Appreciating Volunteers

Literally thousands of members and supporters volunteer their time and talents to help in nearly every aspect of the work of the United Church of God. On these four pages we celebrate some of that service that helps United in the mission of preaching the gospel while preparing a people.

• Camp Staff: They Come to Serve
• Give a Hug... to the Feast Sound Technician!
• Members Sponsor Beyond Today on Cable-Access TV
• Members Help Preach the Gospel Through GN Brochure Program
• Members Help Reach World From the Home Office
• Local Web Sites Help Preach the Gospel
• Tomorrow and GN TV Volunteers Appreciated!
• Eau Claire and St. Paul BSC Tape Program Efforts Appreciated
• Good Works Fund-Raisers Provide Over $300,000
• VCM Produced by Volunteers
• Ministerial Services Thanks Members
• Unsung Hero: Busier Than Before She Retired!
• Unsung Hero: The Award Is Named for Him!
• Mixing Business With "Pleasure" (the Pleasure of Spreading the Gospel)
• Spreading the Gospel Most Effectively
• Unsung Heroes: Spreading the Word Through Their Web Site
• Unsung Hero: Caring for Those With Cancer
• Unsung Hero: Sharing the Joy of Music
• Unsung Heroes: Making It Look Easy!
• Unsung Hero: Inspiring Young Readers

Camp Staff: They Come to Serve

They come to serve, and each year more and more line up for a spot on one of the camp staffs of the United Youth Camps (UYC) and preteen camps. Over 400 young people and adults ask for the opportunity to give of their time and serve without pay (although room and board are paid) for a week or more to give our youth a taste of God's way of life.

The example of these talented and dedicated volunteers has inspired the people they serve. When asked "Did your counselor and other staff make you feel accepted at camp?" 99 percent of our campers responded, Yes! Asked if they would like to serve on the camp staff in the future, 90 percent said, Yes!

Listen to the comments of teens when asked, "Would you like to serve on the camp staff in the future?"

"Part of being a disciple of Christ is learning how to serve. I want to serve others the way I have been served for seven years" (Hye Sierra).

"It is a very exciting experience to pass on knowledge and experiences" (Hye Sierra).

"I see why this way works, and I want to serve" (Heritage).

"Camp changes me, and I want to impact lives, too" (Tetons).

"I want to be [part of] the people that help make the 'magic' of camp possible" (Woodmen).

Notice the praise and touching reflections of the campers when they were asked, "Did your counselor and other staff make you feel accepted most of the time at camp?"

"They gave constant encouragement and opened up about their lives and were genuinely interested in me" (Tetons).

"Our counselor always took time to give us one-on-one time. She has been incredibly encouraging, flexible and encouraged us in our faith and development as young ladies, while gently correcting us where we go astray" (Tetons).

"The ministers were never afraid to just talk to me" (Hye Sierra).

I think one camper said it well: "Camp has an indescribable atmosphere. It's like a mini Kingdom, and I always leave so deeply moved and feeling closer to God and to my friends of like mind" (Woodmen). The point is obvious that camp works! It works largely because so many people work together to model the "give" way of life.

A while back, I was asked by a member of the American Camp Association national staff if we had any difficulties recruiting staff for our programs. I mentioned we had scores more applicants than we could use, and we have tried to open the door for new volunteers each year since so many want to return. When asked how much we pay our staff and what our criteria is, I mentioned that although we only want the best, we don't pay them a dime.

Shock and bewilderment filled the person's face. "How is that possible?" she asked. I told her that our volunteers are convicted that it is more blessed to give than to receive and most believe that the rewards of seeing young people grow and change is more than ample compensation.

On behalf of all the parents and the camp team, a big "Thank you!" goes out to all those who serve at camp.

—Larry W. Greider
UYC National Coordinator

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Give a Hug... to the Feast Sound Technician!

Well, maybe he or she doesn't want a hug. How about a handshake? At least go by and say thank you.

Do you know how much we paid the sound technicians at the Feast last year? Nothing. They volunteered. Do you know how much they deserved to be paid? All together, thousands and thousands of dollars. It is skilled labor, after all.

