Volunteer Community at the Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa

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...

As a Spiritual Being and student of Science of Mind, I have taken on new roles and identities as I grow spiritually and change. I never imagined myself as President of the Board of Trustees - but here I am! When I became a Trustee in 2024, I had already been a member at the Center for17 years, and a Practitioner for 11 years. I was in service to the Center, and an avid student and teacher’s assistant. However, none of that has been like the unique experience I have had, and continue to have, as a Trustee. Being a Trustee is like being at the grass roots of what is going on behind the scenes at the Center. It is a front row seat into the inner workings behind everything that is happening that seems to run so seamlessly and smoothly to the congregants. As a Trustee, I consider it an honor to read the financial reports, the logistics reports, and the other various reports from those working at the Center - both staff and volunteers. There is so much going on! During the Board meeting...

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 you to some of the people who serve in this important role, offering a glimpse into what inspires them and what Board service has meant in their lives. This month, trustee Mary Munat  reflects on the unexpected joys of serving. Her story offers a look behind the scenes and reminds us that helping shape a spiritual community can be as enriching as participating in it. If Mary's reflections awaken an interest in serving on the Board yourself, we'd be delighted to begin a conversation. Board members are selected from official members with a history of participation, service, and spiritual study. To learn more, contact info@cslsr.org . "I am in my third year on the Board of Trustees and the writer in me has especially enjoyed the opportunity to work on docum...