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08/29/2018 08:15 AMSometimes no church is a good thing. Just ask Pastor Brett Hertzog Betkosk, of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Centerbrook. Betkoski is officially canceling church on Sunday, Sept. 16; instead of having his members go to church, he is having them be church.
“In today’s world, life for everyone is moving a mile a minute and to get parishioners to volunteer on another day plus go to church on Sunday doesn’t always work,” explained Betkoski, who has been the pastor at the Trinity Lutheran Church for just over two years. “Since people already have Sunday mornings set aside for church, they are available, so we decided it was okay to cancel church so we can go volunteer and be church in the community.”
The church’s website tlccenterbrook.com states, “Trinity is not bound by the walls of its building—but rather our work of faith really begins when we leave church.”
In keeping with that mantra, Betkoski and his volunteers have been scouring the surrounding neighborhoods, politely asking residents if they have any projects or chores around the house and in the yard that they need an extra hand with.
“This is a way for us to give back, which is the crux of Christian faith,” said Betkoski, quoting James 1:22 “We are called to be doers of the word not merely hearers of the word.”
Currently Trinity Church has 60 committed volunteers who will be showing up on Sept. 16 to worship in a different way and help their fellow community members with projects such as fallen tree removal, brush removal, landscaping, garage and basement clean out and more. All projects are ones that can be completed in a day.
The Essex cub scouts will also be volunteering, as well as a group of clowns who use the church space for meetings.
“We have encouraged everyone to volunteer. We have something that literally everyone can do,” said Betkoski, who added that there are even volunteers who will host a tea party with residents of Essex Place who just don’t get out and talk with people as often as they would like to.
“I don’t think getting out and being church in your community is a new philosophy,” said Betkoski. “Church as just something to go to on Sunday needs to change. Church is something that comes to the community and helps to build a healthier more unified community. Bringing together those in need with those who can help them and getting people to know one another.”
He added, “Who knows people who may have never met, will meet through this and go have lunch with each other.”
On Sunday, Sept. 9, the church will hold a rally day to welcome new parishioners. There will be live music and an ice cream social for the kids.
“We are hoping to get some new faces on our rally day and maybe those people will also want to sign up to volunteer the next Sunday with us,” said Betkoski.
For more information about volunteering, or to get on the list for help with projects that require an extra hand or two, find a sign-up sheet at the Ivoryton Library, the church website at www.tlccenterbrook.org, or call 860-767-0228.