Weekend lunch

“If you want to touch the past, touch a rock. If you want to touch the present, touch a flower. If you want to touch the future, touch a life.”

Volunteering our time to support a cause we are passionate about is something we will never regret. It will enrich our life, familiarize us with our community, and connect us to people and ideas that will positively impact our perspective for the rest of our life. Helping our community is an opportunity for us to grow as people, to better understand how we fit into the world around us.

Why is it so important to find a cause we love and volunteer our time? Spending time enriching our community is a great way to broaden our perceptions of the world. By immersing ourselves in a community and surrounding ourselves with people who are dedicated to bettering the world, we can learn so much about how the world works. We gain a unique sense of purpose by serving those around us, one which often manifests in other areas of our lives.

Of course, it’s also important for our community! Without volunteers, many of the services and events enjoyed in our communities would not be so readily available. Spending time helping out ministries provides an important service to less fortunate neighbors. Giving back to the place we call home helps to unite the community and bridge some of the social, economic and political gaps.

Donating our time to support those around us is extremely beneficial, both for us as individuals and our community as a whole. It is statistically proven that people who volunteer regularly are healthier both physically and mentally. Individuals who have volunteered throughout their lifetime typically live longer and have better psychological well-being. In addition to the health benefits, volunteering gives people a sense of purpose. The fulfilling feeling of giving back and contributing to society is unparalleled.

Giving back is also a great way to get to know our community and its citizens. When we volunteer, we have the opportunity to meet lots of new people. Working alongside individuals who also care about improving their surroundings allows us to broaden our network of friends. Additionally, it will help us to better understand the circumstances of other members of our community. Having a broad, open-minded perspective of the different walks of life around us will help us to be effective and empathetic citizens.

People skills are not the only skills one will gain through volunteering! Dedicating time to help others will help teach patience, kindness, and resilience. Not only do we improve our communication abilities by working alongside a diverse team of people, but we will also gain a plethora of other experiences that help us as we navigate our future. Volunteering may even help us discover a new passion or interest.

How can you get involved in your community?

There are so many important causes out there that always need volunteers to support the work they’re doing. If you’re passionate about helping the homeless, you can find many valuable ways to donate your time. Christ Episcopal Church has a great place to find such opportunities to give back to the place you call home~ Weekend Lunch… more than a meal! You can check out our website at WeekendLunch.org, or contact Hal Brickle for volunteer opportunities that fit your interests and abilities. Donating a few hours of time each month, you will be making a huge difference in the lives of others.

“Everybody can be great. Because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve…. You don’t have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” MLK, Jr.