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We're Serving You, Waterloo!

We know that churches sometimes only seem interested in taking something from other people and the community—their time, their money, etc. We're trying to develop a different impression—a church that really cares about the community and wants to meet the needs we see around us. To put it simply, we want to show the love of Jesus in practical ways, with no strings attached!

Here are some of the ongoing ways we serve the community:

Food Sunday – On the last Sunday of each month, we bring nonperishable food to our services. This food is then given to the local Salvation Army for distribution to those in need.

Meals on Wheels – We assist with Meals on Wheels deliveries on the third Friday of each month. Workers meet at the Salvation Army at 10:45 a.m. If interested in helping with these deliveries, please contact Virginia Creedon.

Financial Support – The church contributes $900 annually to the Salvation Army for local food distribution. We also support other local organizations (such as Alternatives Pregnancy Center) periodically through special offerings.

Here are some of our upcoming projects:

Love Cedar Valley - one Saturday each spring - We'll join churches from across the Cedar Valley where for one day we show the community the love of Jesus in practical ways and what it means to be one church!

Community Block Party - Saturday, June 7, 2008, 4:00-7:00 p.m. – Nothing draws our neighborhood together like our annual block party. Free food, free games, free activities, free time to get acquainted with neighbors—did we mention it is all free? Come join us for the fun, and bring the whole family!

Summer Kid's Vacation Bible School Week - Monday-Friday. Usually in June, from 6:00-8:30 p.m. – Our annual kid's week activity/Vacation Bible School includes singing, Bible learning activities, videos, recreation, and snacks. Free for all children from age 4 through grade 5 (completed).

Festival of Lights - evenings preceding Christmas – We're happy to partner with Mr. & Mrs. Shimek in their Festival of Lights. We provide free parking in our lot and free candy canes for everyone attending.

Christmas Festival - Friday, December 19th–Saturday, December 20th.

During the Festival of Lights on Hammond Avenue, we open our Family Life Center to the community. There are games, crafts and refreshments offered, and the evening concludes with a Journey through Bethlehem is . Every child goes home with a free gift. There is no charge for participating.

And here are highlights of some past projects:

Free Leaf Raking and Removal – Since Waterloo imposed its burning ban, it wass difficult to get rid of our leaves. For residents on Lyon Avenue, we gathered up and haul away leaves.

Free Coffee & Cookies at Municipal Election – We are happy to serve as a polling place for the municipal election. To show God's love to our neighbors, we offered free coffee and cookies to all who came to vote that day.

Free Coffee for Early Shoppers – For those out to grab those early bargains, we offered free coffee at one of the local retailers.

photos by Rick Johnson