Volunteers from Oak Harbor’s First Reformed Church recently donned their “Saturday Best,” fanning out in groups to help beautify the city.
The crew of approximately 60 braved arguably the strangest string of weather conditions in recent Oak Harbor history. Each phase, however, was similarly non-conducive to working outside.
Three separate groups divided and conquered, rendezvousing at Windjammer Park, Marjie’s House and a recently-cleared parcel of land near the chamber of commerce.
“I’d say we got quite a bit accomplished,” said Doug Stewart, one of the volunteers who donated hours of his Saturday morning and afternoon. “We had a great turnout.”
Already community service-oriented, Associate Pastor Bryan Boersma planted a mustard seed in the church’s evangelism committee members regarding potential sites for upcoming projects. And that tiny seed bore fruit.
“We wanted to serve in the community and do some specifc work projects,” Boersma said. “I made some calls around the city. We were looking for work. And we found it.”
The work at Windjammer Park entailed light landscaping and replacing broken boards on the wind blocks lining the beach.
“Everything went very well,” the associate pastor said.
Grateful representatives from Citizens Against Domestic and Sexual Abuse and the Housing Authority of Island County gathered at Marjie’s House with eager church volunteers. Countless weeds met their makers Saturday, and beauty bark fulfilled its calling.
“This is a service-oriented congregation,” Stewart said. “And an outward going, outward giving congregation. We hope to be able to do this periodically.”
Marjie’s House serves as an emergency shelter for CADA and the Opportunity Council, as well as transitional housing for both agencies. The Housing Authority manages the facility.
Community service is the primary focus for the church’s volunteers. The fellowship is an added bonus.
“This also helps us get to know and understand one another better,” Stewart said.
Krieg Construction cleared and leveled the piece of land behind the Oak Harbor chamber before the community project began. Senior Pastor Jon Brown said the 20 volunteers accomplished a remarkable amount of work in an extremely short period of time. Boersma said the project would not have been possible without the Krieg crew.
“Bryan spearheaded this project and really got it going,” Brown said. “Frankly, we just wanted to let the community know we care.”
The modest playground now sports a new layer of gravel that will accommodate a picnic table, grass seeds ready to sprout chlorophyll-rich heads, and a new jungle gym the church group assembled onsite.
“Everyone was eager to help and felt like doing something purposeful,” Brown said. “The spirit was good among us.”
“We want to be active in the community and demonstrate our faith while helping,” Boersma added. “Our mission statement is ‘Making Jesus’ word our way of life.’ And this was one way of doing that.”
