Church takes 'Faith in Action' to streets Oct. 4

McCOOK, Neb. -- Walking the talk is something the McCook Christian Church will do with its "Faith in Action" on Sunday, Oct. 4.

Open to anyone in Southwest Nebraska who would like to volunteer, "Faith in Action" project teams will spend all day out in the community, helping meet the needs of individuals.

And it's not about church or preaching. About 90 percent of the people who will be helped don't belong to a church, said the Rev. Clark Bates.

"These are people who, for some reason or another, whether health issues or money, cannot get things done that need to get done in or around their home," Bates said. "Faith isn't always about going to church, but representing God's love to people."

People who would like to volunteer with "Faith in Action" do not have to belong to a church or any organized religion, either, he said.

"We're hoping people will look at their neighborhoods and promote that attitude of helping your neighbor," said Bates.

And who is your neighbor? "Anyone around you who has needs," he answered.

A "command center" will be set up at the church, so volunteers can coordinate their activities. Teams will be organized to take care of lawns and yards, along with "handyman" projects, such as replacing back doors and fixing fences. During the course of the day, volunteers on these teams will randomly drive through neighborhoods and if they see a yard that needs help, will ask the homeowner if they can clean it up for them, Bates said. "We want to be wherever God wants us to be," he said.

A wide variety of people will be helped, from young to old. "Help a Vet" will assist disabled veterans in cleaning up their yards or repairing small fix-it projects in their homes; playground equipment will be installed at a low income housing unit; care packages assembled for college students and clothes will be sorted through for the "Sharing Place," where the church gives away clothes and small appliances one Saturday a month.

And like they did five years ago at the first "Faith in Action" program, thanks to a generous anonymous contribution, volunteers will help shoppers who seem to be in need pay for their food at local grocery stores. During that give-away, there was no talk of church, money was simply handed to people in a check-out aisle that seemed to be going through a tough time and volunteers felt led to help. Bates tells of a single mom they saw in a store who kept taking out food items her kids were putting in the cart. Volunteers told her to buy whatever she liked and they picked up the bill. "She starting crying," he recalled.

Those who would like to be involved with "Faith in Action" can call Bates at (308) 345-1516. Registration will start at 8 a.m. Oct. 4 and continue throughout the day, with all projects completed by 4 p.m. A worship service at McCook Christian Church will be at 5 p.m., followed by a meal for volunteers at 6 p.m.