Seventeen members of the community joined many from our own congregation to place donated cans and packages of food on tables that was placed outside in front of the church. Helping at the tables: Joan and Dean, Sharon, Ruthie, Bob, the Wolcott family, Pastor Virg, Abby and yes, even Kate with a winning smile for everyone, sorted and moved the food collection process along so smoothly it was if they did it on a regular basis. We collected roughly 442 pounds (63 bags) of food for LISTEN.
A few folks dropped in unprepared to find a food drive yet felt the welcoming hand of friendship reaching out. One mom brought her young son in to use the restroom and before one could blink an eye, Abby had befriended him and had him at the children’s art table. Jack came by with his always present smile and hugs that warm the heart adding joy to an already sunshiny kind of day.
A couple that have lived in the neighborhood for many years took a tour of the church and after hearing the sound of beautiful music coming from the sanctuary as Ruth’s skillful fingers glided across the organ keyboard, the wife expressed a keen interest in learning to play the organ. A gentleman from Hanover thought he had stumbled onto a yard sale… he too decided to take a tour of the church and then ended up at the table, hosted by Jane, which was ladened with scrumptious blueberry treats, delicious hot coffee and ice cold lemonade. He and many others throughout the morning lingered by the table for a time of conversation and tasty treats.
The Communications Team sends a big THANK YOU to those mentioned above as well as to Sharon, whose hands helped everywhere, Jodi for publicity, Dorothy for the creative “blueberry activities for children”, Florence, Jane, Betsy and Ruthie for helping with serving and cleanup, George Armstrong for the loan of his truck (Bob Grace on standby with his) and Linda for chauffeuring the food to LISTEN where it was received with gratitude from LISTEN staff waiting to unload.
Of course, we are also grateful to the blueberry pickers and bakers: Jeanette, Jane, Nancy Paton, Virg, Sharon, Ruthie, Linda, Nancy Paige, and Jodi. After the event, Jodi and Sharon took leftover blueberry treats to share with those at both the Fire and Police Departments.
As Sharon and Jodi were leaving the church, there was Parker Sorenson pulling out the lawn mower to mow the church property… and thus, the gift of giving to the work and ministry at LUMC went on!!
he goal to fill a pickup truck with food for LISTEN became a reality on Saturday, August 21 as volunteers gathered with energy and enthusiasm. Sharon, Florence, Ruthie and Jodi were there early to help with setup with Jane and Betsy soon on their heels. Everyone pitched in and helped with the morning unfolding as though it had been rehearse.
