News Article from Grace United Methodist Church

Be sure to check out the picture link Jeff


Allelon, The Sunday School Class,

Lends A Helping Hand To

Urban Outreach's Sunday Cookout.

Delegation and coaching won out. The gang mastered assembly-line bagging of give away food. And you would have enjoyed seeing them rise to the challenge of fast food service - - scrunched buns, splattered ketchup, crushed chips and all.

Seriously, the team worked well together. But what's an activity without a few glitches?

As they arrived the rain drops started. The sky darkened. It was touch-and-go for awhile. The group feared the gloomy, chilly weather might ruin the picnic. It didn't. The families knocked down 80 hot dogs.

Shirley Hoy, master "condimentier" enticed the kids to smile as they picked up their meals.

Jeff Newton brought 30 comfortable plastic chairs. That way people could sit down as they ate.

Rob Pinto and Ralph Cory took pictures. Go here to check them out:

http://kokomograce.org/images/ralph/20 06_ur ban_outreach/

The extra help freed up the teachers to play with the kids. The kids crowded the teacher as she blew up and tied the baloons. Then they seemed everywhere as they scurried about trying to keep them in the air.

Paul Zimmerman proved a soft-touch for seconds at the cookie station.

Karin Pinto proved masterful at "packing and arranging". She missed her real calling.

Karen Zimmerman developed true expertise in the fine art of "bunmanship". And Leanna Zimmerman created a strong support station for her mother as she slapped the dogs into the buns.

Suddenly it was time to clean up. One little boy asked Jeff,"Pastor Jeff, do you have to go?" Jeff said, "I'll be back next week."

As the group walked back to Trinity UMC, 3 of the children tagged along. They played with their teacher - - and hi fived it with the rest.

You can help these kids. Each week it's a struggle to find enough sodas. It'd be great to switch them out for juices sometimes. But that seems a dream. I think Jeff would "beg, borrow, or steal" to get some of your home baked cookies. It gives the kids a special treat.

You can even leave them at GRACE UMC and Urban Outreach will pick them up. Just let Jeff know. You can reach Jeff at 765-461-9618.

Remember, there's nothing like the love and trust of a child.