Marilyn's Story of Generosity

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I have been a member of First Methodist since 1978 or 1979, soon after moving to Bloomington. I am also the church Wedding Coordinator, and a member of United Methodist Women’s Aldersgate Circle.

Generosity means giving of your time, money, food, assistance (of any kind) and kindness or support to others, especially when they are experiencing a need, such as a tragedy in their life, a disappointment, or experiencing anything which creates a difficulty for themselves or their family. Generosity is providing for others in a very unselfish manner in both big and small ways.

Generosity starts at home, with learning to share (toys, books, money, time) and learning to be a good helper for your parents, family, neighbors, friends and strangers. I find joy in giving to others, in providing assistance in many ways, and especially in finding ways to do what I can to contribute to the greater good.

My church family has become a source of support and radical generosity to me and my family, especially when my daughter, Jill went missing in May 2000 and for all of the years that have followed. Support has come in many forms -- continuous prayers, searching, support of all kinds including food, financial assistance, handling phone calls, mowing, just being there and showing up, standing with us at press conferences and coming to court for the trial and various appeals, and participating in events to remember and celebrate Jill and so much more. The generosity of so many people greatly contributed to my survival through all of this, spiritually, mentally, physically and financially and I am so very thankful.

My own generosity has also been impacted by this church. Over all these years, the generosity of First Church members has encouraged me to find ways to be more helpful and supportive to others, including the church. Much of this turns into little things I can do each day to make the lives of others better. This may be participating in days of service, helping with Sunday School, providing assistance to church staff, church groups and inviting others to participate in church activities.

A small group of First Church members became the landscaping crew when we were able to gather on Wednesday evenings at church for a meal together, then participate in various group activities. Our group spent each Wednesday evening together, weeding, trimming and pruning bushes and trees around the building. Once COVID-19 created the shut down of everything, we were no longer able to gather and do our landscaping projects. This spring I helped with the Saturday morning of Service and, once again, joined the landscaping group. We worked mostly around the front of the church, which included the corner area and the church sign. This summer, I noticed the area around the sign was weedy and overgrown. One Sunday afternoon, I decided to come back to church and work on that area, myself, because it is something I enjoy and wanted to do. Over the next few weeks, I spent several hours working to trim bushes, pull weeds and fertilize our plants. I also decided to plant some additional perennials at the front sign corner to go with the mums already there. I also kept those new plants watered through the hot summer. For me, this is a way I am able to give back to our church doing something I enjoy, while also providing a welcoming entrance for both church members and visitors.

I believe I am called to be kind, to be welcoming and inclusive and to find ways to do what I can to make a difference in my world and make life better for those around me, both near and far.

— Marilyn Behrman