Actions

Lenexa church gives back to several organizations

Posted
and last updated

LENEXA, Kan. -- One church in Lenexa is making a mission to serve others.

This Sunday, dubbed Servant Sunday, St. Paul's United Methodist Church of Lenexa teamed up with seven organizations. 

"It's extremely gratifying as a pastor to know in a world that has some trouble, God wants us to give our hands," explained Reverend David Livingston, Senior Pastor.

Sunday, that's coming in all forms.  The church is working with Rise Against Hunger, KC Pet Project, The Giving Brick, Harvesters and Meals on Wheels, Project Patricia Hands of Love and the Community Blood Center.

CBC had every spot filled, which meant about 25 people were donating blood.  That saves about 50 lives.
Inside the church, volunteers braided strips of recycled T-shirts to make chew toys for dogs at the KC Pet Project.  They also made a special treat.

"Take one dog biscuit and put peanut butter on the flat side and put another one on top," explained young Brayden Penka, about the activity he chose.

Churchgoers are sorting Legos for The giving brick.  That's a group that takes donated Legos and puts them back together into full sets to give to foster children.

"Legos are very therapeutic. I like knowing we can do something special for kids who need a little extra help," said Leslie McMahon.

Rise against hunger says 850 million people worldwide do not have enough food to live a healthy life. Sunday about 100 volunteers weighed rice and loaded up vegetables hoping to hit 20,000 meals.

"It's part of the poverty cycle. Food ends up last on their list. If they're hungry they can't focus on those other things," explained 14-year-old Claire Shaw, who chose to put meals together for her day of service.

Other volunteers loaded up full boxes of food into a delivery truck that will be taken to Rise Against Hunger's warehouse.  Once that container is full it will be shipped out.

350 volunteers at the church participated.  It's in its second year of Servant Sunday.