Mission Possible: At Mattoon Presbyterian Church

St. Giles has committed "To serve unconditionally our community and church, demonstrating our love for Christ as faithful stewards and servants who share and utilize all of our gifts and resources for the common good" (Mission statement).

Our youth are doing their part in pursuing that mission. Our senior high youth are actively engaged in an ongoing partnership to serve the needy at Mattoon Presbyterian Church. Mattoon, a 38-member African-American congregation located at the edge of the Hampton-Pinckney district downtown, serves a hot meal to the homeless and needy the first Sunday of each month. Guests are seated in the church basement and served individually, just like a restaurant. Members of the Mattoon congregation share the Word of God and guests offer songs of praise.

On the first Sunday each quarter, our youth head downtown after Sunday School to attend a two hour worship service, then work for another two hours downstairs. They fill plates, serve meals, refill cups of iced tea, and clean up. With 100 guests plus the serving line in a room the size of a large classroom, there is ample opportunity for close interaction.

The opportunity to serve those in need is compelling. It is also rewarding to be engaged in a partnership with fellow Presbyterians. We are a connectional denomination, and it is exciting to experience the power of combined efforts. We are now on a first name basis with most of the congregation. The fact that Sunday School attendance is consistently high on Mattoon Sundays is a testament to the excitement that meaningful service work engenders.

The relationship has extended beyond First Sunday. Junior Chris Looney played guitar for several songs during the Mattoon Singers 10th Anniversary celebration. Mattoon's theatrical group has performed their drama, Jesus Loves Kool-Aid, at St. Giles, and Elder Anthony Dawson participated in Matt Matthews' installation service.

We look forward to a long and meaningful relationship with our sisters and brothers at Mattoon. Of greater importance, we look forward to sharing in our Lord's work of service to those in need.