Civitan Charter Night, August 18, 2009
Do you remember those family reunions that you went as a kid? I remember every few years going and finding the place full of people who were happy to see me but I really didn't know who most of them were. That was how tonight felt.
We were on display, my fellow members and I, and our proud sponsor parents ushered us about and made the proper introductions to the friends and dignitaries in attendance. Speeches were given. Pins awarded. Tears shed. Pictures taken. Laughs shared. It was fellowship.
I learned more about Civitan tonight than I have in the weeks building up to tonight. I learned more about commitment by hearing from Francis Essic celebrating 62 years of marriage, 44 years of attending Civitan Annual Meetings and who came out of "retirement" at 84 to speak to us. I learned about our mission from David Allen and about our responsibilities from Bob Jones. I saw appreciation and compassion and learned more about what it means to be a Civitan. I gained knowledge.
The room was full of people I didn't know. The front podium was full of people I didn't know. Some drove hours to be there. The Monroe Civitan Club gave dozens of hours of time and hundreds of dollars towards building the Matthews Civitan Club. In these actions, I saw the time and the money committed to the furthering of the mission of Civitan. I witnessed service.
Our chaplain, Kim, picked a wonderful verse to share with us tonight from the Bible, James 2:14-18:
"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
It is from this foundational moment we march forward and go to our deeds. With the love and support of fellow Civitans whom we have now come to know are behind us and watching and expecting great things - just like family.
We were on display, my fellow members and I, and our proud sponsor parents ushered us about and made the proper introductions to the friends and dignitaries in attendance. Speeches were given. Pins awarded. Tears shed. Pictures taken. Laughs shared. It was fellowship.
I learned more about Civitan tonight than I have in the weeks building up to tonight. I learned more about commitment by hearing from Francis Essic celebrating 62 years of marriage, 44 years of attending Civitan Annual Meetings and who came out of "retirement" at 84 to speak to us. I learned about our mission from David Allen and about our responsibilities from Bob Jones. I saw appreciation and compassion and learned more about what it means to be a Civitan. I gained knowledge.
The room was full of people I didn't know. The front podium was full of people I didn't know. Some drove hours to be there. The Monroe Civitan Club gave dozens of hours of time and hundreds of dollars towards building the Matthews Civitan Club. In these actions, I saw the time and the money committed to the furthering of the mission of Civitan. I witnessed service.
Our chaplain, Kim, picked a wonderful verse to share with us tonight from the Bible, James 2:14-18:
"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
It is from this foundational moment we march forward and go to our deeds. With the love and support of fellow Civitans whom we have now come to know are behind us and watching and expecting great things - just like family.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Annette Privette Keller on -
Darryl, I could not have said it better. There were people in the room last night that I knew from being in the Mooresville Civitans. These wonderful people will always be there for us. One thing that has always drawn me to Civitans is the people who as you said become your family. Civitans dedicate themselves to their families, friends and their communities. They sacrifice much especially to help children. I look forward to our growing Civitan family friendships in Matthews and carrying on the Civitan traditions.
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Permalink Reply by Christine Surratt on -
Darryl,
So true. It was an awesome night. Much more that I had expected. What a wonderful group of loving caring "family". I am extremely honored and humbled to be a part of this exciting opportunity. With the support and networking that was shown last night, our Matthews Civitan Club will exceed even our expectations.
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