Church seeks to walk the talk, bring God into the community

Ruby, left, and Constance Stone help paint a deck at the "ReThink Church" project Saturday, July 19. (Lorri Sughroue/McCook Gazette)

McCOOK, Neb. -- The congregation at one local church is committed to walking the talk when it comes to helping people.

Memorial United Methodist Church recently finished another "ReThink Church" project in McCook, where "the hands and feet of Christ go out into the community," explained Alisa Parde, associate pastor.

About 25 pairs of hands and feet, from five-year-olds to senior citizens, converged at a local home early Saturday morning, July 19, where the owner risked losing insurance if certain repairs were not done. The congregation stepped in and fixed those items, such as replacing broken siding and repairing window frames, removed an awning, painted a deck and to top it off, repainted the exterior. Other behind-the-scenes church members provided doughnuts, snacks and water.

Those who helped with the ReThink project included, first row, from left, Grady Gracie and Colton Lentz and Terri Gray. Second row, Logan Vrbas,Tanner Unger, Veda Kemper, Beth Crick, Art Skinner and Tom Lentz. Back, Pastor Chris Loft, Jeff Crick, Joy Vrbas, Kim Parde, Dave Winder and Bruce Wilcox. (Courtesy photo)

"We try to do ReThink Church projects when the opportunity presents itself," Parde said. "We've done a couple of them this year and painted another house a couple of years ago. It's amazing to watch the church as they leave the building and reach out to others. The impact it leaves is always a bit more than the project we come to do, and the individuals that come to do the work are just as blessed as the individual they work for."

Constance Stone showed up Saturday morning with sandwiches from home and no lack of enthusiasm.

"I'm a firm believer in being the change you want to see," Stone said, who brought along her daughter, Ruby, to show the importance of practicing what you preach. "It's a great way to let people know that God really does care about your needs."

Dave Winder, another church member, brought his three grandkids to help out. "It's a good life lesson," Winder said, as he helped the youngest, Grady, 5, maneuver the paint roller a little slower. Winder is an old-hand at this, his grandkids also helping out at the community garden the church has on the edge of town.

Sheila Hagemann and husband, Albert, wanted to pay it forward. "The church was here for me when I needed them, so I want to give back, " she explained.

The owner of the home, a senior citizen on a fixed income, was more than pleased with the results."I am so grateful for this. They went above and beyond what I expected," she said.

In addition to providing the sweat equity, the church also raised funds for costs for the project, with Diamond Vogel of McCook donating some items. Parde said church members are always on the lookout for other projects.

"It's not about us at all, but what God is doing through us," she said.