Mission Project at Brown Memorial: Church puts ‘God's Hands' to work

By Linda Loomis

“God has no hands but our hands, to do his work today.” The lyrics of that old hymn came alive as winter-weary gardens blossomed with golden marigolds; dingy woodwork glistened with bright white paint; and dust bunnies were whisked away by approximately 20 workers, who demonstrated the Holy Spirit in action at Brown Memorial Church Thursday morning.

As the volunteers gathered for a spicy Caribbean lunch, Donna Kay Campbell, Syracuse Westside Urban Mission, gave thanks for their efforts, adding, “It's important to recognize that mission work can be accomplished right around the corner.” The Rev. Betty Morey encouraged volunteers to take back to their respective churches the message that there are always projects waiting to be done at Brown. Several workers said they had heard of the church and neighborhood mission and that they had even supported it financially through various projects. But, seeing the church and the surrounding neighborhood gave them a clear understanding of the important role it is playing in the life of the community.

Cleaning the gardens by the sweat of their brows are, from left, front—Dora Schneider and Mary Drake; back—Glenda Schuessler and Roosevelt Baums.