Volunteer Opportunity--Daytime Desk Clerk

If you call into our offices, you might hear the friendly voice of a Mission staff member or the cheerful tones of our volunteer receptionists. At our administrative offices, two of our most faithful volunteers are Laura (not to be confused with CRM Employee, i.e. the other Laura) and Joyce. Laura has been faithfully coming for over a year, and Joyce has been with us for four. We are so grateful to our many volunteers for meals, etc.; however, as we transition the administrative offices to our Maplewood Center, we're hoping to be able to "clone" Laura and Joyce by finding other volunteers, with daytime availability, willing to serve in the same capacity. We need friendly people who can 1) help people bringing donations or needing information on our services and 2) work in our personal needs room. Some phone use will be involved, but we are willing to train anyone interested. Please call Cheryl or "the other Laura" at 517.485.0145 or email cheryl@lcrm.org or laura@lcrm.org if you are interested in learning more about this volunteer opportunity.

They did it again...

It's always amazing to see the dedication and faithfulness of our volunteers. So many of them love the Mission and our guests as much as we do. Today, Pam brought in cookies for the guys on the program. Pam comes regularly every Wednesday, along with several others. Joyce, one of our volunteer receptionists, unexpectedly popped in to cover the front desk for an hour or so, while her car was being worked on across the street. On Tuesdays, right after leaving her regular job, Elizabeth covers the phones for a couple hours, and I am humbled at the thought of someone who gets out of work and, instead of relaxing with some time to herself, gives that time to us. After all, it is in large part, the volunteers, their compassion, dedication, and spirit of self sacrifice, that makes this place one of the best places on earth to work. And also a blessed place for our guests, at least we try our best to make it so. We couldn't survive without them.

Cleaning up the streets of Lansing...

Today, the City of Lansing held its annual "Clean Sweep" event. The Mission helped sponsor the effort, as well as sending out a group to help sweep the streets of trash and litter. The guys worked hard, and we appreciate their efforts on behalf of our city and its citizens. The photo shows the men gathering at the corner, at the "end of their labours," before they head for home and some much deserved relaxation. Or back to class for some of our program men, who also generously donated their time and worked shoulder to shoulder with staff.

Goodbye...until Tomorrow

Saturday, October 25, 2008, Leon Kellogg shrugged off the mortal and put on immortality. For most of his life, Leon was a staunch supporter of the City Rescue Mission of Lansing. It could be said the Mission was in his blood, as both sets of grandparents were instrumental in creating the Mission and keeping it alive. Leon himself gave over 40 years of his life in service to the Mission: editing the newsletter, volunteering to speak in chapel, presiding over the board of directors, and more. While he and his family suffered greatly from his illness over the past several years, his legacy continues to be reflected in the grateful smiles of every man, woman, and child who is helped, has been helped, and will be helped by the City Rescue Mission. A great example of a servant's heart, Leon is one more of the "unsung" heroes of the faith who have laid a trail for us to humbly follow. Our prayers are with the Kellogg family during this time of separation.

1 Corinthians 15:54: So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”