I missed it! 

Having previously been a part of an organization that, yearly, celebrated the some 300 volunteers that we were so fortunate to work with, I'm surprised that I forgot that April is indeed volunteer month. And that April 18-24 is National Volunteer Week 2021! But an acknowledgement is necessary, especially during these times when we rely so much on those who give of their time and talents to get us through and support us. 

The National Volunteer Week theme for 2021, The Value of One, The Power of Many, reflects on the awe-inspiring acts of kindness by millions of individuals AND the magic that happens when we work together towards a common purpose. This past year, we have seen people supporting family, friends, neighbours, and strangers, people standing up to systemic racism, and people sharing insights on how to create a more just and equitable society.  We recognize the value of the caring and compassion that each one has shown another, and we recognize the power of people, organizations, and sectors working together.

Here in Glen Morris, we are an almost entirely volunteer based organization. And so we say - THANK YOU! To those who serve and do so much on the following committees: Faith Formation, Pastoral Care, Ministry and Personnel, Outreach and Social Justice, Members of Session, Board of Stewards, Communication and Media, Anniversary, Special Events and Fundraising, Trustees and Official Board and of course, Renovation Committee - THANK YOU! To those behind the scenes: our treasurer, envelope manager, bulletin secretaries, annual report preparer, greeters/ushers/lay readers and the organizers of those, and oh so much more! - THANK YOU! To those who bring beautiful music to our services each week - THANK YOU! We quite literally could not do it without any of you. 

This has been a difficult year. And yet, we've come together, staff and volunteers, to make it work, to help, to make a difference. And indeed we have. We have displayed the value of one, the power of many in such wonderful ways. 

The song You Lift Me Up can be interpreted to be a song about God lifting someone from low places, but many see it as being lifted by those people who have impacted our lives in positive ways. Today, I share it as a tribute to the many volunteers who make a difference, to not only those at Glen Morris United Church, but around the world.

 

Karen Murray-Hopf

Communication & Media Chair