From Hart to Hearts
A Message from Rev Linda Hart for the month of March 2010
The common wisdom, shared by every minister I know – and virtually everyone who leads any sort of voluntary organisation – is that no one volunteers when there is a general call for volunteers. Ministers will always tell each other that the way to get someone to volunteer is to think carefully about what attributes are needed for the particular position, and then to have a personal conversation with the person, explaining all of what is needed and why this person would be good for it. I am told that the pull is irresistible, and that people once invited in this manner will agree. I haven’t found it to be quite so true that people will sign on if given that kind of plea, but that there are rarely responses to general calls is true to my experience.
Except recently, I’ve had to change my thinking.
Some months ago, I told the Committee that we needed to recruit someone to take over the Vineyard Lunch. ‘Put a notice in the newsletter,’ they advised me. ‘It won’t work,’ I told them in response, ‘but I suppose we should start there. Do think about who we can ask to do it, and we’ll get started on it next month.’ Surprisingly, though, Sara Wilcox sent me an email volunteering almost immediately upon receiving her newsletter.
And then in February, Madeleine Neslany made a plea for someone to help with the practical parts of putting out our newsletter, the Flame. She was about to leave for Australia where she would be grandmother-in-waiting for the birth of her first grandchild, and needed to pass her usual task on to someone else. No fewer than 7 people volunteered to help, and she was sad to have to turn 6 of them down. As the first to get to her, Linda and Jim Riley were given the box of materials and sheet of instructions explaining how things were done.
Mind you, I’m not complaining about this. What I want to be sure of is that people can find places to connect into what is going on in the congregation. To that end, there’s a list of ‘Opportunities’ included here in case you’d be interested in taking part in any of the groups that are currently operating in the church.
Not included in the list are several other groups that meet regularly, but which are either part of our Adult Religious Explorations or are long established groups such as Stitches and Stories.
There are few activities and groups in the congregation which are not open to all who are interested in coming along. Whoever you are, you are welcome to join in. All it takes is saying yes.
See you in church,
Linda
Opportunities
Growth Group
The Growth Group is a working group that is looking at matters that will help us to grow our congregation. Meetings are held after Sunday services and are focussed on matters such as building our community, welcoming and integrating newcomers, creating an outward focus, and publicity. Current members are Trevor Lewis, Kitty Lloyd-Lawrence, Madeleine Neslany, David Strachan, David Talbot, Sara Wilcox and Linda Hart. All are welcome to join. Contact Linda for more information or to volunteer.
Charter for Compassion Group
The Charter for Compassion Group is considering how our congregation might help to extend the Charter for Compassion. It is still in the very early process of discerning possible activities, and exploring how we might work with other faith organisations to take it forward. Members include Alex Warleigh-Lack, Kitty Lloyd-Lawrence, Katherine (Kat) Valentine, and Linda Hart. All are welcome to join. Contact Linda for more information or to sign up.
Vineyard Lunch
Led by Sara Wilcox, our congregation serves lunch to homeless and vulnerable people once a year. The next one will be held on 26 September. Activities include setting up, cooking the meal, serving it, and cleaning up afterwards. Contact Sara (email: swilcox@alzheimers.org.uk) if you would like to participate in the planning or on the day.
Village Worship
This is a new monthly worship service which is especially suited to families but which welcomes all. Each month will focus on a different theme and will include music, movement, arts and crafts, and a message for the day. The service will be followed by a potluck supper. Held the third Saturday from 4pm, everyone is welcome to participate. Participants in the planning are Natasha Sackey and Linda Hart. Contact Linda if you would like to participate in the planning. And do come along to the services.
Management Committee
The Management Committee has oversight for the congregation on behalf of our Trustees. They tend to the pragmatic needs of the church: maintaining the building, seeing to the interests of the congregation, and keeping track of our finances. Current members are Trevor Lewis (chair), Paul Richards (treasurer), Mary Armstrong (secretary), Lawrence Tuckman (facilities), Elisabeth Strickland (lettings), David Knight and Margaret Lord. Contact Trevor if you would like to help out.
Your Idea Here
Is there a project or a group that you’d like to see? A fun opportunity to share with others in the church? Contact Linda for help in getting it started. All ideas are welcome.