Volunteering Experiences: Meet Sara
From tending the altar to tending the earth, Sara brings care, energy, and heart to everything she does at St John’s. As a key part of our children’s ministry and the driving force behind our Eco Church work and community garden — the Meadow — she lives out her faith by serving others and the world around her.
In this interview, she shares how her love of nature, children, and community all come together through volunteering, and how even a jungle of brambles can become a place of joy and life.
What do you do as a volunteer at St John’s?
I do many things as a volunteer, you will see me serving at the altar at services, keeping the church tidy, and supporting the clergy wherever I am needed. One of my main volunteer roles is supporting the children’s ministry, leading Playtime! Disciples, helping the junior servers and running the refreshments at PlayTime!, and helping with the singing. My other main role is overseeing the Eco Church initiative and managing the Meadow, our community garden, keeping it tidy and growing the vegetables and flowers.Why do you enjoy volunteering?
I really enjoy a life serving others and in need and the roles I participate in call to my strengths, I have lots of experience working with children (I have 3 of my own I could practise on) and they are always fun and surprising with their reactions and engagement and seeing them develop brings me great joy. I also work part-time as a gardener and have a passion for the care of creation, so Eco Church and the Meadow speak to my passions, and I find being out in nature sustains my soul. Next time you see me, ask me about it!What’s one memorable moment or highlight from volunteering this past year?
Not from this past year, but when I joined St John’s 6 years ago, the Meadow was a veritable jungle overrun with brambles. It gives me joy to see a space that’s now beautiful, productive, and a joy to sit in. These past 2 years, we have used the space for Children’s activities such as Messy Church and PlayTime! Teddy bears picnic, so seeing the two things I am most involved in come together has been wonderful, and I have yet to meet a child who doesn’t enjoy a watering can!
Feeling inspired?
There’s a place for you at St John’s.
Whether you’re great with children, love singing, enjoy gardening, or simply want to serve where you’re needed — there’s a place for you here at St John’s.
Volunteering can be as simple as offering a helping hand, sharing your gifts, or getting your hands dirty in the garden. If you’ve got a heart for people or a passion for creation, we’d love to welcome you.
Drop us a line at office@sjun.org.uk or come and say hello one Sunday, come and grow with us.
