Sioux Falls is having quite the winter. In addition to the Christmas storm, we had a storm last week that cancelled two days of schools in a row. I can't remember the last time Sioux Falls public cancelled two days of schools in a row. And in the midst of this rotten weather, Hillcresters have shown their grit, serving at a couple of service projects that certainly tested our mettle.
Over New Year's weekend, we helped move a family. When I woke up on the Saturday of the move, the air temperature was -30. A new Sioux Falls record for that day. Got a couple calls wondering if the move was still on with how cold it was. Yes, the move was still on, and over 25 Hillcresters showed up to move a family, working several hours, despite the bitter cold.
Then this past Wednesday, we were scheduled to pack backpacks at the Food Bank for the Backpack program. Wednesday afternoon was when the storm started moving in, schools were letting out early, and churches were cancelling their Wednesday evening programs. I was on the phone with the Food Bank and they were going to go ahead with the packing of the 2,000 backpacks. I said that Hillcrest would be there and asked the Food Bank if we could start early knowing that people could come as they were getting off of work (we were scheduled to start at 6:30). From 4:00 on, Hillcresters braved the elements and unplowed streets to pack the backpacks. We even had a little pizza party in the Food Bank's work room as many hadn't had supper yet.
I will carry both these events with me for quite a long time as snapshots at why I am proud of our church and our people, who served despite the elements.
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