The Hands and Feet of Christ
Read: Romans 12:3-8
On February 2nd about 140 people came
together at our church for the eighth edition of paloozas, in the
case a Palooza-a-rama, to have a good time together and to raise
money for Volunteers in Mission’s work with Cass Community Social
Services. (Originally called Gumbopalooza, we haven’t served gumbo
the last three years, going with jambalaya instead in order to retain
the New Orleans/Mardi Gras theme. Because Jambalayapalooza was just
too many syllables in the same made-up word, we broke it up with
hyphens, hence “Palooza-a-rama.") Anyway, this isn’t about
the etymology of the title, it’s about the amazing community spirit
that was evident at the event.
There was lots of good food to eat,
lots of fellowship to be shared and lots of spirited bidding that
ended with lots of people spending lots of money for lots of calories
most of them (including me) didn’t really need. However, we do this
not because of what we need, but because of the needs of others who
haven’t been as fortunate in life as most of us. This year after
expenses we will have raised close to $9,000 to help Cass do their
work of providing housing for people who couldn’t otherwise afford
it. Therefore thanks go out to everyone who was involved with this
year’s palooza: those who procured the supplies and food, prepared
it, served it, made desserts to auction, and bid ridiculous amounts
of money for the auction items, knowing that all that money was far
from ridiculously intended.
But one thing that stood out for me at
this year’s event was the willingness of everybody who was there to
pitch in with one more task, and that was the after-event cleanup. In
past years we’ve had a few people lined up to clean up, break down
tables and chairs, put them all back where they came from and get all
the dishes and utensils washed. This year, for various reasons, a lot
of the “regulars” weren’t available so at the end of the event
we made an open call to those present, asking that anybody who was
physically able lend a hand; the results were amazing. Virtually
everyone there pitched in, including guests who don’t even attend
GPUMC, and the cleanup was accomplished in record time. It was truly
inspiring to see the teamwork that exploded into action to get all of
the work of returning the building to church-readiness for the next
morning’s service and activities. After last year I was about ready
to say I’d never do this again; I was tired, my knees hurt from all
the trips up and down the stairs carrying tables, I’d missed most
of the auction because I was working, I was sweaty and, probably, a
little bit grumpy. After this year and the spirit I felt from the
crowd, I can’t wait to see what happens next year! We are all the
hands and feet of Christ and, with His help and guidance, we can do
wonders.
Art Van de Putte
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