The Religious Education Department at White Sands Missile Range has several opportunities for volunteers as they get ready to grow some of their programs.
Jim Roberts, Director of Religious Education at White Sands Missile Range, said many of the opportunities are service related. There are also many opportunities to lead discussions and to teach.
Each of the events that are planned for the community requires the help of volunteers to include the Community Lunch, which happens every quarter, and where they offer a free lunch to the WSMR community.
Roberts said events like this one require assistance with set up, food service, and clean up afterwards.
They also have a Men’s Breakfast, which is held once a month on the 2nd Saturday.
“We could use someone to lead the discussion and to help cook the food, set up and clean up.”
Other similar events include the monthly dinner The Table “A Dinner Church,” where everyone gathers for fellowship, followed by a devotional discussion. Roberts said they need someone to lead the discussion. The next one is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. April 9 at the Main Post Chapel.
There is also a Women’s Bible Study that meets on Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m., “Experiencing God” Bible Study Fridays at noon and Peace and Quiet every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Roberts said he also wants to start building volunteer opportunities for potential childcare options to care for children. He said they will need volunteers to either watch children or help instruct children.
“We would like to start religious education for children, and we need teachers as well as helpers or people to serve as aides.”
Roberts said they recently had a Valentine event for children in February where they had volunteers help and they are looking at holding another event for children in April and need volunteers to help with the children.
He said there is a 1:8 adult child ratio requirement when working with children and there needs to be at least two adults (minimum) when working with children.
“Right now, we are in volunteer building mode as we are opening the doors and showing people all of our volunteer opportunities.”
Roberts said volunteers often have innovative ideas and think of things that he may have missed when organizing events.
He said there are also opportunities for volunteers in the worship team, to run slides for presentations, and to teach Ministry Moment during the worship service.
If you are musically talented, if you play an instrument or sing, there are opportunities to come in and share your gifts through song or playing an instrument.
Catholic Mass also has a need for readers, altar care, cantors and singers during services and other volunteer opportunities.
If interested in volunteering call (575) 678-2615.
Roberts, who has been at WSMR a little over five months, said this is his first position in the federal government.
Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, he spent twenty plus years doing parochial church work and missionary work in congregations.
Before coming to WSMR he was the Director of Christian Education for two churches in California, where he did Christian Education and outreach for the local community. He also organized and led regular church events.
Roberts, who grew up going to a Lutheran church his entire life, said he got interested in the profession when he was in high school. He said the Director of Christian Education at his home church opened his eyes to the practical applications of the Christian faith – service, teaching, outreach and meeting the needs of people in everyday life.
“I took what I learned in bible study and put it into practice. That was a huge step for me, in my faith, because it wasn’t just something I felt, it was something I could pass on to others,” Roberts said. “That meant a lot to me. It gave me hope and purpose and meaning.”
Roberts said Jesus didn’t just preach in the synagogue, he did most of his work among people, serving them and helping them. “I want to do that for others.”
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