Regeneration
1: an act or the process of regenerating : the state of being regenerated.
2: spiritual renewal or revival.
3: renewal or restoration of a body, bodily part, or biological system (such as a forest) after injury or as a normal process
Regeneration Outreach Community is exactly that. We are a community of people reaching out to those who in need, and in that process we are ALL renewed and restored.
“When you volunteer at Regeneration you have the opportunity to change a person’s life. And you might just find that your life has been changed as well.” Ted Brown
I heard this said over 7 years ago, and this statement resonated with me—it has never left me. Why? Because it is true. I graduated as a Social Service Worker and while I was so proud of my accomplishments and my new found ability to “help” my community; I found myself being helped more by the community I was serving. Now, to some this might sound “unhealthy”, but I mean this in the healthiest way. I found myself among a community of people who were honest, hurting, and in need of help. If we are all honest with ourselves, we have to admit we have been there, are there, or very easily could be there at any moment. There is something refreshing about being a part of this community.
Outreach
1: the extent or length of reaching out. “the loving outreach of God to the world”
“Greater love has no one than this that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
Just as God gives us an example of His sacrificial love for us by giving up His life through Jesus Christ on the cross; in gratitude, we have the opportunity to partner with Him as we reach out to a hurting world extending that mercy and grace to others around us. “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 What a gift of dignity. God did not expect us to “clean ourselves up” before we could approach Him; instead, He showed us his overwhelming love by reaching out to us—even in our mess. As we reach out to those in need our goal as a community to serve with love and dignity—meeting a person where they are– no strings attached.
Community
1: a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.
2: a feeling of fellowship with others, a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.
Something beautiful is being built as we come together to support some of the most vulnerable in our community,—a sense of belonging for us all!
“So in Christ we, though many, form one body and each member belongs to all the others”. Romans 12:5
Our volunteers are an integral part of our community at Regeneration Outreach Community, The Marketplace, and Regen Thrift. Whether they are in the back, preparing food, cooking, packaging food, sorting clothes, pricing and cleaning; or working frontlines serving and greeting, they are making a difference in the lives around them. It is our prayer for our Volunteers that just as they are being a blessing to others; they would also be blessed in return.
If you need to be renewed, come join us! If you want to pay forward the love you have been given; come join us; and if you want to help us build something beautiful, come join us!
We look forward to serving with you!
