Calling All Volunteers

Every spring, except for the last two years, our church publishes a volunteer survey during the stewardship season. It includes a snapshot of the diverse ways people can be involved in the life and work of our church. By taking the survey, individuals let us know where their interests, time and talents intersect for service and fellowship. The survey helps to us to see where we have volunteer momentum and where we don’t. It also gives us a starting group to reach out to when new opportunities come up. Here’s what a few church members have to say about volunteering and being involved at our church:

“As a volunteer at Fauntleroy Church I have served inside the church (on several Ministries, as Moderator, as a proud member of the world famous DAM Ukulele band) and outside our walls (helping prepare and serve a community meal at the Welcome Table). It’s been a great way to support a faith community that has given so much to our family and has introduced me to so many of the awesome members of our church.” -Zack H.

“Every volunteer task I’ve taken on at church has helped me get to know other church members, taught me something new, made me feel useful, and expanded my sense of purpose as I strive to follow the exceptional example of Jesus.  Right now, I am volunteering in the nursery on Sundays and participating in the Immigration Task Force with some additional support for the Iranian refugee who Fauntleroy Church is sponsoring. Everyone has the ability to help, and I encourage all to give volunteering a try!”

- Maria G.

“I volunteer because I think it’s important to connect with other members of the congregation outside of worship. It’s an easy way to get to know folks and deepen my commitment to living out the Gospel with other people who want to do good in the world.” -David W.

“When I first joined the church, I was asked to join the Tue. Fixit Group. While we did fix stuff around the church in the morning, the highlight was going to lunch together. The fixit group disbanded but the social group lives on. We now get together for lunch on Mondays.  Anyone from the church is invited. Please contact Dean if you want to be added to the group email.  We are mostly men (the men’s group the Church does not have) but women are welcomed, and several have attended. We talk about anything but mostly get to know each other.” -Dean T.

Volunteers are needed in supporting, mentoring, and leading roles for short-term, long-term, one-time, and on-going needs. Please prayerfully consider the ways in which the Holy Spirit is moving you to be involved in the life and work of Fauntleroy Church while also building sacred connections with God and each other in the coming year. Fill out the survey online here or pick up a paper copy to fill out at the church.

Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey, as you consider how you would like to be involved! Have questions? See the FAQ below or reach out for a chat.

Sarah Ackers

Volunteer & Engagement Coordinator

Sarah.Ackers@fauntleroyucc.org

206-932-5600

FAQ

Who should fill out the survey? Everyone who is a part of Fauntleroy Church. There are volunteer opportunities for pre-teens through adults.

I’m planning on doing the same things I’m already doing. Do I need to fill it out again? Yes, please fill out the new survey. It has changed a lot! There are many more opportunities to consider. Plus, by filling out the survey, we know that you want to continue in your current volunteer roles.

Can I fill out one survey for my whole family? Please fill out one form per person in your family. In most families, the individuals have different volunteer interests.

Should I fill out the survey online or in paper form? If you are willing to do either, please fill out the survey online. It’s a big time saver for the staff!

What do you do with the information gathered on the survey? When volunteers are needed for specific projects or tasks, our volunteer coordinator uses the survey responses to narrow in on a group of people to approach first.

Am I committed to volunteering for the things I check on the survey? No. By checking a box on the survey, you are simply expressing an interest in a particular volunteer opportunity. You are not making a commitment.

I’m not sure what some of the tasks on the survey entail. Who should I contact to learn more? Reach out to our Volunteer and Engagement Coordinator, Sarah Ackers. She’ll put you in contact with the right person/group.

Update: Facilities Ministry Work Party - a huge success!

The Facilities Ministry and volunteers had been waiting for the right weather on a Saturday to get a number of issues squared away on the building and grounds. The main project was to dig a French drain by the fire lane behind the church. We had a wonderful volunteer from the community expertly dig the ditch with a small backhoe and three workers from Casa Latina help to get it done in one day. Thanks to Bruce Jones and Tim Hossner for their leadership. Also, a big thanks to Mike Bevers, Chuck Sawyer, Ken Beres, Gordy Mandt and Jamie Bilinski for hauling yards of gravel and laying seventy-five feet of drainpipe. Glenn and Molly Seaverns limbed up the cedar tree over the shed and Glenn climbed on its roof and got it all cleaned off for winter. Marilynn and Al Bernahl tacked up screen on all the outside building vents to keep the critters out. Tim, with Gordy and Chuck holding a ladder, repaired one of the Gym’s soffits that had come apart. The two roofs over the kitchen and Fellowship Hall were cleaned off, a small tree near those roofs was cut down and the gutters cleaned out. Marilynn, Jamie, and I tackled a few dead tree branches that were on the parsonage lot. All in all, we got so much accomplished!  As the saying goes “many hands make light work.”

Jenny Mandt, Co-Chair

Immigration Task Force Moving Forward

Last December the members of our church backed a plan by the Immigration Task Force towards housing individuals seeking asylum from violence in their home country. A lot has happened since then.

Besides the arrival of Covid-19 there are far fewer immigrants in the country seeking asylum.  Plus, our plans to house these individuals either in empty space in the parsonage or other housing have encountered understandable delays. Still, while the unfolding drama of immigration may be changing the plight of many millions has not disappeared.

Recognizing the challenge, the Immigration Task Force is gearing up again this fall and is seeking help from anyone who wishes to volunteer.  Clayton and Stevi Hamill skillfully guided the task force during its first two years and recently decided to step down as co-chairs.  We have agreed to take over, although it will be difficult to live up to the standards set by Clayton and Stevi. The entire church owes its thanks for their work.

The Immigration Task Force has begun looking at a series of activities, from advocacy training, letter writing, education programs ranging from book talks to film series, and other possibilities.  In addition, the Task Force will continue to plug away at finding housing options for immigrants in need.

If you would like to join us, the task force meets monthly.  Speaking for all taskforce members, thank you Fauntleroy Church for all of the support you have already provided.

Bob Wyss and Dianne Sprague.