Donn’s Desk, FEBRUARY 2008

Recently, I was asked to check out the origins of the Deacons Conference in Denver. So I began to look at old files that a former board secretary, Andy Tjeerdsma, brought into the office a while back. In those files were 50 years of very well kept minutes dating back to April 15, 1958.

That yearthe deacons of the churches met and decided that it would be good to cooperate on some projects and needs that could be better addressed by working together rather than individually. They voted at that meeting to “organize the Rocky Mountain Deaconal Conference, draw a constitution for the same, and collect information on an old age project.” Those minutes report an emphasis on creating unity to solve problems in our community that were shared by all the churches. Uncovered were records of essentially 50 years of the deacons working together on a wide variety of common interest issues and needs.

We will celebrate this rich history of 50 years of working together at our April 3rd Foundation for Volunteers in Action Spring Dinner. We would love to have you join us in this celebration of the past and of what we can do together in the future.

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3

Needing a Push

Mentor Esther Hampton was matched with Stephanie nine months ago. Stephanie is a single mom with two school age boys. They live with her parents. In January 2007 she found herself unemployed and facing some serious legal difficulties. She attended a DenverWorks' workshop and applied for a mentor through Partners for Success. Her short term goals were to find good, full-time employment and put together a workable budget. One of her long term goals was to move into her own house.

After four months of meeting together, Esther reported, “Progress is slow.” She went on to explain how difficult it is for a mentee to come up with a plan for change and then actually take the steps toward accomplishing the plan. Movement forward did not seem to be happening.

At our six month meeting before we even started our conversation, I observed a change in Stephanie. She sat up straight; she looked confident. I saw a very different woman than the one I met six months earlier. Together they explained what had changed and what still needed working on. Stephanie said, “I was hopeless; now I'm hopeful. I knew that Esther had God in her life and we invited God to join us. I needed a push.”

If you want to have a mentoring experience, contact Donna VanElderen at the VIA office. –Donna Van Elderen, Program Manager, Partners For Success

Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. ~William Arthur Ward

It all started with a sermon last summer on “Gifts of the Spirit”. The teacher stated that volunteers are not thanked enough. That began a flow of ideas as to how we could show our appreciation. The idea came from what Jesus often talked about, “Throw a banquet!”

Our volunteers who give of their time, talents and resources were invited and many of them came to our luncheon at ThirdChurch on January 19th. There is really nothing better than fellowship in the body of Christ and the room was electric with the joy of being together.

Zenzal Carr of Hope Communities spoke to us about the importance of living in reciprocal relationship with one another. It was a timely message for all of us and we appreciated her shared experience; it renewed our dedication.

For those of you who were unable to attend, we hope you can make it the next time. We appreciate you.

–Anastasia Remmes, Volunteer Coordinator

It's easy to make a buck. It's a lot tougher to make a difference. ~Tom Brokaw

Pete Lanser Receives Volunteer Award

Pete Lanser, a faithful and humble volunteer, is being awarded the Minoru Yasui Community Volunteer Award for February 2008. This award honors relatively unrecognized individuals in the Denver Metro area who make significant volunteer contributions to their community.

This award is named after Minoru Yasui, a community activist and attorney who lived in Denver from 1844 – 1986. Minoru was compassionate for the oppressed, dedicated in his concern for equality and fairness, and tireless in his volunteering for those in need.

Pete has been a dedicated volunteer for Volunteers in Action’s Faith In Deed program. He has faithfully volunteered over 350 days at Joshua Station, a transitional homeless housing program. He heads the building and grounds committee of his church, serves on the Board of Directors for the Second CRC Preschool and does maintenance and snow removal for the preschool as well. Quite an accomplishment for someone who is 82 years old! The ceremony honoring Pete will be held at the Marriott Tech Center Hotel, 4900 S. Syracuse St. on Thursday, February 28th at 5:30 pm. You are cordially invited to attend.

--Donn Hansum, Director