There’s a very real spiritual center at Burbank First United Methodist Church. It’s heard in the voices of the world-class choir, and it’s felt in the neighborly brunch that follows the Sunday service.
There’s also a unique community center to the church family, and she sits at the edge of a pew.
Here is Helen von Seggern, hair swept up into a tasteful bun, brass buttons shining on her emerald coat. She’s been at the church longer than anyone — including herself — can remember. Some know her as the church preschool teacher of more than 40 years, others call her a fellow world traveler or a Sunday service faithful.
To everyone, she’s just Helen, and she’s the center of the little world of the church.
“To have somebody like Helen, she helps that (mission) as a community church,” said Tim Wells, the lay leader at Burbank First United Methodist.