Volunteer Community at the Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa

Stepping Stones Books and Gifts has served our community since our doors first opened, and none of it happens without the people who show up week after week to make it work. The chimes, the candles, the shelves of Ernest Holmes titles, the corner of children's books, the original art from local artists: all of it is tended by volunteer hands. Our volunteers open the store on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesday evenings. They greet visitors, restock shelves, track inventory, and offer a warm word to anyone browsing for a gift or a book that might speak to where they are in their journey. Alicia Carroll coordinates much of this behind the scenes, and she is often the first call when something needs attention outside open hours. Gratitude feels like the right word for what this community owes them. A bookstore run by volunteers carries a different kind of energy than one run for profit. Every purchase supports our spiritual community directly, and every hour a volunteer gives comes from ...

We have mentioned before that we are intending to gradually scale back on bookstore duties and eventually step down completely.  We are actively seeking people to help in the following areas: advertising, computer skills (Excel, Word), social media, graphic art (creative signage), special events, deep cleaning and the BIG ONE...retail management and retail buying skills.  Passing the baton Yes, we wish to pass on the management of the store to new volunteers, preferably a manager and assistant manager (or perhaps a management team).  In this store's management, the most important and time-consuming tasks are ordering product, input of product and managing the product.  We would train and continue to advise (if necessary) to ensure a smooth transition of leadership in the two basic areas of gift items and books. For a while, we wish to retain the decorating portion of managing the store. Managing the store is a HUGE responsibility, but the rewards are ten...

While hardly feeling like a “veteran” member of CSLSR’s Board of Trustees, having begun my tenure a scant four months ago, I am happy to reflect on my observation of what it is like to be a trustee, what good work is being done and what I enjoy.  Here are some of my beginning observations. Initially there was a definite increase in being recognized, coupled with congratulatory smiles of appreciation from congregants, former classmates and acquaintances that I have garnered over my 30 years of participation at the Center.  No more invisibility, the gold name tag gives me away! I felt momentary pause and wonder regarding what I had signed on to do, when I was approached with occasional good-natured comments of “ What were you thinking ?” and are you “Ready to get to work?” Comments that I jokingly received from some who had the inside track on how things work. I wasn’t sure whether it was time to roll up my sleeves or to flee! Rich an...

When I felt called to apply for the Board of Trustees at the Center for Spiritual Living Santa Rosa, I trusted that Spirit was guiding me toward something meaningful. More than two years later, I am deeply grateful for that guidance and for the opportunity to serve this extraordinary community.  Serving as a trustee has given me a renewed sense of purpose as I help protect the Center's financial well-being and participate in planning for its continued health and vitality for generations to come.  Every Sunday, I make it a point to meet someone new, and through this journey I have discovered greater joy, confidence in my abilities, and a deep sense of peace. Serving on the Board has enriched my life far beyond what I ever imagined  Maxine Wilkinson   Our Board of Trustees is made up of members who have chosen to deepen their commitment to our spiritual community through service, leadership, and shared stewardship. Throughout the coming months, we'll be introducing...

CSLSR is my Spiritual home and The Bookstore within it is my haven and refuge with my teammates and our supportive and inspiring Bookstore Managers Alicia Carroll and Sue Sandholm. All together, we offer a safe and adventurous portal where congregants can browse and muse about a gift for a friend, child or parent, and especially to mourn or honor themselves in their spiritual journey of milestones and triumphs. People come to The Bookstore feeling opened and inspired by the message and music and feel called to find a book or CD to deepen their learning. One of my greatest joys is to hear a personal story of one of our patrons and fellow seekers, who trust me to hear them in confidence. As people explore the inspiring books, inspirational statues, greeting cards, scarves, clothes, scent, candles, incense, chime hearts and touchstones, mobiles, wall hangings, earrings, necklaces, handmade hats and body warmers they chat and laugh and ask opinions. They are especially thrilled and tickle...

As a Trustee on the board at CSLSR for 1 1/2 years, it has really opened my eyes to what’s going on “behind the scenes” that makes each Sunday service run like a well-oiled machine! The dedicate staff and enthusiastic volunteers help to keep the events, classes and other fun stuff relevant and timely. By the way, in all my years of attending and joining Unity, Unitarian and Science of Mind centers, I have never witnessed so many people wanting to volunteer their time and talents in the service of the Center for Spiritual Living. The leadership skills of the Senior and Assistant Ministers, plus the numerous Reverends, who step up when called upon to lead, is the key to bringing everyone together for a single purpose of helping to make a world that works for everyone. It’s not just attending services and contributing monetarily, but being an active part of the surrounding community with outreach programs and involvement in local happenings. To be trusted with the success of this be...