ELCA Youth Visit, Work at Retirement Facility

ST. LOUIS (ELCA) -- Some 40 high school-age young people and adult volunteers spent an afternoon working at a local retirement facility and impressed the residents with their enthusiasm and work ethic. The 40 were from four congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and were participants in the ELCA Youth Gathering here.
The ELCA Youth Gathering is meeting June 28-July 2 and July 5-9. The two events bring together some 40,000 Lutheran youth of high school age who are engaging in worship, Bible study, learning, community service and fun. The gathering theme is "Dancing at the Cross Roads."
Hundreds of young people and adult chaperones visited and worked at area retirement and nursing homes as part of the gathering's community service component, "Two Step Service." More than 100 projects involving parks, day care centers, homeless shelters and retirement and nursing homes took 7,225 teenagers into St. Louis and the surrounding area June 29-July 1. Another 4,600 young people are registered to lend a hand July 6-8.
"I can only thank God for this," said Barbara Thomas, site manager, Badenhaus Apartments, St. Louis, as she watched the gathering volunteers clean hallways, wash windows, trim bushes and weeds, cut grass and visit with residents. Badenhaus is an independent living facility for senior adults operated by Lutheran Senior Services, Inc., Webster Groves, Mo. The facility is located on property owned by the St. Louis Housing Authority.
"God sent these young people to me," she said. "We need all the help we can get. You never know who's watching over you." Thomas manages the 100-unit retirement facility and has limited staff and budget to maintain it. Many residents are lonely and appreciated the time to talk with the Lutheran volunteers, she added.
Volunteers who worked at Badenhaus July 1 were from Advent Evangelical Lutheran Church, Columbus, Ohio; Trinity Lutheran Church, Sleepy Eye, Minn.; Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Gackle, N.D.; and Christ the King Lutheran Church, Newcastle, Wyo. During the gathering, several other groups of volunteers also worked at Badenhaus, Thomas said.
"Everybody thinks this world is going to the 'dogs,' but come see these young people!" said Russell Remstedt, a Badenhaus resident. "They bring us joy! My wife and I really do appreciate their help. They're a fine example that our country isn't lost."
The work was hard but it was for a good purpose, said Angie Armstrong, 17, Christ the King, Newcastle, Wyo. "Four hours of work is not that much to ask," she said, adding that the residents seemed to be thankful for the time they were able to talk with the visitors.
The work party also gave the young Lutherans an opportunity to meet other Lutherans from different parts of the ELCA, said Lisa Bruch, 14, also a member at Christ the King, Newcastle.
"It is important for the young people to exercise what it means to give of yourself," said the Rev. David F. Winterfeldt, Emmanuel, Gackle, S.D. "This is a chance for them to see the church as serving." Winterfeldt added that the Gackle area has a considerable number of seniors, too.
Learning the importance of service to others is significant, and the afternoon at Badenhaus provided that opportunity, said Kristie Flamm, adult volunteer, Advent, Columbus. "It's what Christ would have done," she said. "This is the example He set for us."
The Badenahus residents were not able to do the work the volunteers did, and the staff needed the extra help, said Dustin Gerken, also a member at Advent.
"This is worthwhile," said Chris Haugen, Trinity, Sleepy Eye, Minn., as he helped a crew do yard work. "It is good to get involved with the community."
Sweeping and cleaning at Badenhaus may seem like a small task. But the work is being done in Jesus' name, said the Rev. Mark L. Little, Trinity, Sleepy Eye.
"We are Christ's kids, His servants, and this work helps cement the idea that being a Christian means something," he said. "We try to impress on the young people that we receive and we serve. The kids are willing to do service more than we give them credit for."
Robert Hamilton, a maintenance worker at Badenhaus, helped the July 1 volunteers perform their work. As their visit to Badenhaus came to an end, Hamilton said he was sorry to see them leave.
"It is so refreshing to see these young people come out and work," he said about all of the week's volunteers. "There were lots of smiles. Some played the piano and sang with the residents. It was great."

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html