AUGUST DISCIPLE OF THE MONTH:
ROBIN TAYLOR ROTH
How long have you been a member of Saint John’s?
I joined Saint John’s in 1990. I knew about the church from attending the wedding of Ed & Helen Schneider’s daughter, Laurel, in 1988. Early in 1990, I was laid off from Squibb Pharmaceuticals after the company was acquired by Bristol-Myers (some 50% of the staff of Squibb College was let go at that time), and I found myself adrift. Since moving to the US from Canada in 1981, I hadn’t selected a new church. Presbyterian services were the closest to what I had grown up with in the United Church of Canada but, as an adult, I found them rather dull. Holy Week was approaching, and I remembered Saint John’s; I had liked the “vibe” at the wedding. So, I asked Ed what Saint John’s did for Holy Week. He said, “Come and see!” I did; and have never left.
In what areas do you volunteer?
Over the years, I have done a lot of things: Adult Choir, One-Day Handbell Choir, Recorder Consort, Deacon/Assisting Minister – including training others, Reader – including training others, decorating along with Heinz (when there was still an Education Window where the side door to the office is now located), polishing handbells, Property Day (for the light stuff, like polishing the Narthex wood paneling), Bridges (lunches, toiletry kits). I had a stint on the Church Council, back when Andrea Walker was called to Saint John’s; served on the Worship & Music Committee for over 15 years and now serve on the Anti-Racism Committee.
What initially interested you in these areas?
The music was a no-brainer; I’ve been singing in choirs since I was a pre-teen. For everything else, the opportunities were there and I knew I could help.
What made you decide to volunteer your time, skills and talents at Saint John’s?
Helping comes naturally to me; I’m an Aquarius. I always hope to leave a place better than it was before I came.
How long have you been volunteering your services to Saint John’s?
35 years!
What advice can you give people thinking of volunteering?
Just do it! There are always oodles of opportunities to make a difference and support the overall mission of the church. Doesn’t have to be something ongoing; one-time options exist, too.