Volunteering has always been an integral part of Diane Mason’s life.

She has always felt “naturally connected to the community” and possessed a passion and heart for volunteering. For much of her life, this manifested itself in the field of education. She worked for the Calcasieu Parish School Board for 30 years. During that time, she took on many roles: classroom elementary and middle school teacher, middle school assistant principal, elementary principal and technology training coordinator.

After retiring from CPSB, she continued working in education, but moved to the collegiate level at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. There, she trained the next generation of educators by teaching master’s and doctoral students in educational leadership programs. She also took on a leadership role in the Educational Leadership Department as department chair, and worked as the College of Education and Human Development research coordinator. She stayed at Lamar for 10 years before fully retiring.

Currently, she puts volunteer hours in at University United Methodist Church (UUMC). There, she is a member of the Messy Church leadership team.

Messy Church is a monthly “intergenerational experience where children and adults enjoy Christ-centered, creative and engaging activities together.” Each event involves hands-on activities at different stations that relate to different Bible stories that “reflect God’s creativity, joy and love,” she said.

Each month there is a new, focused theme.

Part of Mason’s role is to work with her fellow leadership team members to select the monthly theme, scripture focus and activities. After those decisions are made, she helps lead 50 volunteers to plan, make and set up the station activities. They also plan a meal for the event, and host a closing celebration.

There is no single influence that has guided Mason towards giving back. For her, volunteerism is as second nature as cleaning the house, and this is an impulse that exists in every Southwest Louisiana citizen.

“In every role I have served, someone inspired me to think creatively about ways to effectively ‘give back’ to the community. … We live in Southwest Louisiana. It is our home. Just like we take care of our personal homes, we should also consider ways to make our community a better place to live.”

Volunteerism is a way to fulfill personal, professional and community needs that serves as a support system for vital local programs, she said.

“Volunteerism permits engagement in varied rewarding experiences while working to recruit others to support the same goal or desired outcome. Organizations and groups often rely on volunteers to help extend and sustain programs as well as support funding needs.”

She said that those that are considering becoming a volunteer should ask themselves three questions: “Why do I want to volunteer? What are my personal interests, talents and passions? How much time do I have to devote to volunteering?” After meditating on these questions, individuals should review their options and make mindful decisions on where to volunteer.

“If it is a passion, then you will find yourself giving more than just what is expected. It becomes an integral part of yourself to pursue the well-being of others.”

UUMC was a good fit for Mason because she can blend her “teaching and leadership experiences to support children and family involvement in a Christ-centered environment.”

The next Messy Church event will take place on Thursday, Jan. 25 at University United Methodist Church Safe Harbor Worship Center. This month’s theme is “Journey for Jesus,” which explores the connection between Epiphany the commemoration of the first manifestation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles – to Mardi Gras. There will be seven station activities for guests where they can make things like donut king cakes, crowns, prayer gift boxes and mini wise men.

“They will also experience the Journey for Jesus through following the Three Wise Men to deliver gifts to the baby Jesus in the form of a Mardi Gras celebration and make a cardboard camel to send down a zipline,” she said.

The event lasts for about one and a half hours, and begins at 5 p.m. with a light supper. Guests do not have to be a member of UUMC to attend the event, Messy Church is free and open to the public.