HACKENSACK — Churches throughout our region are more than buildings.
They are community gathering spaces and places for other organizations to use space and do good work.
This week on Bright Spot, we talked with the Rev. Torri Vande Zande, pastor of Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Hackensack, to highlight some of the ways they serve their neighbors.
Vande Zande said this church has been in Hackensack since the early 1900s. Its church bell was used as a fire alarm system in the town's early days.
"When a fire would break out, they would ring the bell, everybody would come, and they would know that they needed to work together," she said.
Faith in Action for Cass County got their start at Union Congregational. The group has a mission to connect local resources to community needs. They have grown from a few people to hundreds of volunteers and are now their own nonprofit with an office in downtown Hackensack.
Other groups that use the church building include Alcoholics Anonymous, Northwoods Arts Council and two exercise groups.
Take one look at the church's calendar, and you can see that there's a lot going on.
"That has always been our belief," Vande Zande said, "that we serve people and that's how we love God."
There is also a child care center, Great Start, that rents space at UCC.
The church is raising funds for a new roof with a fundraiser 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16. The theme is "Frost and Flannel," with dinner and live music from local musicians Larry Kimball and Mama Wags. Attendees are encouraged to wear flannel with a prize for the most creative presentation. Freewill donations will be accepted. There will also be a bake sale and silent auction.
"The whole point is to raise money for the roof, so that we can continue to serve our community," Vande Zande said.
This event is part of the Back to Hack celebration, which is happening Friday through Sunday in Hackensack.
Listen to our full conversation above!
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The Bright Spot is made possible by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the citizens of Minnesota.
