Layview on Leadership from Ted Hicks
(from the January 21, 2024 worship service)
Hi, everybody!
My name is Ted Hicks. I’ve been a Unitarian Universalist since the late 1990s, a member here at NUUC since 2019, and a board member for the past two years. Since March of 2023, I have been serving as president.
About 10 years ago, I asked the minister of my UU Congregation in West Melbourne, FL, who were the elders of the church? He looked me straight in the eye and said, “You!” Although I was almost 60, I had only been a member there for a couple of years and didn’t feel qualified. I had volunteered for a building and grounds project or two, but nothing serious. I didn’t think I had the status to step into a leadership role.
Something in the direct nature of his statement, which wound up being a request for my service, struck a chord within me, and I got more involved. I took on ever-increasing responsibilities there, and found it fulfilling.
Turns out it wasn’t about status at all, it was about gifts. Along with the gift of life, we have all been given different gifts. Some can speak, some can cook, some can empathize, some can lead, some can harmonize, some can sing the solo, some can even wield a weed whacker! Some have pockets that are often close to empty, some have enough to give generously.
There are fundamental human needs. Certainly, food and shelter top the list, but there are many more. Some are physical, many are spiritual, mental or emotional.
One of those is our need to feel valued and respected for the contributions that we bring to the communities in which we live, work, play and worship. We form these communities so that we can provide for the needs of others as they provide for our needs. This is what it means to be human.
I read a book that recommended giving yourself and others the chance to “play Santa Claus.” No, you don’t need a long, white beard and a big round belly (but it doesn’t hurt!) All you need to do is GIVE!
Do you remember the joy of a holiday where the children in your family were gathered around, gleefully opening gifts, comparing what one got to the other, playing together, sharing their bounty? Perhaps you remember the look of gratitude and relief on the face of the mother forced by her children’s needs to hold a cardboard sign on the corner when you handed her something…anything? That’s the joy of giving! The gratitude of the grantee is the reciprocal gift to the grantor!
Some of us give of our time, some of our talent, some from our pocketbooks. There are those in this room that give freely from their wealth of resources, and we deeply and humbly thank them for all that they have done. Rev. Ritchie made a point of it last week when we dedicated this sanctuary, but make no mistake, NUUC is daily grateful for each and every contribution, no matter the size or frequency. Cookies are always appreciated, right, Thomas?
If you have time, please consider sharing some of that with the church. The Nominating Committee, soon to be changed to the Leadership Development Committee, is asking for volunteers to serve in a number of ways.
We always need help with hospitality. Greeters, someone to bring refreshments, even though our kitchen is closed, surely we need cookies! We have a Picnic Committee, or Building and Grounds, if you’re the handy or outdoorsy type. Our lovely choir can always use another voice. They even let me keep croaking!
Even if all you can give is your presence, it brightens the room and enhances our community, even on Zoom! We love to see your smiling faces!
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