PLANO — It's unusual for a pastor to tell the congregation not to come to church. But about 35 North Texas religious leaders did just that this weekend.
Members of all ages skipped Sunday morning services to spruce up homes and lift up spirits as part of a movement to "Go and Be" of help to others.
"What this project means is that church is not just a building," explained Carolyn Alvey of Heights Baptist Church. "Church is made up of people, and our pastor challenged us: If Heights Baptist Church disappeared tomorrow, would anyone notice?"
Alvey hopes the residents of a Plano home will notice that her Richardson church cares about where they live and what they've been through.
She was readying a home to help those down on their luck get back on their feet.
"They be may people who have drug addictions or they be people who are challenged in a variety of different areas," Alvey said.
Congregations from 35 Dallas-area churches representing a variety of denominations also participated in service projects over the weekend to help neighbors in need.
Some made meals for single moms; others delivered items to the homeless; still others cleaned up neighborhoods.
"The point of this is to go out and be the hands and feet of Jesus; to show people that we are sinners just like everyone, and we make mistakes," Alvey said. "But we also know that Jesus loves each and every one us, and so we are here just to show love to people who need a little help today."
That labor of love included making repairs and cleaning floors. The residents weren't there to see it happen, but Peter Ngbawah, a supervisor, did.
"I'm very overwhelmed, surprised and very grateful to them," he said. "Really appreciate them coming here."
If you're going to play hooky from church, this is the way to do it.
E-mail ddenmon@wfaa.com
