MS Walk

bhchurch — Mon, 24 May 2010 05:00:50 +0000

Schumacher Farms

bhchurch — Mon, 24 May 2010 05:00:49 +0000

Habitat for Humanity

bhchurch — Mon, 24 May 2010 05:00:18 +0000

Salvation Army

bhchurch — Sat, 22 May 2010 05:02:03 +0000

Thank you for 14 wonderful volunteers who made a difference in the lives of many on Sunday. I was touched by their compassion for others, servant hearts, smiling faces and willingness to roll up their sleeves and get dirty. Our families, women and community guests were treated with dignity and respect in a world where that is not always the case. For a while the burden of many was lifted. Thank you again for a successful Love Madison event and your commitment to The Salvation Army and the community we serve.

Homestead Living Memory Care Residence

bhchurch — Sat, 22 May 2010 05:00:01 +0000

I engaged an elderly woman with Alzheimer’s. I found myself asking myself, “what was my purpose in serving her, would it really matter that I spent the day with her?” We spoke for a long time, laughing and exchanging stories that crossed a few generations. She was a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, wife and loving friend to many people. Her favorite holiday was Christmas and she loved sipping martinis with her husband after he came home from his service in WWII. As I listened and processed all this information about a total stranger, I realized…the person being served was me. God had invited this woman into my life…not the other way around. I was sad when our time was up and I look forward to going back and visiting my new friend. I pray she remembers me… but even if she doesn’t, I suspect I can pick up right where we left off. I am a changed person because of this woman…. I have a new respect for our minds…and how easily we can slip from what we know. God has blessed me with a new friend. She may not remember me… but she has blessed me.

Joining Forces for Families

bhchurch — Thu, 20 May 2010 05:00:38 +0000

At breakfast the next day, my kids said, “I didn’t know picking up trash could be so fun! Can we do it again and get more families to join us?” That was coming mainly from my 5th grader – who knew?!

Police Station

bhchurch — Thu, 20 May 2010 05:00:24 +0000

A note from someone at the police station:

The lovely folks from Blackhawk made a substantial difference! Whether the officers arriving at work or the public visiting the building, we can be proud of the way our yard now looks. With a budget of $300/year, the benign neglect was showing and these fine people treated the lawn to a labor of love and we are perpetually grateful.

Comments from Love Madison

bhchurch — Tue, 18 May 2010 05:02:00 +0000

* It was one of the best things I’ve done to really help me to better understand God’s love and compassion He has for all of us. We won’t really know God’s love unless we get involved in something that directly helps other without expecting anything in return.

* Relationships were our ENTIRE focus today. And what a reminder…that our “story” is a relational one. Taking our relationship with God and reaching out in relationships with others. Today was a true blessing.

* My wife and I served with our LifeGroup that we lead together. With everyone’s schedules, we are never able to go to church together. This Sunday we could! It was so cool to serve together and share God’s love together. Plus, having our newborn son along, he just lit up everyone’s faces at the retirement center, which was very cool to see.

Capitol Lakes Retirement Center

bhchurch — Tue, 18 May 2010 05:00:17 +0000

As we were walking around the Capitol, one of the ladies mentioned she liked to sing. We then encouraged her to sing to us and she enthusiastically began singing God Bless America. As she started singing, our lifegroup helpers joined in. Soon after, all the people being pushed in the wheelchairs were singing. Imagine walking around the Capitol and hearing 10 Blackhawk helpers along with 10 people in the wheelchairs singing God Bless America! I noticed other people around the capital pointing and smiling. I heard some of them singing as they walked by us. It was a great moment!

CLC Painting Project

bhchurch — Sun, 16 May 2010 05:02:11 +0000

I really liked that this work project was kid-friendly. Watching the younger kids paint brought joy to my heart. One kid in particular spent the entire 3 hours painting a 2 foot section of a wall. He was so thrilled and you could tell that he was very proud of the work he was doing. It was wonderful to see such a young child participate and enjoy the act of service. Hopefully this is just the beginning of a long life of joyful service that this youngster and many others who got to participate in LOVE Madison.