Disciple of the Week Reflection: Tamsen Leimer
Reflection from Tamsen Leimer
I signed up the very first week this opportunity was available because giving back to the community is a true passion of mine. Whether it’s through personal connections, friendships, work, or through Good Shepherd, I’m always looking for ways to make our community a little bit better—whether by sharing resources, time, or talents. I also believe that even if we can only do a little, when we all contribute, the impact can be tremendous.
At first, I planned to use the funds to help stock the resource room at the Rochester Public Schools ALC. Each high school has a resource room with food, hygiene items, and other essentials that some students might not have access to at home. While making the donation, one of the ALC faculty members asked if I would consider sponsoring t-shirts for their basketball team. The ALC doesn’t have the same traditional sports and extracurricular opportunities as other schools, but they had formed a basketball team and were preparing for a tournament. Unfortunately, they didn’t have funding for shirts for the players. Of course, I said yes—I was more than happy to help. If the GSC congregation’s gift could provide these students with a positive experience and sense of belonging, I knew it was the right choice. This moment also reminded me to keep an open mind—to ask what is truly needed before assuming I already know.
This experience reaffirmed my belief that even small actions matter. When we each do a little, together we can create something much greater. I’ve found joy in building relationships with others in the community who share this desire to give back. I believe this is what God calls us to do: work together, care for one another, and make our communities stronger, kinder, and better for everyone.
Prayer
God of immeasurable abundance, We give you thanks for the bountiful gifts you shower upon us. Gather us into the depths of your grace so that we may dwell in the love of Christ. Empower us to use these gifts to heal the sick, to feed the hungry, and build the church so all may experience the fullness of Christ’s love. Send us to the heights of joy as we serve others so that the mountains and the hills shall sing before you, and the trees shall clap their hands. To you be given honor, praise, and glory, now and forever. Amen.
I signed up the very first week this opportunity was available because giving back to the community is a true passion of mine. Whether it’s through personal connections, friendships, work, or through Good Shepherd, I’m always looking for ways to make our community a little bit better—whether by sharing resources, time, or talents. I also believe that even if we can only do a little, when we all contribute, the impact can be tremendous.
At first, I planned to use the funds to help stock the resource room at the Rochester Public Schools ALC. Each high school has a resource room with food, hygiene items, and other essentials that some students might not have access to at home. While making the donation, one of the ALC faculty members asked if I would consider sponsoring t-shirts for their basketball team. The ALC doesn’t have the same traditional sports and extracurricular opportunities as other schools, but they had formed a basketball team and were preparing for a tournament. Unfortunately, they didn’t have funding for shirts for the players. Of course, I said yes—I was more than happy to help. If the GSC congregation’s gift could provide these students with a positive experience and sense of belonging, I knew it was the right choice. This moment also reminded me to keep an open mind—to ask what is truly needed before assuming I already know.
This experience reaffirmed my belief that even small actions matter. When we each do a little, together we can create something much greater. I’ve found joy in building relationships with others in the community who share this desire to give back. I believe this is what God calls us to do: work together, care for one another, and make our communities stronger, kinder, and better for everyone.
Prayer
God of immeasurable abundance, We give you thanks for the bountiful gifts you shower upon us. Gather us into the depths of your grace so that we may dwell in the love of Christ. Empower us to use these gifts to heal the sick, to feed the hungry, and build the church so all may experience the fullness of Christ’s love. Send us to the heights of joy as we serve others so that the mountains and the hills shall sing before you, and the trees shall clap their hands. To you be given honor, praise, and glory, now and forever. Amen.
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