There are a couple of sites where our volunteers are not allowed to use the sound system and control rooms of the theater. A few extra thousand dollars have to be budgeted for those sites to pay the professional personnel running it. Sometimes union laws prohibit anybody other than their people using the sound system.

Sometimes the sound crew members bring their own equipment, further saving the Church rental fees. Is the sound crew able to concentrate on the message during the service? Or are they even then making an additional sacrifice so you can concentrate on the message and not even think about proper amplification for all to hear? When you go up this year to thank the sound technician, ask him if he misses part of the message so you don't have to.

Yes, I am focusing on the volunteer sound crews at the Feast, but there are hundreds of volunteers every year at every Feast site contributing to the success of God's assembly.

The Feast of Tabernacles is dependent upon volunteers. The Church could never come close to paying for all the services that are rendered. Ushers, parking crews, youth education classes, musicians for special music, the choir, information table crews, translators and nonsalaried speakers, plus others all contribute. But, this year, why not personally thank the sound crew.

—Charles Melear

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Members Sponsor Beyond Today on Cable-Access TV

Brethren have volunteered to serve in the vital role of local sponsors for the Beyond Today television program. Below are comments from several. If you would like to participate, please call John LaBissoniere, toll-free at (888) 369-9940 or write to him at john_labissoniere@ucg.org.

Mary Kerr, Springfield, Illinois: This week I received the first four Beyond Today DVDs and delivered them to the cable-access television station. All this has been very exciting for me! It has been especially encouraging to see a very positive relationship being established with the station. Once I found the station and set up an appointment, airing time was all set within just eight hours! The timing was just right, as the station had just changed hands and managers. And now, with more automation, they are happy to have and are capable of airing Beyond Today three times each Friday! It seems that when God decides it's time, getting the program "on" is as easy as falling off a log!

Lloyd R. Nelson, Rochester, Minnesota: When I took the demonstration Beyond Today tapes to the community college to be reviewed, the director seemed indifferent and aloof. To win him over I asked if he would critique certain aspects of the programs. Using professional terminology, he offered insight equivalent to "the lighting here is much better" or "there is shadowing over there." Since then he has warmed up appreciably and has since given us four good airtimes for Beyond Today on weekends. He has also aired the programs at other times and has mentioned that students attending the college have inquired about Beyond Today. In the book of Philemon, Paul teaches us the lesson of using tact. I've tried to apply that lesson and now the director greets me with a smile.

Ronald Selzer, Mountain Home, Arkansas: I received the two demo DVDs today for the program and then went to the local cable station. They will start airing Beyond Today on Sunday, April 9, at 9 a.m. This was sure a lot easier to do than I thought it would be. The people at the television station were easy to work with.

Angela Payne, Queens, New York: Since I've been involved in the Good News brochure program and as a Beyond Today television sponsor, I must say that it has been rewarding. I truly feel connected to the work. Each time I deliver the tapes to the station, I remember how I first heard God's wonderful truth and how I felt. This is what motivates me. If I can sow one seed for God's Kingdom, then I'm convinced He'll do the rest.

Being a sponsor has given me many opportunities to interact with others. People generally ask what Beyond Today is all about. It's always my pleasure to answer them. To my delight some told me that they would revisit their Bibles. I would definitely encourage others to get involved. It's not tedious or difficult. All you need is a love for God's Kingdom, and a dedicated attitude.

Henry Miles, Henderson, Kentucky: I am glad to be able to serve as a Beyond Today sponsor. I didn't realize it would be as easy as it was to get the program started. The people at the television station were very nice and were excited to air the telecasts.

On a more personal note, I have a friend who has been watching Beyond Today. Since his mother died about three months ago, I think he has a real appreciation for the telecasts and a new outlook on life and death. This is especially true since viewing the program entitled "Better Than Heaven."

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Members Help Preach the Gospel Through GN Brochure Program

Brethren have volunteered to participate in the Good News brochure distribution program. Below are comments from several. If you would like to participate, please call John LaBissoniere, toll-free at (888) 369-9940 or write to him at john_labissoniere@ucg.org.

Peter M. Gabriel, Houston North, Texas: I service two Wal-Mart stores and two Kroger supermarkets on the far north side of Houston with Good News brochures. Having been on the distribution team now for about three months, it is rewarding to go to my locations every two weeks to see how quickly the brochure displays need to be replenished! I enjoy serving the Church in this way.

