Northridge Christian serving the community

Published 2:16 pm Thursday, July 18, 2024

Amy Raburn, community engagement pastor at Northridge Christian Church, and her group of volunteers are serving others in the community.

Now, they have a new tool for their service projects.

A new trailer — like a mobile concession stand at a football game – is part of their repertoire.

The church community trailer — holding popsicles, snacks, bubbles and games — has been the centerpiece of the “Northridge in the Neighborhood” summer tour. 

Last week, the trailer was at Harrisburg Park, and church volunteers were handing out treats in between the children’s trips to the splash pad or playground. Earlier this summer, it was at Milledgeville Manor where they gave away popsicles and bicycles.

This week, the Northridge trailer was at the Baldwin and GMC band camps on Tuesday to hand out cool treats. 

On Friday, it was on to the Back to School Bash at Lakeview Academy. They were giving out popsicles and hygiene kits, containing basics such as toothpaste, toothbrushes and soap.

“We go where the people are,” Raburn says. “We feel being in the community is important. People can see their friends, or if they are new to the community, kids can play with other kids and moms can meet new moms.”

Raburn said one of the core values in her job as pastor of community engagement is “We are blessed to be a blessing.

“Serving others and serving our community holds immense importance, as it allows us to make a meaningful impact through the dedication of our volunteers,” she said. “Our goal is to not only meet immediate needs but also foster a sense of belonging and compassion. 

“Through serving others, our volunteers become catalysts for positive change, inspiring hope and transforming lives.”

Several of the volunteers at Harrisburg Park last week were wearing “Serve Day” T-shirts, which also read: “See what love can do for our neighbors.”

“That’s what Jesus was always talking about,” Raburn said.

Ann Jordan, Linda Clarke and Brenda Holmes were among the Northridge volunteers helping in the church’s trailer last week.

“I just love doing this,” Jordan said. “God gave me a talent for hospitality. This makes me feel like I’m in heaven.”

Clarke said she loved serving others and going to various parts of town — where ever we are needed.”

Holmes said she and her husband moved here from Illinois three years ago. They visited Northridge and “loved that the church was serving others.

“We decided to commit to the church and help in serving the community.”

Northridge has a specific “Serve Day” each year. Most recently, church members went to 18 sites — including schools, cemeteries and laundromats (where they gave out $200 in rolls of quarters) — to help as needed.

The new trailer was purchased from funds collected this past Christmas, when a special offering is held each year for various needs. 

The church’s trailer has a light blue wrap, with “served” written on the back. Raburn said her husband, Clint — the band director at GMC, helped find the business to do the wrap because GMC has a similar trailer.

Raburn has bigger plans for the church’s community trailer, such as being at the scene of fires or accidents to serve first responders and others with water and snacks.

“We’ll set up where the community is,” she said. “We’re here to serve others.”