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SOS: Nola Engelstad and Char Stark

Nola and CharStories of Service: Nola Engelstad and Char Stark
Written by Pastor Nancy Carlson

Nola Engelstad (on left) and Char Stark (on right) are on the team of front office volunteers who come in each week to answer phones, make copies, do the mail, make reminder phone calls, and do filing, computer projects and other projects as needed.

Nola and her husband, Cal, have been members at Westwood since 1953. Since that time, Nola has served in the nursery, Sunday School, Personnel Committee, Visitation Team, Youth Center and We Care Servers (funerals). When I asked Nola how service has had an impact on her life, she said "It's part of my joy in life. I enjoy being here and I really feel part of the staff and I like it!" Nola started volunteering in the office 20 years ago when Joyce Kautz worked at Westwood. Nola said "My faith is involved by serving and being here and helping people. I also serve on the Caring Response Team, which is a much-needed service. My faith tells me that God wants me to serve." The best part of serving in this way for Nola is "having fun with the staff!" She's seen God at work throughout and knows that service is important.

Char and her husband, Em, have been members at Westwood since 1986. Char serves on the We Care Servers, Community Meal, Come As You Are and has helped with new members over the years. She's also a member of Grace Circle. I asked Char how serving in this way has impacted her life and she said "I like the connection with the staff and feel more connected to Westwood in general. Plus, I get to meet people at the front desk and on the phone." Char started volunteering in the office over 10 years ago. She says "It's a way to give back to the church that feeds me spiritually." She and Nola both like working with the staff. Char said "I realize how hard everybody works!"

Char and Nola said that serving is important and the dedication to service runs deep from the volunteers to the staff. Thank you to Char and Nola for their continued service at Westwood!