Volunteer Spotlight: Renee Tschetter

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My name is Renee Tschetter. In 1988 my husband, Nick, our two sons and I began attending Good Shepherd Church. I am a cradle Episcopalian. We attended many churches searching for the right fit. We were awed by the beauty of the altar, the welcoming congregation and a comfort we all experienced. I knew we found ‘our place’. It has been one of the best decisions I ever made and has had an impact on my life in many ways these past 35 years.

Many years ago a dear friend shared with me in conversation that finding your ‘gift’ and giving it away was one of the great fulfillments in life. At the time, raising two boys (and five step-children) dealing with a full, chaotic house and different sports and school schedules, I didn’t have much time to reflect on that, but it has stayed with me for decades often influencing my decisions. As the children grew and I had more time to pursue my own interests, I decided my love for gardening and landscaping could become more than just a hobby. With some added education, along with years of experience in my own yard, I could maybe start my own small business. I completed the Master Gardener program through CSU Extension and loved it. From the start we were instructed that we were not to take the courses for business purposes but to instead use the knowledge and share with our community, neighbors, etc. to improve the environment and teach others. Again, share your gifts!

My gardening/landscaping ministry at Good Shepherd began in 2003 as we were completing the new addition to the church. Needless to say there was quite a mess left from construction and the front door garden was nothing but large clumps of clay, deep ruts of dirt and one big boulder! I began then and worked for many years in the church yard until a bad shoulder got the best of me. I took a long hiatus only returning after determined and relentless coaxing from my friend, Sue Mackenzie. Putting my full trust in God that I could do it, I began again with the desire the make Good Shepherd look as welcoming as possible, to give a renewed look and freshness. The project was overwhelming as so much needed to be done, and I was only one Grandma with a bad shoulder. Help came in the most amazing ways. I found helpers willing to work and share their talents for the benefit of the church that didn’t even attend Good Shepherd. Over and over they’ve showed up "unexpectedly." A wonderful helper from the neighborhood next to the church was always willing to lend a hand and did so a few times. Landscapers just driving by that stopped to offer me help. Also, a young man needing some ‘volunteer credits’ during COVID stepped up. What an unexpected blessing that turned out to be! He was so helpful. It has been amazing and so appreciated! Every time it happens, I feel God’s grace in it.

I urge each and every one of our Good Shepherd family to search your heart and talents and volunteer! Giving of your gifts and time has enormous rewards that come to you in ways you can’t foresee. Our church offers so many opportunities to get involved at every level. Please volunteer when you are able. You’ll meet the most remarkable new friends!

All of us are finally emerging from quarantine and gloom into great anticipation that, with vaccines, we can worship together in person soon. This awakening of spring, the small leaves poking up through the dead, brown winter debris, birds singing, the tiniest new buds on the trees peaking out, the greening up and re-birth of our surroundings brings a welcomed new beginning. Let the sunshine, warmth and the beauty of this spring season bring to life something new within you!