Bill Wilson, West Palm Beach, Florida: My first outing with brochures began right around the corner from my house at a Chevron gas/food mart. I came in with the display loaded with brochures. I scanned the store for potential locations for the display and decided on a particular spot a little back away from the foot traffic. I greeted the manager and showed him the display and some of the brochures. He was very agreeable; and when I advanced my idea as to where to place the display, he balked, saying "No, put it right out front there where everyone can see it!" I was shocked, but gratified!

Another display went into our Travel America truck stop where the manager was most pleasant. He asked that I place the display in a vestibule where the drivers came through from their trucks. That display lasted many months and distributed dozens of brochures—my most productive spot. One thing I would say to volunteers, is that we should at least buy something from the store that allows us to place our brochures. At least they will receive a blessing for their generosity.

Dale Richey, Orlando, Florida: Doing whatever we can individually do to help promote the gospel makes one feel more of a part of the work. There used to be a phrase, "pray and pay." Well, the Good News brochure program helps brethren go beyond that and hopefully speed up the coming of the Kingdom of God!

Kathy Cochrane, North Conway, New Hampshire: I very much enjoy being a part of the brochure distribution program. It is thrilling to see the brochures disappear. Who will be sending for literature? Will God call these people? Since I live far from other brethren, the brochure program is an important means for me to feel connected to the work of the Church.

Bill Braswell, Stockton, California: God has blessed us with a couple of sites that are exposed to a great deal of people traffic. One of our displays, which moves about 400 per month, is located at the main bus station in Modesto. The second display is located at a gas station/mini-mart on the way to the snow of the Sierra Nevada mountains. In the winter and spring months especially, this location is exposed to many people heading up to ski. Thanks go to Aaron Farnon and Bob Besore of the Stockton congregation, for their efforts in maintaining the displays and doing their part in helping spread the gospel of the Kingdom.

Bob Carlisle, Riverside, California: Special thanks goes to Ken Nelson, our almost "one-man distribution show." Over the last decade Ken has distributed thousands of magazines and brochures throughout the Inland Empire.

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Members Help Reach World From the Home Office

Church member volunteers perform a vital service for the home office each year. Each issue we mail approximately 16,000 Good News magazines to international subscribers in areas of the world not served by other international offices (mainly the Caribbean and much of Africa and Asia). The volunteers insert these magazines into envelopes, seal and bag them for mailing.

In addition, they also prepare about 1,200 copies of World News and Prophecy and 575 of United News for international subscribers, as well as 1,500 Spanish Buenas Noticias magazines for mailing in the United States.

The number of Good News magazines mailed from the home office has been reduced from 24,000 to 16,000 due to the transfer of 8,000 magazines to the Philippine office.

The Philippine office had been maintaining their own file of subscribers, but the magazines were actually mailed from the home office. Beginning with the March/April 2006 issue, the Philippine office began mailing their subscribers' issues in the Philippines.

Approximately 820 hours of labor are donated by these members each year, which is a substantial donation. Several members have commented that since they have retired, this is one way they can make a financial contribution to the Church.

At least once a year the teenagers from the surrounding church areas come to serve the subscribers and give our regular volunteers a break.

We owe a big thank you to Linda Saar, who coordinates the work parties, and to all the volunteers from Cincinnati, Columbus and Dayton, Ohio, and Louisville, Kentucky.

—Connie Seelig

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Local Web Sites Help Preach the Gospel

Type "United Church of God" into any search engine, and you'll not only see a link for the Church's main Web site but links to numerous United Church of God local congregations throughout the United States and the world. At last count, there were over 140 local congregations in the United States and over 25 international areas that have some type of Web presence reaching around the world.

Hundreds, if not thousands, of hours have been devoted to these local Web sites in creating, developing and maintaining the informative content. Many of the local Web sites are administrated and maintained by only one individual, while others have a team of volunteers who contribute their time.

The local Web sites not only provide a local service to the congregation but also provide a virtual footprint in the online world for those who might be searching for God's truth. Those looking would be directed back to the Church's other Web sites for more information, to request literature or to view the latest Beyond Today TV program.

