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Event Shows Small Churches Can Make a DifferenceELGIN, IL (October 31, 2007) – Representatives of 13 social service agencies that participated in the first-ever Volunteers’ Harvest Fair on Saturday at the Evangelical Covenant Church already are asking that a second event be held in 2008, says pastor Jonathan Wilson. Organizations expressed their appreciation for the welcome they received, but especially for the opportunity to network with each other as well as reach out to potential volunteers, Wilson says. “It is amazing how little these Christian service agencies knew about each other and their missions, especially since many of these agencies are serving the same client base,” Wilson observed.The church averages attendance of around 70 people, and the event gave the small congregation an opportunity to minister to the community in ways it cannot do by itself. “The issue is getting participants in small congregations involved in the total life of discipleship,” Wilson says. “Not every small church is able to plant and sustain its own ministry for compassion and justice, but perhaps every small church can become a resource for volunteers in parachurch not-for-profit services that already exist in the community.” Participating organizations included, among others: Administer Justice, All People's Interfaith Food Pantry, Elgin Christian Development Corporation, Fox Valley Micro Loan, JUST of DuPage, The Life Center, Salvation Army, and the Shelter Thrift Shop.  The day began with a blood drive through Life Source Blood Services that drew 25 donors. Afterwards, organizations had up to 15 minutes to make presentations about their work. The church provided the needed computer and video technology. The church also supplied lunch.When the church decided last spring to hold the event on October 27, it didn’t realize it would coincide with USA Weekend magazine’s Make A Difference Day. “We got wind of that quickly, and since that is a magazine distributed by the Courier News to the Elgin area, we tied it in. I think the connection to Make a Difference Day helped.” The invitations to the organizations went out three months in advance, and Wilson says, “interest was immediate and enthusiastic.” Of 16 compassion and justice providers invited, 13 participated. The others wanted to be a part, but were unable to this year for various reasons. The weekend event also was part of the church’s launch of its 2X2 (Two-by-Two) program to recognize church members that volunteer in the community. “Through this, these people are strengthening the church,” Wilson says. For more information, email the church or call 847-888-2302. Copyright © 2008 The Evangelical Covenant Church. |
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