August Volunteer Spotlight

Texas-born Roberta Brunet

Roberta serves in many roles at Grace, always with a warm smile and generous heart. She and her husband, Howard, attended other churches in the past, but about ten years ago, they realized they were no longer engaged in the sermon, instead they were mentally listing out the day’s to-dos. Like many, they stepped away from church life for a time. That is, until one unexpected meeting at Waffle House, when a friend encouraged Howard to, “try this new church.” They did—and now, three years later, Roberta and Howard have found their place at Grace.

When Roberta learned how much work Judy Green, our music ministry administrator, was carrying, she quickly stepped up to help. What started as a one-day-a-week commitment has grown to as many as three days during the busiest choir seasons. And she loves it. “I’ve sung in other choirs so large I didn’t know everyone’s name,” Roberta shared. “Here, with about 35 people each week, it’s more intimate. I feel like I know everyone.” She is a consistent, joyful presence.

You may have seen the odd volunteer or pastor at our church cradling a warm, sweet baked good on Sunday mornings. That’s Roberta, too. “I saw the parking team out in the heat and rain and thought they deserved a treat when they came inside,” she said. What started as a gesture for one group has now grown—ushers, choir members, staff, and even the AV team all look forward to her now-famous “second breakfast.”

From the moment she first attended Grace, Roberta says it felt like home. “After our second Sunday, Howard and I sat in the car and just looked at each other. We both knew—we’d found our church. I started to cry,” Roberta recalled. “We said to each other, ‘We found our new home.’”

We couldn’t agree more. When you see Roberta, be sure to thank her for the love, warmth, and energy she brings to our church—and for the faithful support she gives to our music ministry. Grace is better because of her.