More Than Ice Cream: Sharing Hope and Blessing Neighbors
by Tara Pedersen
All Saints’ Church (Woodbridge, VA) partnered with WTGS Radio (a local Christian radio station) to host a fun-filled community ice cream outreach event. Neighbors gathered for an afternoon of music, games, prizes, and, of course, free ice cream!
Beyond the fun and fellowship, the event was also an opportunity to bless local families. Attendees brought stacks of diapers to support a local diaper drive and help meet a practical need in the community.
One moment in particular captured the heart of the day: A woman who attended shared that she had received help through All Saints’ food giveaway several times. With three teenagers at home, she shared through tears how much that support had meant during a very difficult season. She also shared that she had received prayer at the food giveaway, which encouraged and uplifted her during some of her hardest days.
Recently, she began listening to WGTS because of the challenges she was facing, and she shared how the station’s messages of hope have continued to lift her up. Now that she had a little extra money, she wanted to give back: She brought diapers for the diaper drive as a way to bless other families.
Another special moment included an interview by the radio station with our Associate Rector, Rev. Maryanna Stambaugh. As a mother of three young children, Maryanna+ shared that diapers, of course are a critical need for any young mom, but adding food insecurity on top of it and the challenge can feel crushing. The church can become "the village", the hands and feet of Jesus to those young moms, saying "we see you and we want to help.”
The day concluded with the WGTS team gathering everyone together in prayer, offering thanks for the opportunity to serve and reminding all who attended of the power of community, compassion, and hope.
Events like this are a beautiful reminder of how God uses simple acts of kindness to create connections, share hope, and care for our neighbors.
Tara Pedersen is the Children’s Ministry Director at All Saints’ Church, Woodbridge, VA.
