Serving

This morning I had an opportunity to help at McKinley Community Outreach Center. The center is a new venture for our church which has partnered with another church in our community to provide whatever help we can to people who need it. We collect, organize, and give away food; taxable items people can't buy with government food stamps (toilet paper, etc.); clothes donated by others in the community; second-hand furniture, and more. We also provide services such as free dental checkups, hearing tests, health screening, and haircuts; with more services to be added in the future. Today the taxable items and a free breakfast of pancakes, sausage, and OJ were two of the most popular items.

The picture shows the front entrance of what was, for many years, McKinley Elementary School. The neighbors were not very happy last fall when the building was closed and students sent to a nearby school. We hope they will be much happier now that they see it being repurposed in a way that will benefit their neighborhood. The name of the school was retained, as you can see. The sign "servants enter here" refers to the volunteers. There were over 80 of us there this morning who believe that Jesus told us to love and serve others. That is what we are doing.

P.S. I have backblipped three entries that I missed over the past (hectic) week: July 21, 23, and 24. Please take a look if you can. Phew! I am finally caught up.