What I Love About Being a Volunteer

What I Love About Being a Volunteer - Kate Luna

I was raised on volunteering. At 8 years old, my dad enlisted me to take the elderly, blind nuns from the local convent shopping for their groceries. I had to get them safely back and forth on NYC streets, count their change and make sure I got the EXACT crackers they wanted. I learned self-reliance, compassion and patience.

From that point on through high school, college and adult life, I volunteered in a wide range of roles and organizations.It was a given… a way to help others, show that I care and make a difference. After several years of attending the Center, I joined the newly formed Welcoming Team and found my sweet spot. Before Covid, I loved being at the front door greeting and engaging with our congregants. As we maneuvered quickly into online services, I was monitoring the chat along with fellow Welcoming Teammates as we did our best to bring that sense of connection to this new world of “Zoom Church”.

When we began in-person Sunday services, I was happily that masked face out in our parking lot welcoming people home and making sure masks were in place. This is my third and final year serving on the Board of Trustees helping shepherd our Center through these challenging times. I am so grateful for the deep connections made and the rich and ongoing exploration of “What would Spirit have me do?”

-Kate Luna

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Volunteer Community at the Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa

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