Volunteering Restores Our Campus, Our Communities, Our World, Our Souls
By Penni Honey
Operations and Facilities Manager
Restored. When Rev. Richard briefed me on the content of his article this month, my first thought was, “Yeah ...- but how do I tie any of THAT to volunteering?” So after some discussion with my lovely new assistant Marilyn Smith, much contemplation, thought-filled prayer and a visit to my trusty Webster dictionary, I sat at the computer ... and sat some more and then sat again. Sitting, as some of you may have noticed, is not one of my strong suits. “Restored”, I muttered. Hmmmm.
So my buddy Web (short for Webster) says that restore means to “give back,” “return,” “renew.” AHA! We might be onto something here. So THAT is what I see happening around here: RESTORATION!
Have you seen the roses in both of our rose gardens? How about that Prayer Garden -- all of the new vegetation and the missing weeds? Have you noticed the orange trees, the 16th street entrance? Volunteers that rolled up their sleeves and “gave back” have successfully restored those areas. It really is quite impressive.
And have you heard about the Unity Habitat House? It is two weeks ahead of schedule. An empty lot inhabited by junk cars and other debris has been “returned” to a useful piece of property. The house will be dedicated on May 10, and the family of five will move into a home that was but a dream less than a year ago.
And then there is the successful Easter Party that the Unity volunteers hosted for the Phoenix Rescue Mission, the 100 + Unity children that were blessed by an amazing Easter celebration, the 60+ teens who participated in the Youth Rally this past month. And check out that new paint and carpet in the Sanctuary ... restoration supported by volunteers and generous gifts from our spiritual family. Hey ... this restoration thing ROCKS!
You want to know if this stuff works? Try this on for size. “This makes me feel whole. I have wanted to do this my entire life”, a Habitat volunteer shared with me on the site. A grandmother said, “This is how I heal and it is the most fun way to teach my granddaughter.” The painter put down his brush and commented, “Why wouldn’t I do this?” The multiple blessings all around us speak of the promise by God that we will be restored. Through the act of volunteering we experience that promise. Unity of Phoenix volunteers know what it is to “give back.” It appears to me that restoration is one of the things that we do best.
With all THAT said, I am thinking that it is mine and Marilyn’s personal obligation, on behalf of the ministry, to offer you every opportunity to be RESTORED, RETURNED, RENEWED -So this is what we’ve got: CHECK OUT OUR NEEDS IN THE BOX BELOW.
Guaranteed ... you will experience a “return” back to your greater self in the act of giving. You will know a “renewed” sense of Spirit within as you go outside of yourself in service.
Three Easy Steps to Restoration:
1) Step Up
2) Sign Up
3) Show Up
God will do the rest.
Gratitude for ALL,
For more information on volunteer opportunities, please contact Penni at phoney@unityphx.org or 602.978.3200, Ext. 231.
Join Us As We Celebrate the STARS of Our Ministry:
YOU - Our Unity Volunteers!!!
Sunday, June 1
Join us June 1 as we roll out the red carpet for YOU: the Amazing Volunteers of Unity of Phoenix.
Our volunteers will be recognized during all three Sunday morning worship services and then enjoy a toast and special treats in the Courtyard at 12:15 p.m.
YOU really are the “U” in Unity!!!!!!
Over 600 Volunteers help to make our spiritual home
the outstanding place that it is.
Come celebrate all those who give the gift of service in so many ways
And if you aren’t currently volunteering, now would be an excellent time to join this incredible group of individuals who collectively make a difference in our community and in the world.
Check out our Volunteer Table for details.
Thank you, Volunteers,
for all you do.
See you
on the “Red Carpet!”
Unity Welcomes Marilyn Smith as Volunteer Coordinator/Ops Assistant
With joy we are announcing that Marilyn Smith has joined the Unity staff as the Volunteer Coordinator (VC) and Operations Assistant. In her role as VC, she will focus on inviting people into a greater expression of God through volunteering. She will continue to hold the intention for a vibrant volunteer team to support our ministry as we grow within and out into our community. In this role and the Operations Assistant position, Marilyn will be working as support to Penni Honey, Operations and Facilities Manager.
In December 2005 Marilyn signed on for her first volunteer activity at Unity of Phoenix and continued to become more involved in many areas of volunteering. In December 2007 she accepted a part-time position at the reception desk. Along with organizational roles for large corporations, non-profits and small businesses, as well as degrees in organizational management and education, Marilyn brings a light and a consciousness that is easy to recognize. We have been blessed!
Look for Marilyn at the Volunteer Table in the Courtyard on Sundays. She is looking for YOU! Welcome, Marilyn!
You can reach Marilyn at msmith@unityphx.org or 602.9678.3200, Ext. 274.
