By Frank Ramirez
There were many programs available for Annual Conference attendees as part of Tuesday morning’s “Imagine! A Morning of Sparking, Stirring, and Serving.” One of the most natural for Brethren was service projects.
In Promenade Park, volunteers helped clean up the popular public attraction with its winding paths and dense foliage, coupled with wide open spaces. Among those who helped pick up trash, Jasmine Brown and Rachel Gross worked together with a purpose.
“I love to pick up trash,” said Brown, of Lafayette (Ind.) Church of the Brethren. Gross, of North Manchester, Ind., admitted, “I often go through the landfill to see what I can recycle.” Holding up a red washcloth that looked brand new, she smiled and said, “We’re taking this wash rag home, wash it, and repurpose it!”
Tom and Ann Brown, also of Lafayette, were working together with Gabe and Pam Dodd of Hagerstown, Md., down by the riverside where it was cooler in the midst of a muggy day. Tom Brown walked up with several pieces of garbage in his gloved hand, including a crumbled cigarette, and said, “Don’t forget to mention, ‘No ifs, ands, or butts.”
Not far away, around 12 Brethren were volunteering at Clothes for Joes, an organization that provides free assistance to veterans.
“I feel great,” Mary Schoonover of Boones Mill, Va., for whom Tuesday is the day she normally volunteers at home. “I’m usually at a food bank loading boxes for people.”
The same with Cady Laycook of Long Beach, Calif. “I’m just continuing what I’m doing at home with my home congregation. This is just an extension of that. As I like to say, servanthood is my identity.”
— Frank Ramirez is a member of the Annual Conference Press Team.
