Susan Buchman: Steward of the Month: January 2019

I have been a member of St. John’s Lutheran for as long as I can remember. I was baptized, went to Sunday school, got confirmed, and was married in 1991 here. After my daughter Alicia was born in 1992, I had her baptized here too. I can remember my Mom and Dad volunteering for different committees when I was a child. They would bring me, my brother and sister to church to attend service, help with decorating on holidays, go caroling at Christmas to our shut-in church members and let us help with altar care which included flower delivery when we were old enough. My mother would also bake, serve during fellowship/ congregational dinners and help teach vacation bible school when I was a youngster. My dad served as an usher and was on the property committee. They fostered in me at a young age the importance of being a good steward and serving your church and community in any way you can. When I was a teenager, I played my flute during church services and was a member of St. John’s youth group. After I became an adult, I chose to become a nurse and provided care to patients in trauma, critical care and currently in gastrointestinal /pulmonary endoscopy.

I have worked my entire nursing career at LVHN for the past 32 years. Although nursing has its demands of working holidays, weekends and different shifts, I have always tried to volunteer here at St. John’s Lutheran Church. I was part of the parish nurse team which had blood pressure checks held two Sundays a month during fellowship. I am currently a member of the Gift and Stewardship committees. I serve on altar guild, flower delivery, a greeter, and gift presenter with my husband, Bruce. I also bake for fellowships, serve during dinners, decorate the Church for the holidays and teach vacation bible school in the summer. I will continue to offer my time and talents to St. John’s because I find volunteering very rewarding and a good opportunity to meet and work with new members of my church family.

It is wonderful to see all the great volunteers at St. John’s who keep the Lutheran spirit alive and well. I only pray that St. John’s Lutheran Church continues to be blessed with so many great members who are willing to offer their time and talents, so the church can continue to grow and serve God and the community.