Many Gifts, One Mission
/CFNA Celebrates Its Volunteers
As CFNA’s ministry continued throughout the summer, it was time to pause and give thanks for our partners in mission: our volunteers! On August 27th, more than 75 volunteers and staff members gathered at the new CFNA Peace Center on South Grand Blvd. for an evening of food, fellowship, music, and thanksgiving at CFNA’s 2026 Volunteer Appreciation Evening.
There was certainly much to celebrate. From September 2025 through August 2026, more than 500 volunteers engaged in CFNA ministry activities, walking alongside and serving more than 400 New American clients. Some taught English or helped with Driver’s Ed. Others tutored children, served in our health and wellness classes, helped with sewing, delivered furniture, supported summer programs, welcomed church mission teams, assisted with fundraising events, or simply offered friendship and encouragement to a newly arrived neighbor.
The evening, coordinated by the CFNA Volunteer Coordinator alongside CFNA staff, provided an opportunity to celebrate the many hands and hearts that God has brought together in this common mission. Guests enjoyed a pasta dinner with salad and dessert, fellowship around the tables, and five attendance prizes (from our sewing ministry & jars of CFNA’s own honey!). A special video presentation, put together by CFNA’s Communications Associate - Shelby Boos, shared messages of appreciation from CFNA staff to the volunteers who helped make their ministry work possible throughout the year.
The evening was also brought to life through music and the fellowship conversations of all those gathered. Pastor Idjon, one of CFNA’s Haitian New American friends, and his two young daughters shared Gospel songs through their joyful singing in English and Spanish. Pastor Ted, a longtime CFNA volunteer who has served for more than 20 years helping people get furniture & other help, captured the prevalent mood of the evening: “This was a great celebration of the many people who come and serve at CFNA with their different gifts. It was great to see this mission grow over the years and reflect the life and witness of our Christian community.”
No single volunteer does everything at CFNA, and no single ministry accomplishes our mission by itself. Yet God in Christ gathers people with different abilities, experiences, cultures, and backgrounds and uses their gifts together for His purposes (Romans 12:5-6). Undoubtedly, the Volunteer Appreciation evening celebrated more than volunteer hours. It celebrated God’s amazing love and mercy at work through His people for one common mission: welcoming our New American neighbors, walking alongside them as they build new lives in St. Louis, and sharing with them the hope and saving grace we have received in Christ Jesus.
CFNA staff gives thanks to God for blessing us with amazing volunteers who serve across all of our programs, shining Christ’s light to our immigrant and new American brothers and sisters. To Him be the glory!
By Pam Vue
Volunteer Coordinator - CFNA