Some of the largest and smallest congregations around the world have developed Web sites to keep the local brethren informed of local information and provide a way for interested individuals to make contact with the Church. Many of the first-time visitors who request The Good News or listen to an online sermon first came in contact with the Church via a local congregation Web site.

For all who have contributed their efforts in this area, the Media and Communications Services department at the home office thanks you and appreciates your willingness to serve in preaching the gospel. If you have a local congregation Web site that is not listed at www.ucg.org, or if you would like to help develop one for your congregation, please contact Aaron Booth (aaron_booth@ucg.org) for more information.

—Aaron Booth

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Tomorrow and GN TV Volunteers Appreciated!

Much appreciation and thanks is due the brethren who produced the Tomorrow television (Portland, Oregon) and Good News television (Beloit, Wisconsin) cable-access programs. Since the inception of United, eager brethren spent many hours diligently producing video content over many years. The Media and Communications Services department felt this work was an important part of our overall media mix.

The brethren contributed to a very fine effort that improved with each taping session. We thank them for the generous support, both financial and physical, given to help further the mission of the Church.

With our new media center at the home office now operational, it has been helpful to draw upon the experience gained with Good News Television and Tomorrow Television programming. The presenters and guests are now more prepared to contribute their talents in an even greater way, and the experience gained by everyone involved in the process has been invaluable.

Crew members participated in taping hundreds of hour and half-hour programs on weeknights and Sundays. Without their faithful and diligent efforts, these accomplishments would not have been possible!

Over the past 10 years, we saw the programs mature and improve. They went from airing on a handful of public-access stations, to airing coast-to-coast on more than 100 stations. Telephone calls from viewers resulted in thousands of pieces of literature being ordered and sent out as a result of both TV programs.

The goal from the beginning of the TV programs was to contribute to the effort of the Church in preaching the gospel about the soon-coming Kingdom of God, via public-access television. Volunteers: Thank you very much for your involvement!

—Peter Eddington

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Eau Claire and St. Paul BSC Tape Program Efforts Appreciated

It is with great thanks and appreciation that we recognize the dedicated efforts and support of the Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and St. Paul, Minnesota, congregations for their invaluable work on the Bible Study Course graduate tape program.

It is through the dedicated support and effort of volunteers like these that United is able to reach far beyond its normal capabilities. The Word of God is able to be preached and sown in a much greater way due to their tireless work. We realize that it has been a project that has gone on for a number of years (since 2001), and we thank them for staying the course.

Over the next six months we will systematically phase out the Bible Study Course graduate tape program. We feel the program has born some very good fruit, but our operating costs for this particular program are quite high and we would like to shift some of this budget toward Internet promotion of the gospel message—which is one of our most cost-effective tools.

Thousands of Bible Study Course graduates have gone through the tape program, and some are now attending Sabbath services. Interestingly, 34 percent of these graduates also request more material from us after completing the tape program, so it has been of value. It's simply a matter of shifting funds as we endeavor to be wise stewards with the resources God has given us.

We thank these brethren once again for their involvement. It has not gone unnoticed! In fact, depending on needs in the future, we may just call on them again! Their professional service has been invaluable.

—Peter Eddington

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Good Works Fund-Raisers Provide Over $300,000

Jesus said, "Take care not to do your good works before men, to be seen by them" (Matthew 6:1, The Bible in Basic English). We have hundreds of brethren in the United Church of God who obey this command of Jesus, and who do their "good works" (also translated "alms"—acts of compassion and giving) quietly, anonymously, without fanfare, motivated by compassion and a desire to help meet the needs of others in the Church, especially in areas of the world not as blessed with the abundance of God's physical blessings. They have given to the Church's Good Works Program.

This program was set up to act as a channel for the compassion of brethren in the Church. We do not generally encourage direct cash offerings to the program (since those funds are needed for the budgeted expenditures of the Church in carrying out its commission). Instead, the program was created to receive the monies that brethren are able to generate through local fund-raising efforts.

Those brethren who have the wherewithal to engage in local fund-raising projects have contributed over $300,000 since the Council of Elders established the Church's Good Works Program less than three years ago. As a result, brethren have been able to help with over 30 projects that have benefited others in the Church in countries all around the world—in Africa, Asia, Latin America and North America (where some suffered significant loss from Hurricane Katrina).

