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A
Vanceburg View
A Monthly Update From the Director
of Glenmary's Volunteer Office
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Students from Notre Dame (South Bend, Ind.), Marian College (Indianapolis, Ind.) and St. Xavier University (Chicago, Ill.) demonstrate the Farm version of "How many people can we fit in a Volkswagon?" |
News From
March 2004
Giving the Most Valuable Gift
"Ministry of presence" is a key to the mission of the Glenmary Farm. Volunteers practice this ministry throughout Lewis County: at Comprehend, the adult day program in Vanceburg; at the local nursing home; while they're visiting the seniors at Licking Valley Senior Center; and even while they're spending time learning about the Appalachian culture with Wild Woman (aka Edith Smith). Why is this ministry so important for the Glenmary Farm?
Through their ministry of presence, volunteers affirm the dignity of the people with whom they are visiting as they listen to stories, share humanity and just spend their time. In this age of convenience and time management, where people often have little time for each other, this ministry of presence is a special gift indeed. At the Glenmary Farm we try to reach people on the margins of society-the mentally and physically challenged and the elderly.
Last week, I went to the Licking Valley Senior Center with a group of volunteers to experience this ministry of presence for myself (after too much time in the volunteer office!). We put on a rousing performance of some "good ol' timey" music, and added a few jokes and skits just for fun. Then I spent the rest of the day talking and sharing stories with an elderly lady who often spends her days at the center. I truly enjoyed the day, happy to be in service to the elderly and to receive their gifts in return. I met Christ in those folks at the Licking Valley Senior Center and received much wisdom and knowledge as well.
Often when we think of service, we think of how much material help we can provide those in need. How many houses can we build? How much food and clothing can we collect? How much money can we raise? We forget that our presence is more important than any of those material things.
At the same time, a ministry of presence often gives as much-or more-to the volunteer-in understanding, wisdom and just a good time. It's far more challenging to most of us than building a house, for it takes us out of our comfort zone and makes us give of ourselves socially, psychologically and even emotionally.
The ministry of presence gives us a real glimpse of Christ in each other. I believe it is often the greatest gift we can give the people of Lewis County and the greatest gift Lewis County gives to Glenmary volunteers.
Peace,
Joe Grosek
jgrosek@glenmary.org
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