Open your eyes and seek another human being in need of a little time, a little friendliness, a little company, a little work. It may be a lonely, an embittered, a sick or an awkward person for whom you can do something, to whom you can mean something. Perhaps it will be an old person or a child. Or else a good cause that needs voluntary workers. Do not lose heart, even if you must wait a bit before finding the right thing, even if you must make several attempts. —Albert Schweitzer
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Everyone Can Serve
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Look for opportunities to serve; don’t wait to be asked! Remember: You can serve without being a part of an “official” ministry. We all can:
• extend the word of welcome, whether or not we are official greeters;
• be listening, caring friends, whether or not we are official lay counselors;
• be ready to give reason for the hope that is in us, whether or not we are on the evangelism team;
• be enthusiastic participants and ready to give a hand, whether or not we are on the planning or cleanup committees.
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The Healing of Body and Spirit
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The Journal of the American Medical Association reports that more and more medical schools are teaching courses dealing with religious/spiritual issues. In 1994 only three medical schools in this country offered courses that focused on the role of religion or prayer in healing. By 1997 there were thirty medical schools that were offering classes dealing with spiritual healing and the importance of faith in recovery.
Dr. Dale Matthews teaches medical students about spirituality at the Georgetown School of Medicine. His book on the subject is called The Faith Factor. Here is a statement by Dr. Matthews: 'When I started out in medicine, I said to myself, 'If I'm a doctor taking care of patients, I've got to pay attention to all aspects of the patient's experience, and since religion is very important to my patients, I should pay attention to the spiritual needs of my patients.''
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Further Information
Alcoholics Anonymous meets each Monday evening at 6:30 pm in our Church Library. According to their website, "Alcoholics Anonymous® is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety." For more information on the Alcoholics Anonymous Program or to find a group in your area, call 1-800-729-6686. You may also visit the Official Website of Alcoholics Anonymous by clicking here.
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