Brethren have been involved in all sorts of fund-raisers, including production of a cookbook, car washes, penny rolls, benefit concerts, bake sales and many more. On behalf of those who have been helped, thanks to all who have volunteered and helped in this way!

—Tom Kirkpatrick

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VCM Produced by Volunteers

Virtual Christian Magazine (found on the Web at www.vcmagazine.org) is a volunteer publication. The staff and writers are a group of people that, for the most part, have never met. They communicate and produce the magazine completely through the Internet.

Volunteer staff members include: editors—Michelle Grovak, Gayle Hoefker, Jada Howell, Patrick Kansa, David Meidinger, Suzanne Morgan, John Rutus, Amy Stephens and Debbie Werner; reviewers—Jack Elliott, Eric Evans, Don Henson, Don Hooser and Leroy Neff; webmaster—Chris Rowland; and graphics and managing editor—Lorelei Nettles.

VCM welcomes articles from members. All submissions can be e-mailed to Lorelei Nettles through the feedback link at the site.

—Lorelei Nettles

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Ministerial Services Thanks Members

"Every week thousands of brethren serve behind the scenes to make Sabbath services a place where we can all meet and be taught God's truths," said Jim Franks, Ministerial Services operation manager. "We wanted to express our deep gratitude for the wonderful spirit of service you have shown in setting up the halls, the sound systems, providing music, caring for our widows and widowers, preparing for socials and doing all the things that make the local congregation a pleasant place for learning and fellowshipping.

"Sometimes we don't always hear a 'well done' as we quietly go about taking care of these needs, but God appreciates all you do on His behalf," Mr. Franks said. "Ministerial Services and all our pastors and elders thank you so much for your time and effort."

All the activities of the local congregations—from Sabbath services to socials—contribute to developing us as a people prepared for God.

Many congregations have 30 or more responsibilities necessary to help the congregation run smoothly. This can be quite challenging in congregations with less than 30 people, but in the larger congregations, the number of responsibilities and people needed grows as well.

Here are just a few of the tasks handled by unsung heroes in the congregations: announcement brochures, bulletin board, cards for the sick, flowers, greeters, "Local Church Updates" reports and photos for United News, meals for the sick and shut-ins, mothers' room, piano players, providing rides, Sabbath school teachers, sermonettes, set up and take down, social committees, song leaders, sound crew, special music, tape library, teen activities, teen Bible studies and ushers.

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Unsung Hero: Busier Than Before She Retired!

Wilma Ramey of Jonesville, Virginia, a retired Head Start teacher and a member of the Kingsport, Tennessee, congregation, sometimes quips that she's busier now than before she retired!

This beautiful lady volunteers for several local organizations, including Triad, which works to improve the quality of life for senior citizens by sharing information from law enforcement officers as well as providing weekly meals for seniors. Mrs. Ramey also is on the Health Advisory Board for Head Start and is an active member of AARP. She works with the Family Life organization to sell donated clothes in order to raise money for people who are unable to pay their utility bills.

As part of the Mountain Empire Older Citizens (MEOC) committee, she helps sponsor programs such as a walkathon to provide fuel assistance for needy citizens. MEOC and AARP also join forces to provide food for those in need as well as school supplies for children. Additionally, Mrs. Ramey makes time to visit a young friend in the children's home, and she also cooks for two reunions of her very large extended family each year!

—Denise Dobson

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Unsung Hero: The Award Is Named for Him!

In the lobby of the Center for Mental Health where Freeman Imel worked in Anderson, Indiana, is a plaque with an award named in his honor.

Below his picture the plaque reads: "The Freeman A. Imel Award presented annually in recognition for dedication and outstanding service to the Center for Mental Health," followed by those who have received the award since it began in 1985. Freeman retired in 1990, but his legacy remains.

Freeman attends UCG in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was baptized on March 17, 1962, in South Bend, Indiana, and he and his wife were made a deacon and deaconess in the Church around 1980. His wife passed away a few months ago. He is 80 years old and still serves in the Church. He just bought a new motorcycle, so you can see he is still a very active person.

