Change The World

“Give, and it shall be given to you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over.” Luke 6:38.

Today I received a thank you card from our friends at Van Rensselaer Heights with this scripture verse on the front. I can’t think of a better way to begin a summary of our eleventh Change the World event in May. It was a success once again with your support! We found many ways to share God’s love. It’s hard, if not impossible to know exactly how many people were affected by our efforts. We started the month off with a food drive to benefit our local food pantry and the VA Center in Albany. Despite a dark rainy day, the food donations piled up. Clouds gave way to sun later that week as several members of our church walked in Guilderland as part of the 5K Addiction Awareness Run & Walk. We joined many other local walkers and runners to help raise money for a very worthy cause.

A sizable crowd gathered on May 13 to pot plants for the residents of Van Rensselaer Heights. The plants were delivered on May 19, Change the World Sunday to some very appreciative residents. The Food Truck Festival was held on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in the church parking lot. The crowd was remarkable and the food was delicious.

On Change the World Sunday, several of our Youth gathered after worship service to plant trees with their advisors, Amber and Fred. Our Youth are doing their part to make a difference to commit to a healthier climate.

Although the attendance was sparce, the residents of Van Rensselaer Heights who gathered to hear our remarkable choir were very appreciative of the music and fellowship, as well as the beautiful potted plants that they received to demonstrate God’s love. Several people participated in the craft activities in Fellowship Hall following the worship service. Many of us stayed (or returned) to church at Noon on May 19 to enjoy the delicious Taco Bar set up by Amber and her crew.

All month long we worked on filling shoeboxes with essential items for the needy living in the mountains of Kentucky as part of the Redbird Mission Project, based in Kentucky. This year we filled close to 60 boxes!

Our thanks to all who participated in our month-long event: Activities coordinators Carrie Larson, Jean Sheviak, Amber Telford, Aleta Schweigert, and Lorraine Beals. We also thank Robert, Jackie and the choir, as well as Pastor Danyal and Gail for their time, effort and support.

John Schmidt

Change the World Event Coordinator