The Caring Center

As a church with a large building, we are often asking how best to use the space God has given us. We want to be good stewards of this building. For quite a while now we have had unused space in the Gathering Place where Jim the Barber’s shop used to be. At our last session meeting we discussed the idea of renting that space out to a nonprofit since they could have their own outside door and their own bathroom. As a session we thought it was a good idea, but we thought we had time to figure out our next steps. Just three days later, The Caring Center contacted us to ask about the space since they needed to move out of their current space at 110 W Main St by the end of September. While this was happening faster than we expected, session decided that God was at work and approved their rental. Gary Rottink and Dave Freel stepped up quickly to clean and paint and make some small improvements and The Caring Center was able to move in before their lease ended.

We are excited to be able to support the mission of The Caring Center. It is a volunteer driven nonprofit that a few Marshalltown churches worked together to start in 1989. They provide clothing, shoes, bedding, towels, and small household items like dishes and cookware to those in need. All of the items are donated from the community. I am glad we can support this ministry by giving them a below market rental rate and I would encourage you to be supporting them with your prayers and donations. They will open back up on Monday, October 18 and are open from 10-1 on Mondays and Wednesdays to give things away and accept donations. They do ask that all donated clothes be in season since they have limited storage space. If you have donations or any questions or are interested in how you can help, stop by Caring Center during their open hours.