During our October 26 worship service, when we introduced our Season of Giving effort for this year, we sang The Magic Penny by Unitarian Universalist Malvina Reynolds:
“Love is something if you give it away, you end up having more. It’s just like a magic penny. Hold it tight and you won’t have any. Lend it, spend it and you’ll have so many they’ll roll all over the floor.”
We decided to experiment with that concept by enacting a Reverse Offering. We adjusted that magic penny for inflation and gave each child and youth in the sanctuary a $5 bill. By accepting it, they promised to make loving magic by spending their money to spread generosity and kindness, however they might define that.
In my own family’s ensuing dinnertime conversation, I learned that my children already have some generosity practices of which I was unaware. For example, one of mine regularly shares small amounts of cash with a houseless neighbor who is somewhat infamous for riding public transit in a seemingly endless loop. Here, then, was an unexpected extra infusion for that ongoing commitment to make sure this person frequently has a few bucks in her pocket.
Thanks to everyone who took this challenge and opportunity so seriously! This was part of our kickoff for the Season of Giving at the church and we wanted to inspire everyone as to how generosity makes a difference.
Read on for more stories:
“With my $5.00 I bought snap peas and strawberries for a kid who didn’t have enough food this month.”
–Navn
“I was waiting in a long line at the Halloween Party for Build-a-Beast. While I was waiting I watched the artist paint a lot of beasts. I like art so I wanted to give my $5 to the artist.”
–Rowan
“Ro gave his five dollars to the Oregon Food Bank. We tied it into conversations we had already started about the shutdown and SNAP benefits (I work on HUD programs so he gets a lot of federal news table talk). Colin and I were already going to donate something modest to help them prepare for the SNAP gap, but with Ro on board we stretched it up to 100 to make a more memorable lesson and give until it pinched a bit. Thanks for the lesson! It was good for all of us :-D”
–Em
“With my five dollars I donated to princess through the Oregon Humane society, (princess is a three month old Doberman). She is very shy and picky but she gives very much love with big loving heart and 30.8 pound body.She can get very over stimulated easily and needs as much attention that she can get. Right when I heard that we would get five dollars to do something good I new right away that I needed to give it to an animal. And this is why I used my five dollars to sponsor princess.”
–Kaya
Late-breaking update from Kaya’s mom: Princess was adopted. Congrats to her and her new family!
These days are not easy times, for a variety of political, economic, cultural, and other reasons that have become a familiar litany. This month, when our theme is Story, let us weave the narrative that we are connected by our generosity, especially in the face of hardships that can be alleviated by collective care.
At First Unitarian, we have a Congregant Care fund, which can quickly offer modest, occasional assistance to those already in the embrace of our church community. If you could use some support for groceries or other basic needs, please do us the honor of reaching out to Rev. Tom. We’d love to be able to give love in this way, like The Magic Penny lyrics say.
In our community, we both give and receive. Magic (penny) or not, it is truly a gift to be able to help one another meet our needs.
May it always be so!
With love,