July 31, 2008

Focus on Faith

Neighborhood Church grills up relief for earthquake survivors

By Wanda Hillsbery
Special to the Times

They arrived at 9 a.m. in the Via Valiente Plaza parking lot with tables, awnings and silent auction offerings. Motivated by the goal to raise $5,000 toward a relief fund, about 45 volunteers from Almaden Neighborhood Church (ANC) were anxious to help those suffering from the 7.9-earthquake devastation in the Sichuan region of China last May.

Almaden resident Phil Varni, who is not a member of Almaden Neighborhood church, works the grill with ANC church members Tom Cipielewski, Zack Peters, Elijah Cipielewski and David Butterfield. Photo by Becca Wong

Although small by some standards, ANC has grown the past two years to an average Sunday attendance of about 75 people under the guidance of Pastor Jordan Wong and his wife Becca. The church has made a commitment to “living with open arms and reaching out in love to the world around us,” according to its Web site.

“We talked about it [finding a way to help in China] in Bible study class because one of us had gone to another fundraiser for the victims and I was just so touched,” said Kathy Cipielew-ski, an ANC member. The group decided they had to do something and immediately started planning the barbecue and silent auction. Within a month they organized the event that netted close to their goal.

The funds will be sent to the International Red Cross, Samaritan’s Purse and Operation Blessing—organizations instrumental in taking care of the health, housing, and spiritual needs of the earthquake victims in China.

After members of the church solicited local businesses for donations, gift baskets and gift certificates, donations started pouring in, some arriving the morning of the event.

“Just about everyone was anxious to donate,” said Cipielewski. “When you explain to them that 69,000 people have died and five million are homeless, most are willing to help out. PW Supermarkets provided us with great discounts on various food items, and free supplies of wood and ice for the barbecue.”

Alex Kurosawa, one of the elders at ANC, views the fundraiser as a natural extension of the church. “As Christians, we need to help others,” he said. “We need to show our love by reaching out.” He added that the important part of this fundraiser is the community support and involvement. “We have had a great response from so many businesses. Over 50 businesses donated to this effort and everyone was happy to do it.”

Neighbors were also ready to lend a hand. Ten Key Club members from Leland High and friends from the community were out helping on Sunday. Phil Varni, a resident of Almaden Valley, came bringing his industrial barbecue and quarts of his own-patented invention, Phil’s BBQ sauce. “I came out because I wanted to help. Ron from PW told me about the event and I decided I would do what I could, so here I am cooking away.”

Members of the church were easy to spot in their dark green T-shirts carrying the Galatians 5:6 passage “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself in love.”

Almaden Neighborhood Church youth earned $70 for earthquake relief in China through a bake sale held at the church barbecue fundraiser at the Via Valiente parking lot last weekend. Photo by Wanda Hillsbery

The fundraiser brought out young and old. About 15 children from the congregation set up a bake sale, offering homemade treats and lemonade that brought in approximately $70. Besides their sales prowess, the children passed out flyers advertising the event.

“The kids always like to help out,” said Rachel Clausen, head of the children’s Bible study at the church. “It isn’t the first fundraiser they’ve had,” she clarified. “They took up spare change a few months ago and we sent that to a needy family.”

Customers came throughout the day to show support, dining on tri-tip sandwiches, chicken breasts and hot dogs. Many browsed through the silent auction offerings, coming away with chosen prizes. Several who didn’t have time to stay felt compelled to just donate money; some handed $20 bills to the kids at the bake sale.

Participants considered the event a day well spent. “Even the people who just smile at you and say good luck make a difference” said Daniel Butterfield, a 10th grader at Valley Christian High School. Fred Gibson, a deacon at the church, gave credit to everyone who participated. “I can’t believe this group of people. It is awesome how everyone pitches in. We each have our talents, our ministries and we all get it done together.”

Donations are still being received and can be sent to Almaden Neighborhood Church, Box 20696, San Jose, CA 95160, or visit the church Web site at www.sichuanquakerelief.org.