—Gordon Brauchla

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Mixing Business With "Pleasure" (the Pleasure of Spreading the Gospel)

I own an Internet-based software company and have the freedom to advertise anything I want on my Web site. So, in March 2004, I uploaded the "Read Any Good News Lately?" URL to one of my Web site advertising slots. As my husband and I were just newly involved in the Church, I admit, I was a little worried about any backlash from customers who find mixing God with business unprofessional. But I prayed about it and finally uploaded the ad. To my surprise, the clicks on the URL started almost immediately and not one negative comment has resulted from it in two years.

Several months ago, my husband and I became aware of the brochures that the Church has made available to any of us who wish to pass them around. We thought it would be a great idea to insert them in my customer's software packages. But, when the initial 200 brochures arrived and it was time to start inserting them into my customer's orders, again, I had those little pangs of professional fear. My husband was much less shy about it and continually encouraged me to insert them.

Finally, I got my first response by way of this e-mail from one of my customers: "I purchased your software a few weeks or so ago. Opening [the box] I saw the instructions and a CD. I removed the instructions and found a brochure for a free booklet and The Good News. Being a Christian and placing scripture on all our company printed matter, I had to write and let you know that we are 100 percent behind what you are doing. I looked for about two weeks at different software before buying yours. I am glad that the Lord led me in your direction... thanks for sharing your faith."

Needless to say, I was emotionally affected with both joy that I played this little role in spreading the gospel and shame for my fear in sharing that same gospel. A few weeks later when a customer called for tech support on her software she said, "By the way, I got such a kick out of what you enclosed in my software." I wasn't quite sure what she meant until she said, "What a great way to spread the gospel, inserting your material about your faith is a very brave thing to do. That is so neat!" I was speechless!

Since uploading the "Read Any Good News Lately?" URL to my Web site two years ago, the UCG Web site has had 2,152 hits from my Web site. In January of this year, I uploaded the Beyond Today URL and the Church site has received 156 hits from it. I have enclosed approximately 500 brochures in my software packages on the subjects "Why Does God Allow Suffering?" and "Jesus Christ: The Real Story." Just recently, I received 100 more of each, plus 100 of "Are We Living in the Time of the End?"

I have long passed my vain fears of mixing business with pleasure. And I say "pleasure" because it is indeed a pleasure and honor, wondering if God is using my business in this small way. My delight is further enhanced as I consider that someday, in the not too distant future, I will meet some of the people who clicked on the UCG URLs from my Web site or received a brochure in their software package. It is my deepest hope at least one of them will tell me they were baptized into God's Church after responding to one of the brochures from a software package they received from my little company!

—JoAnna Buckwalter, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

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Spreading the Gospel Most Effectively

We hope you are as excited as we are by all the creative ways members have come up with to help preach the gospel! We also appreciate the example of all those on these pages who have worked closely with the home office in order to most efficiently and effectively do the work, properly represent the Church and meet the Council's Web site policies. Those who wish to advertise literature on their personal or business Web sites should contact Peter Eddington at peter_eddington@ucg.org . GN brochure ideas go to john_labissoniere@ucg.org.

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Unsung Heroes: Spreading the Word Through Their Web Site

Jesus said, "He who believes in Me, the works I do he will do also" (John 14:12). Since one of the works Jesus did was to preach and spread the gospel, Lincoln Marini, a deacon in the Garden Grove, California, congregation, and his wife and best friend, Jean, developed an Internet Web site to provide another opportunity for God to draw people to request UCG IA literature. Later they decided to sell a few products on the site to help defray the cost.

After people order the literature on their Web site, the order is e-mailed to the UCG IA home office near Cincinnati, Ohio. The literature is then sent to the interested parties.

In six years 8,337 people from over 90 countries have responded to their Web site. Each person has received an average of 6.76 booklets and a subscription to The Good News magazine.

The Marinis are very honored to be involved in this process with God and the home office. It fills them with joy to hear from people who are very excited and grateful to receive the literature.

Lincoln and Jean encourage all brethren who are not already involved to get involved in one activity that preaches and spreads the gospel. The harvest is plentiful, the workers are few and the rewards are great.

—Jean Updegraff

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Unsung Hero: Caring for Those With Cancer

Our unsung hero is one of our deaconesses, Sandy Saurbaugh, of the Bloomington/Normal, Illinois, congregation.

