Issue 294, August 24, 2025
The verse often quoted as “It is better to give than to receive” is found in Acts 20:35. It’s a saying attributed to Jesus, quoted by the Apostle Paul to the elders of the church in Ephesus. The verse emphasizes the blessing that comes from generosity and helping others, according to several Bible resources.
Dear Members,
As a child I might have disagreed with this verse: “it is better to give than receive,” I mean, who doesn’t like to receive a gift?
As I got older and became a father, I began to understand that it truly is better to give than to receive. The feeling I would get seeing my boys on Christmas morning, or on birthdays unwrapping gifts. The smiles and excitement still fills my heart.
I also realized the gifts I gave didn’t just have to be a new bicycle or baseball glove. What I learned was the importance of the gift of time. The time I spent coaching little league teams, vacations, BBQs in the backyard, and just being in their lives. All that time I didn’t realize that I was given the best gift there is… “memories”.
The time we donate to give a lending hand to someone in need, the time to listen to someone who is going through a difficult time. The gifts you give can be just making someone’s day with a phone call or a cup of coffee to catch up with them.
Our club has so many opportunities to help one another and our community. This Saturday, we supported Gloria Vinson and her foundation. I apologize for my attempt to be Frank Sinatra to all those who attended.
In the coming months, we have many events that can use your support and your gifts. The ROTC Clay Shoot and the Kids Shopping Spree.
While the donation of your time and money is so important to these events, the gift of the memories you will have, and the memories you will help make for the youth we support, is priceless.
Ket Petsch
2025 President