SEPTEMBER DISCIPLE OF THE MONTH:
CAROLYN ROTHMAN
How long have you been a member of Saint John’s?
I joined Saint John’s in 1995 when I moved to NJ from Evanston, IL.
In what areas do you volunteer?
You can usually find me ushering on Sunday mornings. I started ushering as soon as I joined Saint John’s when someone asked me to help and I have been doing it ever since. I also serve as a reader and help with cleaning and ironing altar guild linens. During my 30 years as a member, I have served on council, as a Sunday School teacher, a VBS teacher and organizer, a member of handbells and I occasionally sang in summer choir or for special events. Currently, I am on the Special Events Committee for the Capital Campaign. I also help in the kitchen for any church events such as funerals, Lent Suppers, the tea party to name a few. I also help with the Christmas Market and the Rummage Sale or with providing food and baked goods. I’m also actively involved in the Property Committee, mostly because I am the Church Administrator, but also because I enjoy taking care of the building that serves us so well in so many ways.
What initially interested you in these areas?
I find joy in organizing and helping to put together special events. I also have always had an interest in music which led me to get involved with Luther Ringers. I especially enjoy crafts and creating things which got me involved with VBS and our former Advent Parish Night.
What made you decide to volunteer your time, skills and talents at Saint John’s?
I always enjoy helping out, especially when it means that we can carry out the important work of our congregation. When I first moved to New Jersey and was visiting churches to find my church home, I took immediate notice of the inside cover of our bulletin where it says, “Ministers: The People of Saint John’s.” Each of us is called to carry out the work of the church, in big ways and in small ways. Saint John’s does so much for others and has provided me with an amazing community to know and to love and to serve with that it is an honor to be able to give a small piece of that back with my time and talents.
How long have you been volunteering your services to Saint John’s?
Since I joined!
What advice can you give people thinking of volunteering?
Many people are hesitant to volunteer because they are worried about the commitment or that they will not have the time, but many tasks require zero commitment. It can be as simple as helping to set up or put tables and chairs away after events, to being willing to serve during worship (especially when you are already there for worship!), to joining a committee or a choir. There are many ways you can serve, and every person’s contribution makes a difference.