Making an impact in the community

Here is some exciting news from the Daily Record as a precursor to Grace in the Neighborhood focus for this coming year.

Thanks from the Neighborhood

Jeana forwarded email messages received by our contact at the Wayne County Children's Services describing their feelings toward being recognized for their hard work and oftentimes thankless labor.

One person said, "Can we start a thank you card around for those to sign that attended the lunch? I have thank you cards in my office if we need one. The lunch was unbelievably wonderful!"

Another worker mentioned to our contact in regards to door prize sign-ups, "WOW!!! How awesome is that! I was meaning to email you back yesterday & tell you how kind and generous that is of Grace Brethren to show support to the "unsung heros". It is really heartwarming to know that someone out there in the community recognizes the importance of the work done here. And KUDOS to you for getting this all organized!! So, "You ROCK!!!"
thanks again!!!!

Lastly another worker shared, "I just wanted to thank Grace for the AWESOME treats... That was so nice."

Way to go, team!

Serving our community--Outreach value at work

In my short time here in Wooster, I have had the privilege of serving many people. But today at lunch I got the opportunity to say thanks to a group of people who truly need appreciation. The men and women of Wayne County Children's Services work hard to intervene and to protect children and promote families. The organization has been doing its service since 1882.

Big thanks to Sue Rumburg for her labors in preparing a great meal to cater to the Wayne County Children's Services staff. A great job to Jeana Harley and Juana Hernandez for facilitating the event. Regina Schwartz needs accolades for her work as liaison for serving those who serve the neglected, abused, and voiceless in our area.

I was pleased to be on the team with Pastor Bob Fetterhoff, Pastor Dave Lawson, Pastor Ivanildo Trindade, Jeana Harley, Juana Hernandez, Scott Simms, Beth Sorg, Elise Rabatin, Jacob Kern, and myself.





















Our team served them lunch. We had cuts of meat, pre-sliced so that each person could make their own sandwich. We provided trays of assorted fruit and cheeses as well. We had two soups for them to choose from--vegetable beef and chicken noodle. We served iced tea and lemonade. Sue's homemade cookies were a definite hit as well as Scott's sno-cones.

I was proud watching our team interact with the staffers. We spread ourselves around the room with each of us sitting and talking at each of the tables. I enjoyed watching Elise and Jacob help people with their beverage and then offering to take the cookie trays around to offer goodies to the team. I appreciated how Juana, Jacob, and Elise helped serve drinks, Pastor DL and Beth served soup. I praised God for how overwhelmed the people felt. At one table, Rachel said out loud, "I really feel appreciated!"





















Pastor Bob gave them a plaque with the verse; Isaiah 1:17, "Learn to do good, seek justice, defend the orphan, plead for the widow." Gloria, the stand-in for the director, was visibly taken aback with the presentation. She is a good leader because she deferred the accolade to those who work with her.

My other favorite recollection is the atmosphere. I guess, the best way to say it is that each person was in shock that someone would come and show them appreciation. They could not believe that people would come and serve them.

Overall, we honored God. We were His light. I can't help but recall the words of Jesus. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16)." Together we shined our light and people felt God's warmth.

Way to go team!

I wonder what you thought or learned about this outreach event. Share your story in the comment section. I wonder how you perceived this event within our church's vision. How did what we do develop all people to become fully devoted followers of Christ?