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It got me thinking - where will we be in 100 years? What will this congregation be like?
I am happy to report that our financial status as of this point in the year is better than we had projected. Our congregants have been good about keeping their accounts up to date, and generous when they can be. At this stage of our growth, we are seeing a different need. (Don't get me wrong - we still need money!)
More importantly, our infrastructure is growing disproportionately to our age as a congregation. That is, we have so much going on that we are having trouble keeping up. To ensure that we will be here in 100 years ... or even ten ... we need help. We have a strong corps of volunteers who have been very generous with their time, and I offer all of you my personal thanks, as well as that of the congregation as a whole. What we really need from you - each of you - is time. There are many projects that need your support. Some of them are big projects; some are small. Some are short-term; some will require a lengthier commitment. Some require specific skill sets; most just require someone willing to get the job done.
And, along that vein, I would like to discuss one of the biggest topics in the news: health care. As I listen to the debates go back and forth on this ridiculously complicated topic, I can't help but draw some parallels to our congregation.
I would like to discuss with you my Congregation Shir Heharim Health Care Plan. This plan has three parts, and if each of these three parts is functioning properly, we can ensure the health of the congregation for generations to come.
The first part is input. This congregation - as any - is nothing without the input of its congregants. This is your congregation. Its health is your responsibility. We need to hear from you about what is good about Shir Heharim, as well as where there may be room for improvement. And we need your help to get the job done. There is no question that the health of the congregation not only requires the input of its members... we would in fact get very sick, very quickly without it. And also, as a congregant, you will only be able to enjoy the congregation proportionally to what you are willing to do for it. I am sure that you will find that your input will do more for you personally than it does for Shir Heharim - the rewards can be huge, but without input, there is nothing.
The second part of the Shir Heharim Health Care Plan is referral. Just as our medical health care is often based on referral, it is imperative that we acknowledge that Shir Heharim is also a referral-based organization. This process is very important to improve the health of the congregation. "Word of mouth" referral is the lifeblood of Shir Heharim - how many you joined because you heard what your friends had to say? You have the ability - and, dare I say, the duty - to communicate those feelings to others. The importance of how you portray Shir Heharim to your friends and family is immeasurable! So don't be shy! Talk us up! Spread the word about Shir Heharim. Our health depends on it.
The final part of the Shir Heharim Health Care Plan is community. We at Shir Heharim have always understood what it takes to be a place of warmth, comfort, caring and welcome. In our short history, we have become a spiritual community of patience, kindness and empathy. We have seen that when challenged, the congregation will rally together and come through.
We also understand that just like this country and the health care crisis that faces it, we have many in need who sit at our door. We have pledged from the very beginning that this community will never turn anyone away for financial reasons, and as a community, we have been able to support those in need. And we must continue to keep our door open and welcome those looking for a welcoming spiritual community of support and understanding. But even more so, the building of this community is dependent on the commitment of its members. The community does not build itself, and we need the help and dedication of each member to contribute what they can to continue to build this community.
Once the High Holidays are over, we will begin actively searching for volunteers for many different positions. What would interest you the most? Joining the Membership Committee? Building & Grounds? Education? Fundraising? A list of our committees can be found here on our website. The possibilities are as endless as each of your own personal expertise extends.
Please consider what you can offer to the congregation: an hour a year? an hour a month? an hour a week? an hour a day? I am certain that we can make use of your knowledge and your skills in a way that you will find enjoyable and fulfilling. I look forward to working with you, and continuing to build the congregation that our grandchildren will be reading about in 100 years.
On behalf of Yael, Rachel, Jessica and myself, I would like to wish you L'Shana Tovah Tikateivu V'teichateimu, May we all be signed and sealed into the Book of Life for a good and prosperous new year!
Marty
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