A Transforming Effect

Can you find worshippers at a cleanup?

Yes, you can.

Helping residents in Dallas neighborhoods can be an act of worship observed Dr. Michael Bowie, Jr., pastor of St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church in the Owenwood neighborhood. Owenwood is one of six areas Dallas Leadership Foundation (DLF) targeted for its Celebration of Hope workday activities on Saturday. 

“We feel that God has called us to be an extension of what the church is on the inside,” Bowie said. He explained that worship in Greek means leitourgia and means “the work of the people.”

“And we’re called to ‘worship’ out here in our community, to clean it up, to bring help, hope and healing for those who need it the most. If we don’t do it, who will?”

As he spoke, volunteers cleared an alley cluttered by weeds. Men, women, young and old came out to volunteer. The transforming effect of the workdays, the pastor said, is a deepening of neighborhood ties.  

“It shows ownership. It builds one’s esteem, and I think it also brings a sense of pride to our community,” Bowie said. “I think what happens is, it allows people to not only manicure their lawns, but it also builds relationships, and it brings restoration to the community.”

Mill City

Crews from religious groups, Home Depot, and Sherman Williams painted Natiuidad Garcia’s house in Dallas’ Mill City neighborhood. Garcia worked right alongside them to paint her home where she lives with her husband and two sons.

“I’m so happy,” said Garcia, stopping to paint for a moment. “And my house is now beautiful. Thank you, everybody. Thank you, Dallas Leadership Foundation.”

Jubilee Park

Alexis Juarez stood on the sidelines as volunteers registered for Celebration of Hope’s workday.  Why had he decided to help out? “I’m trying to finish my high school hours,” said Alexis Juarez quietly.

But were there other reasons? “My mother likes to volunteer,” Alexis said. 

Asked about his favorite memories of his mother volunteering, he said his memories were here, in Jubilee Park. So how did he feel following in the family tradition of volunteering?

 “It’s great,” said Alexis. “You’re helping out your own neighborhood. There’s really no reason not to volunteer.”

Before the volunteers started the workday, they held hands for the “Circle Up” prayer time. The moments of encouragement and prayer were led by James Reed, director of DLF’s Church Prison Collaborative. 

“We as believers, as Christians, we can make sure that we become what we call the light and the salt in that community,” said James Reed, who led the Circle Up. Reed directs DLF’s Church Prison Collaborative.

“So we want to be encouraged in knowing … when we walk away, the greatest thing we want to take away today is that we want to put a smile on that person who owns that home. We want to put a smile on their heart.”

Joining the “Circle Up” was Cathy Rodriguez, a member of Skillman Church of Christ. She has volunteered for three consecutive years at Celebration of Hope and also served at the Treasures of Hope Christmas Store. Helping others is a joy for her, she said. 

It’s extra special when she volunteers close to home. “I love it because I get to meet the people in the neighborhood,” said Rodriguez, who moved to Jubilee Park about two years ago. “I get to interact with them, and I get to know them on a personal level. And it blesses me to bless them and to see the looks on their face when they see everybody (volunteers) walk up to help them. 

“Not only that, whenever we get in conservations about each other and spend that fellowship with one another, that’s when I get blessed the most because we all get to know each other really well,” she said. “Also, we get to pray together when we eat, so that’s awesome too!”