BEACON: Rev. Emily Gage
MAY 2012
But Still, I Am One!
Rev. Emily Gage, Minister of Faith Development
egage@unitytemple.org
I am only one” writes Edward Everett Hale, “But still I am one. I cannot do everything, But still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.” We read these words together at the Worship for All Ages service on April 15th, and they are still ringing in my head. (They are some of my favorites from the hymnal.) Our theme for the morning was how one person can make a difference, and I was inspired—as I so often am—by each one of you. During the offertory, we asked you as you were willing and able, to write down one way that you were going to make a difference. And then some of you posted them on a bulletin board on a foyer. I was so moved by what you all—people of all ages—wrote and posted that I wanted to share them with you. If what you are going to do is in this list, I hope this will be extra motivation to make it come true. If you didn’t get a chance to write down one way you are going to make a difference, I invite you to read this list and think of what you might do.
Thank you to each one of you for all who do and for who you are!
I am going to help with RE.
I will sing with all my heart.
Don’t fight and be cheerful.
Join Unity Temple.
I would give money to people who are poor.
Smile.
Give my time even when there is none.
Mentor young attorneys who wish to donate time representing those in need. Pro bono.
1.Hosting chalice circle. 2. Participating in Social Mission Work.
Be friends with everyone.
I am going to share food from my garden.
Teach our kids that they are special, unique, and unrepeatable in OWL and other opportunities.
I’m going to collect 1000 signatures to get the Green Party candidate for president on the ballot and in the debates.
Educational opportunity.
Help my mother through her cancer treatment.
Run at least four 5K races to raise money for charity.
Coaching/mentoring kids.
Share my art with others.
Teach RE.
Be the change I want to see.
Walk in Crop Walk.
Serve on the Board.
Give my time.
Finish my book.
Be a good role model for the children in my life.
Live a life that is always an example for youth.
Get on the bus on Tuesday.
Save the animals.
Sign many petitions.
I am going to do my best not to be a burden to anyone else.
Helping lay leaders to plan and conduct worship services.
Go to Springfield to lobby for Faith in Place and Community Renewal Society.
I am going to keep my heart open.
Drawing: the Earth with a smiley face on it.
Participate—and get others to—in education and social mission.
I love you.
Usher.
I’m going to continue to share my love and joy of the arts with others.
Drawing: Treble clef, musical notes, and smiley face.
The CROP Walk.
Say thanks.
Maybe tutor younger kids.
Make everyone pick up their garbage.
Live from my heart.
Don’t pollute.
Drawing: a person (me) with a wrecking ball machine about to knock down a wall labeled segregation.
Teach my children to be really good people.
Love my neighbors.
Volunteer as teacher for Unity Temple kids.
Train young instructors in Polish Scouts.
Answer questions about immigrant welcoming congregation.
Saving donations for the poor.
I would like to plant a garden.
Interact and volunteer with young people.
I will share my time, energy and resources with those who need them.
Work with more immigration clients.
Help animals in need.
Become a foster parent!
Help in nursery.
Go out of my way to be nice to someone who seems unhappy.
Help out (volunteer) at the local food pantry.
Keep a tidy house.
Drawing: A person singing.
Drawing: a musical note.
Overturn Citizens United Supreme Court Decision.
Stop being afraid that if I go to the social action table it’s needs will swallow me up. Just go and give.
Drawing: a tulip.
Listen thoughtfully to each person I encounter today and in some way recognize or honor their intrinsic value.
I don’t know.
Our family will continue to volunteer at homeless shelters.
Continue to sponsor/support young people in their ‘good cause’ fundraising.
As a new member become active in the mission of Unity Temple.
Get SB 1064 passed.
Say a kind word to someone.
Go on the trip to Springfield to get laws changed.
Help a stranger in need.
Drawing: a computer.
Improve care for older persons.
I’m going to volunteer to teach RE again next year.
Always be the person who raises people’s souls and spirits.
Help the community.
Cut off my ponytail to donate for those with cancer needing wigs.
Drawing: a Giant watering can watering people and plants.
Drawing: Some people dancing on their way to the zoo.
1. Crop walk. 2. Organize service project for IMPACT basketball.
End world hunger, stop endless pollution, make peace to the world.
Communicate with my representatives in Springfield and Washington.
Let go of my fears and live in harmony with the divine.
Volunteers with UTUUC kids.
Drawing: abstract.
Drawing: Smiley face.
Drawing: a young woman in front of a crowd, singing or playing music.
Luck nature + calm appraisal = love
I’m going to call my mother and tell her “thank you” and “I love you”.
Telling the stories of those who came before us.
