Lutherans from Palatine, across the U.S. gather for day of service

All across the country, congregations on Sunday will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America by holding a day of service.

A trio of Lutheran churches in Palatine decided they could do more good by rolling up their sleeves together, so they’ve partnered for the national “God’s Work. Our Hands” initiative.

“We thought wouldn’t it be awesome if the three churches worked together to make a real impact on Palatine locally and show the community that we’re here and working together and interested in being good neighbors,” said Pastor Seth Moland-Kovash of All Saints Lutheran Church.

More than a hundred members of All Saints, Bethel Lutheran and Christ Lutheran churches will spend the day volunteering at a variety of spots.

Some will stock shelves at Bethel’s food pantry, do yardwork for seniors in need, work at a Habitat for Humanity Site or make quilts for Lutheran World Relief to distribute to refugees in different countries.

Moland-Kovash said others will work a kids fun fair at the Palatine Opportunity Center’s Roots Community Garden on Hicks Road, where they’ll read to children and give them books to take home.

Many of the national Lutheran organization’s 4 million members from 10,000 congregations are expected to participate.

“To celebrate our anniversary, we’re not going to just have a cake and a party,” Moland-Kovash said. “We want to try to make a difference in the world. And we really believe God depends on us people here to be the hands and feet that go out and serve and show love across the country.”

Moland-Kovash said the church members frequently do community service, but this is an opportunity to be visible in the community. Everyone will gather Sunday evening at All Saints for a fellowship dinner and to reflect back on their experiences.