Sebastian and Klara
Sebastian and his Goddaughter celebrating their birthdays at church cleaning in 2024
On 14 September we will kick off the new pastoral year with our annual “Meet the Parish” event. As we are welcoming newcomers, it is also nice to listen to the experiences of a departing parishioner. Our outgoing coordinator for the Church Cleaning Group, Sebastian, reflects on what being a member of our Parish and being a group coordinator has meant to him.
Serving as a church cleaning coordinator has been a truly rewarding experience for me. What might often be seen as a routine chore has, in this case, blossomed into a lively and joyful community centred around service, fellowship, and prayer. With over 50 active volunteers, which is truly an incredible number, our cleaning sessions have become much more than tidying up and giving back, they have become moments of connection, generosity, and spiritual growth.
I began coordinating church cleaning in 2021 and was followed shortly by now my wife Klára, who has supported me ever since with this service. Offering our time each month in service to the church has deepened our faith and strengthened our bond, both with each other and with God. Over the years, we have watched this community flourish into a vibrant, dynamic, and efficient team. All the volunteers work hard, laugh together (especially our goddaughter Sofia), and engage in meaningful conversations during and after each session. It has been amazing to see the church cleaning volunteers grow into their roles and enjoy what they do. Watching this whole community come together, especially across generations, has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.
Looking back on our move to the Netherlands five years ago, we are genuinely surprised by how much joy we have found in coordinating church cleaning and being part of such a dynamic and welcoming community. Our advice to young people who want to volunteer and give back to the community? Do not be afraid to try new things, jump in headfirst, and make it fun! We all have talents and gifts from God and finding a way to use them to help others is such a fulfilling experience.
As we prepare to move to the United Kingdom to continue our careers in policy and academia, we are delighted to pass the torch to Cristian. He is young, energetic, and full of strength, and we are confident he will carry not only the buckets, but also this wonderful community forward with great care and passion. Best of luck, Cristian, and we are sure you will have many meaningful moments and a couple of extra friends too!
Most importantly, we would like to thank everyone who has turned up month after month, rain or shine. You are truly the beating heart of the church cleaning community, and none of this would have been possible without your dedication, enthusiasm, humour, and friendship. We are truly grateful for all you have given over the past five years, for all the laughs and delicious cakes we have shared. We have loved this journey together (and not only because of the cakes 😊), and we are looking forward to staying in touch!
With love,
Sébastian & Klára