The Church is My Front Yard

It was way back in the spring of 2001 when a men’s breakfast was held in what is now the children’s playroom in the basement of the church building.  A large group of guys were present and if memory serves me right the speaker was Arne Jensen, a local landscaper.  During that morning an appeal was made to get a group of guys who would be willing to maintain the church lawns and landscape areas.  Fast forward to the present and you now have one of the longest-term ministry teams at SFB. Somewhere over 30 different individuals have served on the team over those years and some of the original team members are still active.

Why do these people serve?  What has motivated some of them to have served continuously from day one?  Let me share some of their thoughts:  “I marvel at God’s creation and enjoy working in it”; “It’s just another way I can connect with my maker”; “I enjoy the connection with the others on my team”; ”The landscape is one of the first impressions people have of our church so I want it to look sharp”; “I enjoy serving and I get a workout at the same time”; “I like the flexibility” (There are three teams and each team serves a month at a time.  While most work is done on Saturday mornings, any day will work if necessary.)  “I like things to be orderly and trimming the hedges and mowing lawns gives me that satisfaction.” 

 In addition to these people being able to use their talents in a satisfying way, they have saved the church many thousands of dollars since the inception of the team.  While this team was started by a bunch of guys, women have been involved.  So if you are one of those who would enjoy helping to maintain God’s creation, let us know by putting a note on the bulletin tear off piece and dropping it in the offering plate.

 Oh, and by the way, if you were to drive by the house of one of these people, I don’t think you would be at all surprised to see a beautifully maintained and neatly manicured front yard.

 --Wayne Bernard

 

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