2015
Have You Registered for Serve the City?
Event, Serve the City, Service | by Pastor David Parker
Downtown Cornerstone,
Next Saturday on August 1st from 9am-1pm, we’ll be partnering with Seattle Schools to come alongside Bailey Gatzert Elementary to help with some much needed landscaping, painting, and maintenance as they prepare for this next school year.
I want to encourage us to not just let this be just another “church event,” but something that we’re collectively doing to love our city to life and invite others to join us. If you’re on the fence about coming next Saturday, or already have plans, consider canceling or shifting them to join us – seriously. There’s nothing that produces more joy and unifies us as a church than being of the same mind and heart, and working together to be all that God intended for us to be (Eph 4:16).
As a church, we believe that we’ve been infinitely loved and served by God, through the person and work of Jesus. Because of that, we believe that the good news of the Gospel is not only shared in word, but demonstrated in deed. Matthew 9:35 tells us that Jesus went from town to town not only teaching and declaring God’s kingdom has come, but as he went he met the physical needs of those around him. He didn’t just declare good news, he was good news. In the same way, we not only want to declare the good news of the Gospel to Seattle, we also want to be good news to our city. It’s not about “giving back” but a tangible expression of the Gospel of Jesus Christ – serving as we’ve been served, in Christ.
If you haven’t registered yet, or you want to point your friends to a page where they can learn more, you can do so HERE. Registration isn’t required, but it helps us plan well and make sure we’ve got enough team leaders and tools.
If you’re like me you may have questions, so we’ve put together a list of FAQs below to address as many questions as possible. If you still have a question, don’t hesitate to email , and we’ll get back to you.
For the glory of our King and the good of many,
Pastor David
FAQs
WHY ARE WE SERVING IN THIS WAY?
The Seattle School District has only 5 groundskeepers to maintain 34 schools in the South Seattle school district. This leaves many of the schools without adequate funding and manpower to maintain the properties. As such, these schools heavily rely on volunteer efforts to come alongside and help maintain their properties and facilities.
Additionally, We asked Seattle Schools where their greatest need is, and they told us Bailey Gatzert Elementary School. The school is one of the most culturally diverse and impoverished elementary schools in our region. Over 90% of the students receive subsidized or free lunches and about 15% of the students are considered homeless. Because of the lack of attention and resources over the years, the school has experienced a overgrowth of weeds around the building and along fencing that needs some love and attention.
WHAT WE WILL DO?
- Weeding and mulching
- Removal of bushes, vines from fencing
- Refreshing paint on play lines and maps in the playground
- Misc Projects
WHO SHOULD JOIN US?
Everyone. Whether you are single, married, wanting to bring a friend or the whole family, there’s something for everyone to do!
ARE THERE ANY NEEDS BESIDES SHOWING UP?
Yes. We need team captains who can help keep groups of 5-20 busy, and be a point person for your team. Please indicate on the form below if you are interested in being a team captain!
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE NEEDED?
Seattle schools will take as many volunteers as we can provide, and we are shooting to have 150 Volunteers.
HOW DO I SIGN UP?
Register below and share this link with friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers!
WHERE SHOULD I GO WHEN I GET THERE?
We will meet in the school parking lot area off of 13th Ave S at 9:00 to break into teams and be assigned tasks.
WHAT IF I CAN’T STAY FOR THE WHOLE TIME?
That’s ok, join us anyway! Whether you can come for 1 hours or all 4 hours, we’d love to have you.
ARE KIDS WELCOME?
Absolutely! Bring the whole family, and if the kids get tired of “helping”, there’s a playground for lots of little “breaks” right next to where we’ll be working.
DO I NEED TO BRING ANYTHING?
If you’d like to bring your own work gloves, water bottle, or special snack, you’re welcome too, otherwise, we’ll have plenty of cloth work gloves, ice water, and snacks available (trail mix, granola bars, etc.) to munch on.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Plan to wear grubby clothes that can get dirty, or you don’t mind getting paint on. Cloth work gloves will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own work gloves if you prefer.
WHAT IF IT RAINS?
Bring a rain coat! Rain or shine, we’ll be there.
HOW DO I GET THERE?
- By Bus: The 7, 9, 14, 27, 43, 49, 60, and 309 stop within a couple of blocks of the school.
- By Car: The School is located at: 1301 E. Yesler Way
Seattle, WA 98122. Limited parking is available in the school parking lot, but there’s ample street parking in the surrounding area.
ARE THERE OTHER WAYS WE CAN HELP SERVE BESIDES THESE ONE-TIME EVENTS?
Yes! Although we want to serve and be a blessing corporately as a church, ultimately it’s about relationships. Not only will this be our 3rd year partnering in this way, but we’re praying that as our communities continue to grow, we’ll be able to establish some year-round partnership with some of our city schools in helping with after school programs, tutoring, etc. If you or your community is interested in partnering with one of the schools, let us know and we’ll get you connected.
QUESTIONS?
Email info@