Painting, cleaning and hanging drywall were just some of the services provided by members of Parkesburg Baptist Church as they spent a day volunteering at Tel Hai Camp and Retreat in Honey Brook.
About 20 volunteers, including the Rev. Mary Lewis, pastor, visited the Christian camp as part of a day of service for the first time on Jan. 22. They were joined by several Tel Hai staff members, including Brian Williamson, executive director; Bruce Gregory, program director; and Molly Devlin, food service manager.
Prior to the visit, the congregation members met Williamson, who spoke to them about the camp. "The director came to our church to speak to us about some service opportunities here," said volunteer Mary Engel. "He gave us some ideas of what needed to be done and anyone who wanted to help could (volunteer) whatever way was needed."
While some volunteers were completing carpentry and construction projects, others assisted Devlin in the dining hall by making lunch, which consisted of barbecue sandwiches, french fries and tossed salads, which were served with chips, beverages and homemade cupcakes brought by church members.
"We started out this morning (by serving) doughnuts, orange juice and chocolate milk," said Devlin. "Then (later) we had a snack, which was a cheese tray with crackers and grapes. We wanted to take good care of the volunteers because we appreciate our volunteers and what they do for us."
Parkesburg Baptist Church is a mission-focused congregation. Members of the church youth group led by adult volunteers take part in an annual mission trip. Because of the pandemic, the 2021 mission trip members did not travel out of state as usual. Rather, a crew volunteered at Logan Hope School in Philadelphia, where it completed construction projects and helped with a children's summer camp program.
In addition, adult volunteers from the church frequently work off-site "We make a meal once a month at The Parkesburg POINT (youth center)," Engel said. "Some people make desserts, and some people go out to prepare the meal or serve the meal."
"It's nice to help wherever we can," she added.
For those in need of food, the church has set up a mini food pantry. Weather permitting, food items are placed on a table located outside the front doors of the church, 103 West St., Parkesburg. The table was set up in 2020 in response to the pandemic.
For more information about Parkesburg Baptist Church, call 610-857-9135 or search for "Parkesburg Baptist Church" on Facebook.
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