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Jan Peterson

I had been attending our Center for about 7 years and felt like I was getting to know a few people from attending classes and the Women in Spirit monthly group. Being sort of an introvert, I still didn’t hang out in the Social Hall, preferring to meet with my own little group.

That all changed when I was asked to participate in the Welcoming Team. I donned a red lanyard and started welcoming people at the back door, in the Social Hall, and helped facilitate Welcoming Team orientations. My feeling of being a part of this Center exploded. I was immersed and when my mother passed away in January 2020, I was embraced by a sweet love. I experienced belonging at the Center, something I cherish.

And then the pandemic came… I was suddenly disconnected from my Center, so I began to welcome folks on Facebook and then started to meet with the “Virtual Welcoming Team Core Group.” Lots of meetings and learnings about what it takes to support the Sunday services. Eventually I was brought in to help with the Zoom Chat, which requires answering questions and supporting those in need. I was able to take some of the load off Kate Luna who had been doing this every Sunday

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