A piece of the Druid Hill area in Baltimore, Maryland, just became brighter, thanks to the uniting of faiths and communities in early September.
Members of the Union Baptist Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and The Green Ambassadors (a partnership between Wheelabrator Baltimore’s We Can Bmore and the Ministers’ Conference of Baltimore and Vicinity) came together with shovels, brooms and willing hearts and hands to serve and make a difference in the community. This event sprung from a desire to participate in the annual service initiative Day to Serve. The purpose of the event is to transcend differences, unite all and uplift neighborhoods and individuals in need.
- Baltimore cleanup
- Baltimore cleanup
- Baltimore cleanup
- Baltimore cleanup
- Baltimore cleanup
- Baltimore cleanup
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
Adults and children alike cleared trash and debris from the streets and planted flowers. Such simple acts proved to be very rewarding for those who participated and will bless the lives of those who live and work in the community.
Reverend Alvin C. Hathaway of the Union Baptist Church proclaimed, “Sometimes we don’t really talk about this amalgamation of amazing faiths, amalgamation of amazing ethnic groups and communities who come together and share. We are not a segregated community. A shared love for the city of Baltimore, for service and for one another made this event both memorable and significant.”
Erin Wilson, Baltimore Stake director of public affairs for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, reflected, “It really does help to see a flower get planted and think that somebody cared enough to put that in the ground. A clean and beautiful environment inspires hope and pride within oneself and community.”
“At a time when the world seems to be too quick to find divisions among us,” remarked Latter-day Saint Suzanne Tomasetti, “this event displayed the power which exists in being of one heart and one purpose.”
The collaboration between the historic Union Baptist Church and members of the Baltimore Stake has been demonstrated in many ways during nearly a decade of friendship and service.
Many of the participants were members of the Baltimore Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “We are strengthened and healed as we serve,” said Michael Brady, stake president. “Serving our neighbor as ourselves is transformative for both the receiver and the giver, and as we serve within our community, there is a light that glows and lifts each soul.”