Volunteer Spotlight: The Duncan Family

I would like to take the opportunity to highlight our volunteers once each month in this space. This month, we are pleased to feature the Duncan family, who joined First Lutheran just nine months ago.

As we moved into the area, our family was looking for a Lutheran church that felt like home. My grandpa was an ELCA pastor, and throughout the different stages of our lives—from newlyweds, to parents of babies and busy toddlers, and now teenagers—we have been blessed with wonderful church homes. It is important to us as parents that our children see the world through different lenses and understand how communities and organizations work. We want them to know that volunteers, each with their own talents and gifts, help hold the church together. Serving alongside others not only meets the needs of the congregation but also fosters personal growth and spiritual development.

Volunteering at church allows our family to put our faith into action by serving others and supporting the church’s mission. Through volunteering, our children have built meaningful relationships, strengthened their sense of community, and used their unique gifts and talents to make a positive impact. While volunteering provides valuable experience for future jobs and college applications, it is also helping them understand the importance of lifelong service.

The kids enjoy greeting new people while ushering, writing cards for the card ministry, and organizing Busy Bags. Whenever we write cards, we often talk about how special birthdays are and how meaningful it is to celebrate anniversaries that mark decades of commitment and love.

These experiences help our children understand the value of kindness, generosity, and service. They see firsthand how even small acts can make someone feel seen, appreciated, and connected. We hope these lessons stay with them throughout their lives and inspire them to continue serving their communities wherever they go.

“I like to volunteer by helping with Busy Bags, writing cards, and serving as an usher because it helps others. I like helping kids and bringing cheer to people by writing birthday, anniversary, and get-well cards.”
— Sloane, age 11

“I like helping out at church because I enjoy meeting new people. One day, I may even want to work in a church or become a teacher.”
— Peyton, age 9

“Volunteering gives me different perspectives on all that it takes for a church to function every day.”
— Harper, age 14