A Letter to Volunteers for the Nauvoo Discovery Program

To future Volunteers for the Nauvoo Discovery Program

Hi, my name is Terri Winder. I am a senior volunteer with the Nauvoo Discovery Program (NDP), and I am sharing my story as it may answer questions you might have about the NDP.

Terri Winder

Nauvoo

My husband and I visited Nauvoo some years ago, but only for a day as we passed through while on a church history tour. We experienced just a fraction of what Nauvoo has to offer and knew we had to return. 

After retirement, we applied for a senior couples’ mission, specifically requesting Nauvoo, but our call took us to the Florida Orlando Mission. As we were finishing our time there, my sister sent me an ad for the Nauvoo Discovery Program. I applied immediately.  

Though my husband had been excited about the possibility of serving a full-time mission in Nauvoo, after serving in Florida, he was worn out. He was not thrilled about coming to Nauvoo—clear until we got here. We arrived on a Thursday night and had our first NDP meeting the next morning. After the meeting, he said, “We need to look for a house. We need to move here.” 

What brought about his miraculous change of heart? Well, that’s the inherent risk of becoming involved with the Nauvoo Discovery Program: it draws you in—in a good way. We have had moments of pure joy since our arrival.

It’s challenging to put into words the spiritual aspect of being here in Nauvoo--it's something you have to experience to understand (and I promise, you will) but let me explain the basics of the volunteer side of the NDP.  

First, your commitment is a relatively short amount of time, approximately 16 weeks. Of course, you may take leave to attend important family events, but this is the time frame to plan on.  Senior volunteers are housed in hotel suites, with a full kitchen, including dishes, a dishwasher, and dish soap. The management is extra nice and very accommodating, the facilities are clean, and there is free Wi-Fi. The inn has a wonderful swimming pool (just the right temperature) and exercise equipment is available. 

We requested a three-bedroom suite, in case we had company, which came with two full bathrooms. We are responsible for cleaning the apartment during our stay, but everything is furnished, from paper towels to a vacuum. Clean towels and bedding are provided by the Inn, as needed.  Coin-operated laundry facilities are available for one's own clothing. A batch of clothes is $1.50 to wash and $1.00 to dry.  Room prices run according to size: $600-$800 a month. The beds are comfortable, and we have slept well. 

Groceries in Nauvoo can only be purchased at Dollar General, but the store is well-stocked with the basics. Keokuk, 15 miles and 21 minutes away, has a Walmart and several grocery stores. 

The monthly contribution we made while on our mission was tax deductible. Because the NDP is a 501c3 (non-profit) organization, so are the incurred expenses associated with serving here (if one is leaving a permanent address in order to come). This includes housing, mileage, and some meals; just keep your receipts and good records. (See IRS Publication 526 or talk to your financial advisor for further clarification.) 

The Nauvoo Discovery Program Headquarters

Initially, I was surprised to see that the program is housed in a former Lutheran church building, but the building (with its own remarkable story) is perfectly suited for NDP’s needs. The local YSA Branch also utilizes the building for events. A fun fact is that the chapel was built on the foundation of a room that was once Brigham Young’s office—AKA Church Headquarters—where he planned the exodus of the Saints to the Western frontier. The original door is still in use. It is surreal to be surrounded by so much meaningful history. And one of the perks of coming during the off-season is the Church’s historical sites are much less crowded. 

So, what is expected? Senior volunteers are like shepherds to the young single adults in the program. They get to know the students and support them as needed, by providing anything from rides to friendship to moral support. NDP picks up the cost of fuel for longer trips and treats for some group activities. 

Terri & Tom Winder at Carthage Jail

The Nauvoo Discovery Program arranges tours at many Nauvoo sites and some in the surrounding areas, such as the Carthage Jail. It is a unique experience, seeing pioneer history through the eyes of these choice young people. For some, this is their first time away from home and family. Others are return missionaries. Regardless of their age or life experience, they are all striving to become disciples of Christ. They, too, have felt the call to Nauvoo.  

Another responsibility senior volunteers have is bi-weekly “room checks.” In the mission field, senior couples do apartment inspections, and this is basically the same thing. There are also weekly meetings with the administration in which observations and suggestions may be shared. Volunteers generally serve 15-20 hours per week. 

The Nauvoo Temple and Local Ward

Tom & Terri Winder

The senior volunteer experience is not confined to NDP. As soon as we arrived, we had our church membership records moved to the Nauvoo First Ward, as one must be within the temple district to serve as ordinance workers in the Nauvoo Temple. We attended a session at the temple, after which we spoke with a member of the temple presidency. They welcome all who wish to serve in the temple. Endowed NDP youth and senior couples are fortunate to have this opportunity. Presently, we serve two shifts a week, Tuesday and Thursday mornings, which fits well with the program’s activities. 

We had anticipated that we would be welcomed by ward members but then politely ignored once they learned we were transients; however, that is not Nauvoo’s way. No sooner were our records read in than we had a Primary calling and ministering assignments. Of course, one could mention to the bishop that one would rather not be that involved, but we have felt needed by both the ward and the NDP. It has been very rewarding. 

The days have flown by since our arrival and we have loved every minute of our experience. It is not an official senior couple mission, but it has all the elements of one, rolled into a smaller time frame.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact me by text at 435-459-1924.

Terri Winder

Tom and Terri Winder

NDP Volunteer Page

NDP Volunteer Application

The Nauvoo Discovery Program

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