Building Community and Friendship Through a Day of Service!
/Click images to enlarge
Abiding Savior Lutheran designates September 20th as its “Care Day”, a time to go forth as a church and extend themselves in mission to the communities around them. CFNA was grateful to be one of the service locations for the day. Through previous conversations, it had been decided that the crew would be assisting with a variety of projects needed to be completed before the “New Building, New Possibilities” open house at the 5515 South Grand location.
Arriving at 9:30 AM, the ambitious team stepped into the new building ready for the day ahead of them. As there were friends from around the world arriving for ESL lessons, a few people started their day in conversation with the CFNA adult learners. Talking about everyday subjects and situations, the pairings of tutor and student learned about each other’s cultures.
While ESL lessons were taking place, other volunteers astounded me with their work ethic and skills. Pastor Dave Andrus built a complex bookshelf of wood and metal, using intuition and patience as there were no instructions in braille. A tag team of two men set to work, leveling and hanging all of the wall art frames, shelves, and the world clock in the executive director’s office. One of the men, Bob, has over 90 years experience of handy-man craft, and regularly volunteers to maintain Abiding Savior’s spaces. Both used their skills to check off so many to-do list items that day!
As with every move, there were items shuffled from room to room, trying to find their new space. One man rearranged several of our large furniture items to make the front reception welcoming for the next day’s open house. Another lady took to vacuuming all of the lovely carpeted floors that had seen a lot of action in the move over the past few weeks. Abiding Savior had generously donated two new vacuum cleaners to CFNA so Deb Andrus pushed both vacuum cleaners at once to refresh the trodden floors.
In-Kind donations are collected throughout the year to give to newly arrived families as well as to distribute during our Christmas Giveaway Days. One closet had stacks of warm quilts that needed to be sorted and stored in tubs to keep for the cold days ahead. Volunteers Ruth and Becky diligently organized the area and made it ready for our guests.
Stopping by to check on the team, Aimee, the church administrator, said of their time, "We served at CFNA during a very exciting time of growth in their ministry and our volunteers were blessed to be able to be a part of making a difference in the lives of our immigrant neighbors. We look forward to future opportunities to volunteer and serve there!”
The day was filled with laughter and camaraderie – friendships strengthened and new ones were made. Each person came with their time and gifts to contribute, and left with feelings of satisfaction and accomplishment. The new building sparkled for the open house and the aura of new possibilities awaited.
If you or a group have a day to spend with CFNA, whether by sharing your skills or loving heart to care for immigrants and refugees, please contact Amy Zeigler at azeigler@cfna-stl.org. Each experience is unique and created to use the gifts you have been equipped with for the greater glory of God. It is a joy to work alongside each and every team, experiencing the love of Jesus together.
By Amy Zeigler
Community Engagement Coordinator, CFNA
