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Laura O’Connor
Service-Learning Journal: Community
DOS 771-501
May 3, 2024

Life is short, and this is especially evident when working with cancer patients who are
fighting for their lives. As a radiation therapist for 10 years, I witnessed first-hand how hard
cancer treatments can be and the impact it can have on all areas of a patient’s life. Having faith
and community throughout the ups and downs of life is especially helpful.

Once a month I volunteer for a faith-based community called Eagle Brook Church. Eagle
Brook is a large ‘Christian’ based church that has locations throughout the Twin Cities. In
October of 2019 they started a campus in Rochester, Mn. I have been volunteering since the
beginning of the Rochester campus and have helped teach kids of all ages about God. I started
out as a team lead and bounced between the 3 different kid’s rooms that we have organized by
age. I have taken a step back from this leadership role to pursue my master’s degree in medical
dosimetry. I now volunteer by teaching 1st through 5th graders once a month at the 9am and 11am
services.

Faith has been a part of my life for a long time and has helped me navigate many big
decisions and setbacks. The truth is life can be hard and unfair. Without my faith and
community, I would not be where I am today. Getting to teach kids about walking in faith and
the hope of Jesus gives me the opportunity to help the next generation. Eagle Brook Church
teaches the following values: follow Jesus, spend time with God, connect in community, serve
others, and to live generously1. When I volunteer, I engage in meaningful conversations with
kids and help them navigate whatever they are going through. During the hour that 1st-5th graders
are with me, they get to play with many different age-appropriate toys and games with other
kids, even including video games. We then come together as a large group to learn a lesson about
God. We then break into smaller groups to read a bible verse and discuss how it applies to
everyday experiences. At the end we worship to fun music with actions and close out with a
prayer. Figure 1 shows the setup we recently had for Easter services for the 1st-5th graders; we
had some extra fun decorations and confetti poppers to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. Not only do
I teach in front of the big group, but I also help vacuum and clean up the room between services
and afterwards. My kids attend Eagle Brook church kid’s ministries and I think it is meaningful
for them to see me volunteering and giving back as well.
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Figure 1: Eagle Brook Church Kids Ministries: 1st-5th graders Easter Setup

Reference:

1. Beliefs, values, & history. Eagle Brook Church. Accessed May 2, 2024.
https://www.eaglebrookchurch.com/about/beliefs-values-history/.