This week’s Featured Volunteer is Rev. Peggy Jean Craig, Pastor at Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Germantown. Check out our Q&A with Rev. Peggy Jean. 

How did you hear about Volunteer Odyssey? How have we helped with your volunteer journey?

I found out (originally) about Volunteer Odyssey at the Mayor’s Faith Leaders meeting in Germantown.  A few weeks ago, as a congregation, we decided to engage in 12 hours of fasting from injustice for Ash Wednesday.  Our readings for a few Sundays ago and for Ash Wednesday come from Isaiah 58 where God says that during a fast we are to feed the hungry and care for the afflicted…a great idea, but sometimes hard to schedule on a specific date at a specific time.  I connected with Sarah at Volunteer Odyssey, and said, “Do you know of any opportunity between 9am-12pm on February 26th where 5-10 people from my congregation can feed the hungry and care for the afflicted?”  She connected us within minutes to Catholic Charities and they suggested the community cookout.  When we volunteered, we gave out 40 hotdogs, 240 pieces of chicken/120 lbs of chicken; and we accomplished our goal/fast of feeding the hungry and caring for the afflicted. But, the volunteers and the folks coming by to get food exchanged more than fried chicken.  They shared stories, laughs, hugs, songs, dancing, prayers, hardships and hopes.  I can’t imagine a better pairing.

We mentioned to the good folks at Catholic Charities that we were starting a choice food pantry from our communion table.  We started talking, and they are going to hook us up with fresh bread and also suggested we might think about offering a clothes closet, as well.  Then, they gave us a tour of their very successful pantry and clothes closet and gave us some great advice on how we might advance this work in Germantown at our church.

Absolutely none of this would have been possible without Volunteer Odyssey (VO).  VO knew just the right match for our group and the organization.  We had a wonderful experience that was meaningful, tangible, and appropriate for our volunteer group.  Some of the relationships that began through VO’s help will continue on into the future and will help with feeding and clothing folks throughout the greater metro area.  I can’t express how thankful I am for VO’s expertise and relationships.  You helped us to begin Ash Wednesday by really living Lent. Thank you!

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Visit VolunteerCompass to find volunteer opportunities for your group or congregation.