The Plan siblings, Dave and Robin, have been familiar faces to many at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church for decades. They’re fully committed to the community they’ve become a part of, sometimes greeting guests out front, but often serving behind the scenes in the kitchen. For Dave and Robin, giving back by volunteering was engrained in them as kids, and they continue to find ways to serve wherever they see a need.
How It All Began
Growing up, Dave and Robin Plan had always been involved in their family church, attending with parents who modeled giving back. From as young as five, they volunteered beside their Mom and Dad, mirroring the grown up’s tasks. Whether it was helping in the kitchen, maintaining the grounds, or doing custodial work, they were fixtures at their church with their parents. When they officially joined St. Andrew’s in 2001, they brought their parents with them, continuing the family tradition of service.
For Robin, the connection with St. Andrew’s began in the early 90s. She started attending services regularly with a good friend, and eventually became a member in 2001. Seeking a pathway to connect, she found serving at St. Andrew’s to be a great way to get to know others. Welcoming guests as a greeter, ushering or being a kitchen lead for funeral receptions deepened her commitment and sense of belonging.
Dave’s journey to St. Andrew’s was on a different path—through his lawn and garden shop. He met former senior pastor Roger Eigenfeld when he came in to purchase a lawn tractor for what was then the new Great Hall. After delivering the machine, Dave taught Roger’s daughter how to drive the tractor mower. As conversations continued, Roger shared his excitement about the recent purchase of the Cassavant pipe organ, sparking Dave’s curiosity about the rapidly-growing church. That casual business relationship led to Dave attending the church, and he soon became a dedicated volunteer and member of St. Andrew’s beside his sister.
A Family Tradition
“We were raised to give back,” Robin reflects. Volunteering wasn’t just a choice—it was something that was embedded in the family’s values. As kids, aside from volunteering at church, they also participated in Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, where the importance of service was emphasized. As they grew older, they continued to seek ways to serve.
When Dave and Robin started volunteering at St. Andrew’s, it felt like a continuation of the work they’d done growing up. They vividly remember their first volunteer job—plating cookies, brewing coffee, and then serving them after Sunday services. Since then, their involvement has grown, with Dave’s wife Linda and daughter Sara now joining them in giving back.
The Joy of Working Together
One of the things that makes Dave and Robin’s volunteer experience so special is how they work together. As siblings, they’ve always had a strong bond. “We’ve always gotten along really well,” Dave says, “and we love volunteering together.” This camaraderie started when Robin worked with Dave in his lawn and garden shop. At the end of the week, they would head out fishing once they closed up shop on Saturday. Volunteering together at St. Andrew’s was simply another extension of their shared experiences.
Why They Volunteer
For Dave and Robin, volunteering is about more than just completing tasks—it’s about connection and community. “It’s a great way to get to know people,” Robin says. “And it’s just what you do.” Volunteering gives them a sense of purpose, knowing that they are helping to create a welcoming environment at St. Andrew’s.
The best part of volunteering, for both of them, is the satisfaction of giving back. Dave particularly enjoys greeting people as they enter the church. “You can change someone’s day with just a fun comment as they walk in,” he shares. He values making people feel seen. Robin agrees, saying, “Welcoming people here makes me feel like I’m part of the mission.” They both take great pride in being part of a team that ensures the church feels like a place where people can truly belong.
Hospitality and More
When it comes to their favorite volunteer roles, Dave and Robin don’t have any—they both love doing it all. From greeting newcomers, to ushering, to assisting in the kitchen they’re happy to lend a hand wherever needed. “We just like to do whatever we can to help out,” says Robin. “It feels good to contribute to the ministries here.”
Dave, who also works part-time as the Events Coordinator at St. Andrew’s, is particularly proud of how well the church keeps its grounds—clean and inviting. He also loves that St. Andrew’s hosts so many groups, groups that are always impressed by the warmth and hospitality they feel. Many groups book again right after an event because they felt so welcomed while on our campus.
A Message for Others
What’s their advice for others considering serving? Don’t be afraid—just do it! “There are endless opportunities for people to be involved,” Dave says. “You don’t have to know how to do it. There’s always someone happy to show you the ropes.” Robin adds, “And don’t be afraid of making a mistake. We’ve all done it, and there’s no shame here.” They want others to know that volunteering at St. Andrew’s is about being part of the mission to Proclaim Christ, Live in Christ, and Serve.
Would you like to connect to this community through serving? Click on the button below to view volunteer opportunities!
