By Judy Reed

When part of a baseball or softball team, everyone has a responsibility to take their turn in the batter’s box. And Solon Center Wesleyan Church hit a homerun last weekend, when about 150 members of their congregation spread out over the Cedar Springs area to do some major cleaning on “Get off the bench” Sunday.

The effort was part of the sermon series titled “Step up to the plate—servanthood is not an option.”

‘I’m so happy that so many participated,” said Pastor Doug DiBell. “Not only did we bless people, but we were blessed by serving the community. It was great to see people smile and say thank you.”

According to Kathy Mabie, administrative assistant at the church, members had a short service at the church before setting out at about 11:30 a.m. They washed windows on Main Street; delivered plates of cookies to businesses for employees; cleaned the roadside on White Creek from 17 Mile to Pine Street, and Pine Street from White Creek to the water tower; pulled weeds and trimmed grass around the city welcome signs and the Prairie Run development sign; cleaned area parks; visited residents at Metron; and picked up along the White Pine Trail.

“It’s amazing how much has already accumulated since it was last cleaned,” noted DiBell.

They also had a crew at Wesco, washing car windows, refilling wiper fluid, and  passing out popcorn.

Some people stayed back at the church and prayed, while others prepared lunch for the crews.

Mabie said it was the first time in the 127-year history of the church that they had done this. “People appreciated our efforts and it was great to be out in the community,” she said.

DiBell hopes that it won’t be the last time. “I think it should be an ongoing thing to take pride in your community,” he explained.