An Early Valentine
Meet FPCG’s New Volunteer Coordinator
With the last name of Valentine, Madeleine Valentine gets a lot of kidding. But there’s no kidding about the woman who has taken on the daunting task of the church’s Volunteer Coordinator. Long before the vote by the Session naming Madeleine to the position, she was already well known for her willingness to serve wherever needed.
As elder, she was the chair of the Congregational Development Committee (they oversee the meals prepared for lunches and brunches at the church, among other things!). Madeleine organized the food offerings for the Celebration of Germantown and was the inspiration and hard worker for this year’s Christmas dinner. But it was Madeleine’s idea to have the silent auction for the last two years as a way for raising additional money to under-gird the budget.
A retired educator, there is nothing "retired" about Ms. Valentine. As the Volunteer Coordinator, she is responsible for organizing and directing efforts to involve volunteers in the congregation's ministry and mission. She is the connection between members, their passions, and the opportunities available to them.
Her responsibilities include maintaining communication with the staff, committees and volunteers to ensure the best possible match between organization need and volunteer capabilities. She will interview church members concerning their skills and abilities and their interest in volunteering. She will be in touch with new members, supplying them with information about the church and learning of their interests for serving. Further, she will implement ways to encourage participation by the uninvolved, particularly those members who may not know about the existing ministries and programs of the church.
No matter how harried or busy Madeleine is, she is always smiling and cordial. So, if you want to give her and the church an early valentine, see her about putting your skills and abilities to work for your church.