Isaiah 58: 6-8

Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house…

Sunday, September 24, 2023

Sunday’s Sermon for the Spiritual and Secular “Volunteering improves your physical and mental health.” According to an article from the Mayo Clinic “volunteering”: 1. improves physical and mental health. “Volunteer activities keep people moving and thinking at the same time… Volunteers report better physical health than nonvolunteers. Research also has shown that volunteering leads to lower rates of depression and anxiety, especially for people 65 and older. Volunteering reduces stress and increases positive, relaxed feelings by releasing dopamine. By spending time in service to others, volunteers report feeling a sense of meaning and appreciation, both given and received, which can have a stress-reducing effect. Reduced stress further decreases the risk of some physical and mental health problems, such has heart disease, stroke, depression, anxiety and general illness. In addition, people who volunteer have lower mortality rates than those who do not, even when controlling for age, gender and physical health. 2. Provides a sense of purpose and teaches valuable skills. The work that volunteers provide is essential to everyday activities, giving volunteers a sense of purpose, especially when giving their time and talent in the areas they find meaningful. Older volunteers experience greater increases in life satisfaction and self-esteem. 3. Nurture new and existing relationships. Volunteering increases social interaction and helps build a support system based on common interests.” Hunger and homelessness causes are the most supported volunteer activities in the US. The next leading cause for volunteers is health and wellness, with 13% of Americans donating to those causes. According to volunteering statistics, other top causes are religion-based and charities for animals and wildlife, with 12% and 10% of Americans supporting them, respectively. Isaiah 58 NH’s mission is to feed, clothe and shelter those in need in western Rockingham County. Christian communities that follow the teachings of Jesus, and Christian and Jewish faith communities and the prophets (especially the prophet’s Isaiah and Micah) put hunger and homelessness as the prime causes of their faiths. “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.“ Isaiah 58:6-12 So whether you are “spiritual” or “secular” you have good reason to volunteer to help the homeless and the hungry. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, there is a wide variety of very important volunteer opportunities in your community. Isaiah is one that deserves your consideration. One of the best way to begin your consideration is to attend this year’s Charity Event - October 5, 2023. You can also go to our website www.Isaiah58NH.com. Whether you volunteer with Isaiah or not, or whether hunger and homelessness is or is not your passion, I encourage you to improve your physical and/or mental health by volunteering with an organization of your passion. Whether you are spiritual or secular or somewhere in between, your life and the lives of others will improve because you volunteer.