|
|
Post by Script on Dec 10, 2008 9:06:45 GMT -5
Note: every word here applies to members of any and all denominations: church, chapel, temple, synagogue: male and female alike. First of all, as an old church lady I am honoured that often people in need feel that they can turn to us for help in times of crisis. Unfortunately, there are various problems that we church ladies encounter daily: - some of us are getting older (our head sacristan is 85?)
- December is our busiest time of year, what with pageants, special services, outreach (my church is helping to provide gifts for 575 FAMILIES in a desperately poor inner city parish)
- some of our urban churches have dwindling number: of clergy and/or parishioners
- some of our suburban churches have exploding numbers: and still not enough clergy or resources
- weather is such a big factor, and holiday schedules, and vacation (today here is hideously wet, windy, icy)
- we have our ongoing programmes to continue
- after the busy summer wedding and baptism events, the church ladies are a bit tired......
- clergy themselves are stretched to the limits: our xmas service list fills a whole page (8 masses on christmas eve/christmas alone)
- in poor parishes, the folks are working extra hours of overtime through the holidays; in rich parishes, the folks are taking some holiday time: there are NEVER enough helping hands as needed
In my church (mid-town urban Catholic, old building under renovation, not enough clergy: 'only' 1000 families) there are so many ongoing programmes and NEVER enough volunteers. I am feeling a bit guilty as I cannot bake for the annual Xmas HOPE project: delivering goody boxes to shut-ins. We deliver around 100 boxes. JUST IN OUR AREA. On behalf of volunteers everywhere in any sort of field: please be patient if we cannot help right away. Thank you for putting your trust and hope in us, and know that we are truly sorry that we cannot do all that we KNOW needs to be done. |
|
hollymaid
New Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 99
|
Post by hollymaid on Dec 10, 2008 10:24:04 GMT -5
Thank you, Church ladies for all you do. My mom is one and she is busy all the time.
|
|
|
|
Post by fluffernut - now Jannie on Dec 10, 2008 12:34:35 GMT -5
My MIL was one of those "church ladies". She was always working at their thrift shop. When she passed in 2005, all the other church ladies came to her wake and funeral. She was also in the Rosary society, said rosaries for others every week. Bless them all!
|
|
|
|
Post by razy on Dec 10, 2008 14:59:12 GMT -5
I do not like Christmas and all the hype and $ spending that goes with it so it is so nice to hear about people that not only remember why we celebrate Christmas but also act in the spirit of it. I am not religious in anyway but I admire those that walk the walk not just talk the talk.
Script and other church ladies, you humble me.
Kia Kaha
|
|
|
|
Post by gottaproblem on Dec 10, 2008 15:06:57 GMT -5
 Here is to all of the church ladies
|
|
|
|
Post by notsomessyshell on Dec 10, 2008 16:48:45 GMT -5
Thanks for the view from the other side. to you and all who work hard for others out of the goodness of their heart. My mother used to be the one who was first in line when there was work to be done. Now that she is not physically able I am trying to be a worthy replacement. |
|
|
|
Post by Script on Dec 10, 2008 17:09:29 GMT -5
another nice story about MEANING: My mom had a gift certificate for a SERVICE which she could not use. My mom had bought a 'mystery bag' as part of a breast cancer fundraising event. The gift certificate was one of the surprise prizes.  Mom passed the certificate along to a friend who works in a gov't agency, as Friend said she could use it. As it turns out the friend DONATED the gift certificate to a silent auction in her work place. Evidently the office sponsors a poor family every christmas. The silent auction allows the office to have MONEY to spend, plus their own contributions. there is goodness everywhere....if we can but see it....  |
|
|
|
Post by messymimi on Dec 10, 2008 17:45:30 GMT -5
Kudos to volunteers of all stripes.
Yes, they are often overworked.
They deserve our respect of the amount of time and effort they are able to give.
Sometimes, when the need is dire, if one group cannot help, another may be able to step in; it never hurts to search out the alternatives.
messymimi
|
|
|
|
Post by Rennie Ellen on Dec 10, 2008 19:32:09 GMT -5
Script,
I just read your post about the church ladies when the ministry office (where I volunteer leading worship and helping out at the office) called....the two secretaries were going out this afternoon to buy ALL the presents for the kids at five Christmas parties next week at the various public housing complexes...could I come in for the afternoon and answer the phone? I kissed Angel goodbye and went to the office to answer phones. So, even though I've had to cut way back on my volunteering, I'm still a "church lady"!
I certainly appreciate the help of the ladies in my church....that's why I hadn't said anything to them since I got out of the hospital. I know they're busy. But at the same time, I have the inspector waiting to take another look at my bedroom and that has to be done ASAP. But I won't call them until after Christmas. I just hope I won't get in trouble because physically I can't do anything in the "Black Hole Of Doom" right now and I'm still struggling with my kitchen, living room and bathroom.
|
|
