Prefer a front row seat at church? Not the usual choice for member Cathy LaJoe. On a typical Sunday morning, she’s more comfortable near the back. However, her perspective shifts when it comes to Discovering Shallowford, the church’s quarterly visitor class, where she has served as a long-time volunteer.
“I enjoy a ‘front row seat’ to meet new folks, hear their stories, learn why they came, and what they are looking for,” said Cathy. “We form connections as we talk. I can often suggest activities or groups to fit their family members’ interests.”
As a young married couple in 1974, Cathy and George LaJoe discovered Shallowford because it was just around the corner from their apartment. They felt challenged by the sermons, inspired by the music, and welcomed by the congregation. As their family grew, they moved to Stone Mountain and transferred their membership to a church closer to their new home.
Twenty years later, as empty nesters, they were drawn back to Shallowford for the Christmas Candlelight Service. Some of the faces had changed, but the feeling of being back home was renewed. They decided to stay, and Cathy got involved.
In addition to volunteering at quarterly visitor classes, she was drawn to the Care Ministry group and its mission to connect with members who are unable to regularly attend worship or activities. She remembers how important visits were to her mother when she could no longer attend church.
“Our goal is to visit once a quarter with folks who are homebound or in care facilities,” said Cathy. “In those heartwarming visits, I enjoy hearing the life stories people share, often about memories of friendships and events at Shallowford.”
From welcoming people when they walk through Shallowford’s door to staying in touch with members who can’t come in person, Cathy LaJoe provides a connection that counts.
