Rowing Together
The all-church work day at Stevenson Elementary School brought joy, not only to the community, but to participants as well
by Linda Enkema, FPCB Member
Crew is a common form of rowing in which two, four, or eight people row a boat, each person having one oar. Have you ever watched the Olympians in this sport? It is so graceful, with all the oars moving in perfect harmony and rhythm. They are the ultimate team, working for the common good of the group through unselfish individual contributions, yet depending greatly on one another.
The all-church work day at Stevenson Elementary was a similar experience for me, as we brought together our individual abilities to "row" for the good of the children and staff of the school. Were any of us a star? Not really. Could the outcome have been as significant without all of our contributions? Definitely not!
When I arrived at 1:00 p.m., the school campus was jumping with activity. Did you feel the electric atmosphere as you made your way to your particular work area? Did you sense the great spirit and excitement of each person, whose only goal was to give of themselves as Jesus would have done, and to truly serve others?
It’s a challenge to fully describe this experience, to paint a picture that captures the day. The following stories reveal some of the ways we were touched and changed, and how we touched others and gave a gift of love.
Fred and Judy Wedeberg, painters extraordinaire, had the "glamorous" job of painting rest rooms. Apparently Judy has lots of experience at this! She describes looking into the nearby multi-purpose room at the myriad activities (mural painting, laminating, tables of folks cutting the laminated sheets) and getting snapshots of the energy, smiles, and camaraderie. Judy says, "Never have I been involved in such a community outreach effort... I found myself looking out over familiar faces checking to see what they were up to. I saw the hands and feet of Jesus multiplied in so many different ways. It was amazing to see the transformation of the school taking place right before our eyes in such a relatively short period of time."
Jerry and Janette Schauermann experienced a deeper, renewed connection to our congregation through their participation in the Stevenson project. Janette said that although they had found a wonderful niche in the Senior Adult Fellowship, the many unfamiliar faces in the large worship services made them wonder if they would be happier in a smaller church.
Jerry explained, "Janette and I have been members of the church for almost fifty years. It was a small congregation then, and we were able to know everyone attending. Recently, we have both felt that the church has become too big. After witnessing the Stevenson Jubilee project on August 13, our attitudes have changed. We felt very close to everyone working there although we did not know all their names. Since working at Stevenson and seeing the energy and love poured out on the project, we have been bragging about it to many people!"
Serving in Jesus’ name gives us a deep bond, because the Holy Spirit draws us to one another, making instantaneous friendships possible.
Matt Dunn and Joel Mattson met at one of the organizational meetings for the Stevenson project. Both volunteered to be supervisors, and their friendship began. Joel and his wife Sue have been members since the mid 1990’s, and Matt and his wife Amber joined the church less than a year ago. That they were from different generations didn’t matter. After the day at Stevenson, Matt’s enthusiasm led him to ask, "How can we keep this going?" Joel responded, "I’ve got what you’re missing, and I’d like to share it with you." Matt accepted Joel’s invitation to be a part of his small group, and this connection with a group of Christian men is already meaningful to Matt.
In Matt’s words, "Amber and I had been members since February. We didn’t know many people, and as soon as worship was over, we would head for the door." Since meeting Joel, everything changed. Matt’s circle of friends began to expand, and soon, he and Amber were Narthex "regulars," hanging around long after worship had ended. He comments, "As soon as I decided to make a little effort, everyone else picked up and ran with it." Now Amber is teaching Sunday School. Matt is praying and studying the Bible and says, "It has been a life-altering experience."
Dave and Bev Wilson commented, "We have many memories of various volunteer efforts, but the thing that always stands out is the people that participate. Over a thousand people of every background, age, and capability coming together with a common focus and doing it with a smile. This could only happen when the common bond is a faith rooted in Jesus." The Stevenson library was the focus of their work – painting and "whatever else that needed to be done." The Wilsons give their time to the First Avenue Service Center meal program, help with FPCB mailings and in the Deacon ministry. How long have they been at FPCB? Two years.
Evelyn Bequette found joy. "The joy on people’s faces was remarkable - and I was overwhelmed by the number and breadth of projects that were being done... It truly demonstrated how awesome our God is and how He responds with abundance whenever we seek to do His will. At the end of the day, I felt greatly blessed once again to be part of the First Pres community, a church where people really love to serve others."
Can you imagine how encouraged the Stevenson Staff must have felt, to have over 700 people care about you and the children you teach? FPCB member Alice Brooks, who helped in the library, had a special experience. "...a lady I did not know walked straight up to me and stuck out her hand and said, ’I just want to thank you so much for all you are doing! I have been walking all over the school and I just cannot believe my eyes. Every time I try to speak, I cry. My son came up to me and said, ’Mom, LOOK at the wall in the Cafeteria!’ I am the Parent Club President, and this is just so wonderful. Thank you so much. May I take your picture?’"
Alice continues, "I had done so little compared to others. But the tears in her eyes said it all. Even though we were not doing it for ’thanks’, it brought home how little it took to bring joy to so many in just one day. The Lord’s hand was everywhere you looked. It was a great day!"
Alice’s husband Doug was one who experienced unforgettable teamwork. "Two groups of us stained four decks and railings. If just one of them had been mine, it would have taken me days to do it (and it would not have been fun). Our group got it all done in one day, and there were people to talk with while we were doing it! And our part was just a very small part of the total work that was done. One person doesn’t do much. But multiply ’not much’ by 1,000 and you begin to move mountains!"
The Stevenson work day was a success on many fronts. Of course, the school campus sparkled with new paint, a new patio, revitalized landscaping and drainage, a mass of cutting projects completed, a new puppet theatre with puppets, and enchanting murals, to name just a few. Teachers and staff were encouraged and supported. The library was transformed.
Significantly, we "grew up" as a congregation, with strengthened faith (God can move mountains through us!), new friendships, and a new outlook on the world-changing difference we can make. We gathered to serve, entrusting the outcome not to our individual abilities, but to the greater good that God creates through his Holy Spirit and our cumulative effort.
"How can I help?" "I can give two hours a day to any painting projects you have." "I can help assemble furniture. Just give me a call." These are some of the comments that Jan King and Connie Cameron, co-leaders of GetConnected at First Pres., hear each day as people call with a new awareness that what they have to offer is valuable and needed.
When we answer God’s call and, as the rowing team does, put our hands to the oars and contribute what we have, the pace can be dizzying and the results amazing!