The United Methodist Publishing House, Abingdon Press, and Cokesbury staff are investing thousands of hours in service to their communities this year through a new program called Take Time to Give Time.Through the initiative, each staff member receives paid time off to enable him or her to help a good cause locally or globally. “This effort is about multiplying the power of love and service,” said Neil Alexander, President and Publisher. “The aim is to increase actions that promote mercy and justice. Each staff member will determine how best to accept the gift and use the UMPH-provided time to make more servant ministry possible.”
The ways that the staff members are choosing to serve are imaginative and varied. Holly Quick volunteered for an election integrity group. Chuck Leonard upgraded his church’s computer and AV system. Adie Forshaw raised money for cancer research. Scott Spradley went on a mission trip to Mexico. Marcheta Claus helped at a homeless shelter. Cherri Manning rescued animals and volunteered at the Humane Association. Kevin Hahn helped build a Habitat for Humanity house. Betsy Parham read to first-grade students.
Though they choose to serve in different ways, all the participants agree that the experiences are transforming.
“It is such a life-changing experience,” said Peggy Jennings, who taught arts and crafts for 11-hour days at a camp for children with cancer. “There’s nothing more rewarding than helping others out.”
“Being in relationship with others is how we communicate the gospel, offering a piece of ourselves with a smile and a kind word,” said Rev. Pamela Montgomery of the Cokesbury Chesapeake, Virginia store. Pam prepared a meal for 80 displaced adults.
"Truly, I am rewarded every time an inmate says, ‘Thank you’ for doing what I believe God has called me to do," said Lionel Trujillo Jr., of the Cokesbury Clearwater, Florida store. Lionel led two weekly Bible studies for incarcerated men.
Joanie Catignani volunteered at a Special Olympics basketball tournament. “The obstacles most of these athletes face each day are unimaginable to most of us and the fact that they play sports with a smile on their face is truly an inspiration,” Joanie said.
Myca Alford and her staff hosted a benefit for Thistle Farms that raised over $3,000 for Magdalene, a women’s ministry in Nashville founded by Abingdon Press author Becca Stevens, an Episcopal Priest who serves as Chaplain of St. Augustine’s Chapel at Vanderbilt University. "As a team comprised of women, we were passionate about finding a way to make a difference in the lives of other women,” Myca said. “The Thistle Farms products are environmentally friendly and support an amazing cause.” Elizabeth Gay said, “The women of Magdalene are rebuilding their lives after histories of drug abuse and prostitution which have virtually destroyed them. I’m amazed by the generosity shown by the publishing house to the women of Magdalene and I’m so glad to have been a part of this event.”
Bonnie Seay, formerly a foreign language teacher, said “I was looking for a way to be an interpreter and found it with Siloam Family Health Center. I served as a Spanish interpreter for the volunteer doctor and a young family of five.”
Millie Mendenhall stocked a food pantry at St. Luke’s Community House. “I chose to serve there because my husband and I had used the service in the past. I wanted to give back,” she said.
“It’s such a blessing to be able to give back,” said Laurene Martin, who collected and distributed linens for Appalachian families. “I know that I’ve helped someone feel a little more loved, a little happier, a little more comfortable, a little warmer, a little more hopeful. That’s what it’s all about.”
