation and move- ment.” We were told that if we volunteered here, we would see the difference our contribution could make. We were enlisted and empowered.

What would that contribution look like? We were told that the members are the “backbone” and the “heart” of KUUF. That is, the membership provides both structure for strength and organization, as well as direction to our outreach, our commitment to one another, and for making a difference in the wider world. As such, each of us is expected to volunteer and contribute in some way to the better health of this community.

What are our volunteer options? They fall into three categories called “The Three T’s.” These are: Time, Talent and Treasure.

Time As a volunteer organization, our existence depends on our members’ generous willingness to pitch in and help; to help mow the grass, be a greeter or Lay Leader, work on a team, or take a leadership role. And whenever a need is made known, it cannot always fall to those who keep stepping forward. For the opportunity to participate must be equally shared.

Talent - Whatever your talent, skill, or expertise may be, it is the right one for this congregation; and it is vitally needed to enable the church to thrive.

Treasure - The vast majority of our operating and Fair Share budgets come from member pledges. As is said around here, “People pledge until it feels good.” And

I think that is one of the secrets of our life together. When we try to safeguard our assets and they seem to diminish and lose power, we hold on even more desperately. But when we give for the common good, it seems as though these gifts are multiplied into a thriving endeavor. And we all succeed.

Helen Dyer once said, “Volunteerism is the voice of the people put into action. These actions shape and mold the present into a future of which we can all be proud.” Ms. Dyer is speaking not only of sacrifice, but she is appealing to our higher nature to try and then to try again by contributing our time, our talent and our treasure to make a difference in our church and our wider world.

Thanks for all that you do and your commitment to this place we hold so dear.

By Hank Pangborn Board Co-President