I have been a member of St. John’s my entire life. As a child, I fondly remember walking with my family to church and Sunday School. By the time I was a teenager, I began to learn what it meant to volunteer and help my church community. I would go with my mother to help her prepare the altar for church services. Once I became old enough, I joined the Altar Guild to continue to help out in this way and have done so ever since.
I also involved myself in the church’s nursery program. It was always fun and enjoyable volunteering to take care of the babies and toddlers in the nursery room. My son, Joseph, also loved to spend time in the nursery room with me.
After my husband passed away, I was asked to become a Sunday School Teacher for the third and fourth graders. I’ve had the pleasure of working with the students throughout their time in Sunday School until they were confirmed. It has truly been a joy and blessing to help them and watch them grow. On that note, it is also interesting for me to reflect on the many years I have been involved with Vacation Bible School at St. John’s. I attended the annual event as a child and now, as an adult, volunteer every summer to aid this wonderful program and pass along the years of happiness and fun it gave me as a child.
I also have many fond memories of Christmas caroling along with other church members and my family to sing to homebound members. Seeing the joy on their faces when we arrived was always very heartwarming for me.
In addition to these, I am a member of the G.I.F.T. and Stewardship committees and also serve as a greeter, flower deliverer, gift presenter, and baker/server for fellowship and special dinners.
St. John’s has always been a part of my life and my church family will always continue to bring joy to my life. I am often reminded of this joy when I volunteer and give back to the community.