When Sandy was widowed, she started searching for areas of service. She and her husband had been very active in serving the Church and community. Now she started a new phase of her life and service was a natural interest for her.

Her latest gift of volunteering is with the Hematology Association of Central Illinois. Association volunteers do a variety of services. Their focus is to brighten the lives of cancer patients while they are going through this challenging time. They help them with information and bring them lunch when they are hooked up to chemo for several hours. They become caring friends. Sandy mentioned the ultimate expression of generosity is not in giving of what you have, but in giving of who you are. Cancer patients need people who care, listen and brighten their day at a very difficult time. Sandy quietly serves in so many other ways, but this project has given her an opportunity to show love and service to those in great need.

This same group also has another helpful project: Cancer awareness bracelets. The volunteers, like Sandy, have made thousands of bracelets. All the money after expenses goes to the cancer patients with financial need. Some need help with payment of prescriptions, lunch money and money for transportation. The money is used to take one more burden off the patient.

—Phyllis Knochel

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Unsung Hero: Sharing the Joy of Music

Jean-Paul Gorisse is a member of the United Church of God in France. He is a musician who helped in the creation of the Church hymnal in the French language.

In 2002, he felt strongly motivated to create a high-quality musical CD of all the hymns with beautiful arrangements and donated more than 300 of them to families attending the Feast in France in 2003, and to scattered members who use it for services on the Sabbath. In 2004, he put together an album of the numerous pieces of special music he has performed over the years, and donated it to each family present at the Feast in Annecy.

Jean-Paul comes from a family of musicians. He came in contact with the Church while serving a three-year term in the French army musical corps. He won a gold medal in 1976 during the national conservatory competition.

This medal opened the door for him to obtain a teaching post with the Musical Conservatory of Blois, a large town a couple hours south of Paris. However, he was called in the Church that year and had to leave his position because of the Sabbath. For the next three years, Jean-Paul experienced much difficulty finding a job for the same reason. He was unemployed and took various small jobs unrelated to his love of music.

However, in 1979, his perseverance was blessed and he was offered a job as a music school director in Louvroi, France, where he has been for the last 25 years directing more than 200 students and 11 teachers. The school gained a very good reputation for its quality.

Jean-Paul met Odile Carre, a young lady in the Church in Belgium, and they married in 1983. They joined United in 1996.

Over the years, Jean-Paul has accompanied hymns at Church, organized vocal groups and choirs for the Church and has performed special music many times. He plays the saxophone, the recorder, the piano, classical guitar and the synthesizer. We are thankful for his generous contribution in sharing his talent for the benefit of the Church.

—Maryse Pebworth

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Unsung Heroes: Making It Look Easy!

Our Cincinnati East social committee serves us all, making every social special, fresh and fun. Every aspect is carefully planned and implemented in a smooth fashion so that the volunteers all function well together. Decorations are always unique and interesting and theme-oriented.

Those who have been on social committees in other locations instantly recognize how our local committee makes it seem so effortless to execute such a variety of socials for all ages in all seasons. If it looks easy, you know a lot of planning went into the event.

The children love the costume parties they plan year after year, with active games that are enjoyed by all ages. Certain committee members have a gift for directing the children graciously, while maintaining order with a pleasant pace from one activity to another. The whole social committee does a great job and just keeps on going with great new ideas of how to mix food, fun and fellowship!

—John McClain

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Unsung Hero: Inspiring Young Readers

Elsie Pate is a 76-year-old widow and serves as a deaconess in the Salem congregation. She has six children, 16 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren! After 16 years, she is "retiring" this year from her volunteer service to spend more time with her family.

Elsie has been honored several times for her many years of exceptional community service, including receiving the Vocational Service in Education Award from the local Capital Sunrise Rotary Club.

Beginning at age 60, in the fall of 1990, Elsie Pate answered her local school district's plea for volunteers. Throughout her 16 years of outstanding volunteer service to the school district, Elsie's specialty has been tutoring first grade students in development of reading skills.

In addition, Elsie Pate's service as an all-around volunteer has been both valuable and inspirational. Her additional service has included substituting for other tutors, greeting students at the door in the mornings, helping plan and run special events, helping with the School Saving program, preparing classroom materials and inventing games to inspire struggling readers.

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