Spring Cleaning: The Start of Something New

_{By Allen Johnson
Editor/Contributing Writer}

Spring is here! And with the turning of the season comes each individual’s subconscious expectation to change along with it. Not uncommon to this season is the human urge to start afresh and rid oneself of the previous year’s accumulation. Many people take this time of year as an opportunity to start over, rectify past mistakes, and make adjustments to their personal as well as professional lives. New endeavors are pursued and those incomplete projects of yesteryear are put back on our list of priorities.
As it relates, you may soon be hearing much talk of upcoming projects to be completed within our church in the near future. Amongst these is the long awaited reconstruction of the church parking lot, the renovation of our church library, as well as the institution of a new kid friendly, adult free game room.
Also, fairly new to our campaign for change – almost a jumpstart in some respect - is our food bank initiative, headed by Sister Dorothy Dunn. Since its establishment in 2008, the food bank has shown great promise of success; however it has recently come to a standstill. We would like to continue moving forward with this program, gathering as many non perishable items as possible, for it will be of a great benefit and blessing to someone in need. As last reported by Sister Dunn “there have been several donations to date, [but] we do need additional donations...  We seem to have come to a halt in the receiving department and would like to solicit the help of the Saints in continuing the project. I am thankful for those who have taken the time to contribute, and I pray that others will join in to keep the project afloat.”
Further, to be reestablished for the summer of 2009 will be our annual vacation bible school. Due to uncertain circumstances, we have not held vacation bible school in quite a few years, but we will resume with classes this coming July. Those who were last students of the intermediate class are now instructors of a new – oh how time flies! New to the order of things will be a course specifically for the adults. That’s right; vacation bible school is not just for the kids! And because of this adjustment to the organization, classes will be held from 7pm to 9pm to accommodate those that work during the day. It is worthy to note that this week of instruction is not reserved exclusively for the first united church of Jesus Christ, but is also available to the general assembly of friends and family that we individually have; so share the word.
It is long overdue for change and there are many things that have wasted away over the years as well as many rooms that have gone neglected. If memory serves me correctly, these rooms have not been utilized since my childhood (which is not a very good tale to the upkeep of the church) however, yesterday is gone and today is now. With the remaining time that we have been given, we should use it productively to the edification of God’s house and His people.
There is a statement that I personally quote, which simply says “be the change you want to see”. Albeit not profoundly deep, it does carry great weight. It’s not a statement of conviction, but it does charge us to be active in correcting that which we see is desolate. Please, let all that are willing to lend a helping hand do so. All contributions - whether material, physical, or even monetary- are all fully appreciated.
Now the goal of these projects is not merely cosmetic, but rather functionally essential. Our aim, however, is to revitalize that which years of neglect have rendered dead and gone; not solely for the bettered appearance of the church itself, but as reverential appreciation and worship unto God for that which He has entrusted to us.
As of yet, no specific dates regarding deadlines have been disclosed, but all projects are expected to be completed before the close of 2009.