Teen believes in the power of serving others

Youth taking part in The Big Day of Serving Sept. 15 in Kendall County

YORKVILLE — Laying a paver brick parking lot and planting trees for Raintree Park in Yorkville or painting the exterior of the Kendall County Food Pantry is not how most teens think of spending a Saturday.

Nathan Jensen of  Yorkville, however, is not like most teens.

“It’s great to serve, really powerful,” Jensen said. “I don’t want to just say I care, I want to show I care.
“A big part of my faith is knowing how much God loves me and me wanting to respond to that — by showing other people God’s love by what I do. That’s me with my work crew on a recent service trip.”

Youth Group leaders and parents who want to show their teens the power of serving others are encouraged to sign up at www.thebigdayofserving.com to be a part of The Big Day of Serving on Saturday, Sept. 15.

It’s a one-day event where hundreds of teens will gather to transform Kendall County.

Currently, however, there are more projects than people to do them.

For more information, go to www.thebigdayofserving.com or call Bill Ziech at (630) 385-8112 at Cross Lutheran Church in Yorkville.

There’s a small fee of $40 per person, which will include lunch, a T-shirt, work supplies and a powerful end of the day celebration where your group can share stories and reflect upon the rewards of serving others at a high-energy and worship-filled youth rally.

Other projects include The Beecher Community Center that houses the Senior Services Program and the Meals on Wheels Program. This community center is where seniors gather not only for food, but for social activities and needed fellowship.

On The Big Day of Serving, teens will install shrubs, perennials, edging and mulch to make the building itself more appealing and provide a more enjoyable experience in the community.

Help your youth group to be a part of something amazing – something bigger than themselves – where they will connect with people in need, make a real difference serving elderly and disadvantaged people, and have fun serving with friends.

The Big Day of Serving is a great way for your teens to learn that their actions can make a difference in the lives of others.

Businesses, associate yourself with the revitalization of Kendall County by becoming a sponsor – go to www.hiscross.org or call Joe Reed at (630) 904-0114.

Project recommendations are still being accepted at www.hiscross.org.