08/27/2026
Called to Serve: Finding Connection Through Volunteering
by Randy Southerland, RScP
At CSL Tampa Bay, volunteering is more than lending a hand. It’s an opportunity to deepen connection, live spiritual principles in real time, and become part of something larger than oneself. For many members, that journey into service begins in simple, sometimes unexpected ways.
For Randi Jo Granger, volunteering in the children’s room grew out of both her professional background and a desire to connect more deeply with the community. “I saw it as a chance to become more connected with people, aside from Sundays and the occasional Wednesday class,” she explains. “It’s another place I can focus my energy, not just for my own personal growth, but also to uplift others.”
Working daily with children in her career, Randi Jo found that volunteering offered something different. “It doesn’t really feel like an expenditure,” she explains. “It just feels like a way where I can connect and have fun. They remind me that that’s what everything’s all about.”
Her experience has also shaped her personally, helping her embrace flexibility and openness in ways she didn’t expect.
Susan Gerken’s path to volunteering began with hesitation. “My volunteering with CSL was very reluctant,” she admits. But what drew her in was the sense of belonging she found within the community. “It’s so nice to have a community where people are on the same kind of spiritual path. I feel at home at CSL. I love the people.”
Through her service, Susan discovered a deeper connection to the principles she studies.
“Practicing this type of volunteering lets my light shine, and it feels good,” she says. “It helps me feel like I’m in the flow of abundance and love.”
What began as a small commitment has become a meaningful part of her spiritual practice and daily life.
For Joan Ledbetter, volunteering is about moving from observer to participant.
“If you just go and sit through the service, that’s wonderful,” she says. “But I would rather be more a part (of the community rather) than just watching from the sidelines.”
Serving on committees and helping with events has allowed her to build stronger relationships within the Center. “It connects you with the other members in a way that makes you feel more a part of it,” she explains.
For Ledbetter, volunteering is also a way to live out her beliefs. “Service is extremely important and it deepens the relationship between the center and other members.”
Mark Howard’s journey began with something as simple as bringing food to share.
“I’d like to share something, so people can feel relaxed and talk and laugh,” he recalls. Over time, that small gesture grew into deeper involvement, including serving on the board.
What made the difference? Encouragement. “When someone asks you to do something… it’s almost like an acknowledgement,” Mark says. “You’re like, you know what? They’re right. I can do that.”
Volunteering has since become a way for him to learn, grow, and contribute ideas that help shape the Center’s future in roles that include serving on the Center’s board of directors.
Taken together, these stories reveal a common thread. Volunteering is not about having unlimited time or a perfect set of skills. It is about showing up, being open, and saying yes to connection.
As Randi Jo put it, “Come as you can and come as you are.”
Whether it begins with greeting a newcomer, helping in the children’s room, bringing a dish to share, or supporting an event, every act of service creates ripples. It strengthens the community, deepens personal practice, and reminds us that we are not alone on this journey.
And sometimes, the first step is simply asking how you can help. CSL Tampa Bay has many avenues for volunteer participation from greeting and hospitality to community outreach projects. If there’s an area of service you’d like to explore contact Rev. Laine at [email protected].
