In our garden, every plant relies on the others around it—roots intertwine, and life-giving resources like water and nutrients are shared. Similarly, in our community, each act of welcoming helps weave a stronger fabric of inclusivity, each volunteer effort supports and uplifts others, and finding your place enhances the whole ecosystem. This interdependence ensures that together, we create a garden that is more resilient, vibrant, and flourishing.
A garden thrives when new plants are welcomed and integrated into the ecosystem. By being open and welcoming, we acknowledge our connection to each other and the vital role each person plays. This welcoming spirit helps new and existing members find their footing, enriching the soil of our community with diversity and warmth.
Volunteers are like the gardeners who tend to the needs of various plants, understanding that the health of one affects the health of all. Your volunteer efforts are crucial—they nourish our community, helping to maintain the balance necessary for every member to thrive. In volunteering, we see our roles not just as tasks, but as contributions to the welfare of the entire garden.
Finding your place in our community is about recognizing where your strengths can best support our interconnected garden. Whether it’s in a sunlit spot leading activities or a shaded nook supporting quieter tasks, your unique abilities help maintain the delicate balance of our communal ecosystem. Each role, each position, is a testament to our interdependent nature, ensuring that the whole garden benefits from the contributions of each individual.
This season, I invite each of you to reflect on your role in our community garden. How can you contribute to fostering this environment of mutual care and dependence? Engage more
deeply, extend your welcoming hands, and seek your spot where you can best support our shared growth.
Together, let’s cherish and nurture the interdependence that makes our community garden not only survive but thrive. Our collective efforts ensure that this space remains a testament to the strength and beauty of living interconnected lives.
Opportunities are available to serve your community during Soulful Sundown Services and Fourth Friday programs:
Kitchen cook assistant(s)
Servers
Greeters
Set up
Clean up
Please feel free to contact Sharyn Esposito (sesposito@uucsr.org or 516.472.2960) with questions or to volunteer.
Submitted by Rev. Israel Buffardi, Associate Minister for Member and Community Engagement