Two September events directly engaged the neighborhood surrounding the Community Center.
At a yard sale on September 4, tables were full of very reasonably priced items: adult and children’s clothing, coats and shoes, books and puzzles, household and decorative items. Members of Alpha & Omega Church made and sold fruity piña coladas and shish kebabs. Volunteers interacted with shoppers.
When a person from the neighborhood shared that his wife was hospitalized in critical condition, Pastor Joel and volunteers prayed with him. Beyond the relational opportunities, this event raised about $1,000 for the Community Center.
On a beautiful day three weeks later, the Community Center celebrated its yearly Fall Festival, organized by Alpha & Omega Church of the Brethren in collaboration with AOCC. The items left from the yard sale were offered free of charge. Persons were encouraged to fill bags with items they could use.
Food was also free: hot dogs, nachos, salad, chicken, beans, rice, and fruit. Children enjoyed a bouncy house. Lively Christian music was provided by our Latin COB churches “Un Nuevo Renacer,” “Evenecer,” and Alpha & Omega church. Hector Rivera shared his testimony, and other pastors and lay persons shared messages, testimonies, and prayers.
The primary purpose of this event was to share God’s message of hope and love through Christ under the slogan of “Jesus in our neighborhood.” What a glorious day of celebration and outreach!
–Sherry Eshleman
