There's no such thing as a free lunch — somebody has to pay for it. That's exactly what the Upper Columbia Conference decided to do for their neighbors on Sept. 10.
After being relocated to a Spokane Valley business park following the fire which destroyed the UCC office, employees began talking about ways to connect with their new community.
Cheryl Tobin, administrative assistant, came up with the idea to hold a community open house where the neighboring businesses would be invited to come meet us and have an opportunity to learn more about Seventh-day Adventists.
As plans were discussed for the open house, it was decided to offer a free lunch to the neighboring businesses and give them an opportunity to sample some vegetarian food as well as meet the UCC staff.
The day for the open house dawned cool and clear. As lunch time approached, UCC staff set up tents on the lawn and began food preparations. By the end of the event, more than forty people stopped by to visit and enjoy lunch.
Each visitor received a small flier describing the various ministries UCC has to offer and a coupon for a free book on Christ's ministry from the Adventist Book Store.
Bob Folkenberg Jr., UCC president, says, "We enjoyed living out our mission as a church in a small way. By serving lunch and visiting with our neighbors, we communicated that, as neighbors, 'we care' and most importantly, 'Jesus cares'."
Kathy Marson, communication administrative assistant, visits with a guest during the recent community open house. (Jay Wintermeyer)
Dave Livermore, UCC personal ministries director, pitches in and grilled vegeburgers for the guests. (Jay Wintermeyer)
