“They are such a blessing. You can tell their helpful feelings come right from the heart.”
Those comments were from Ingrid Zacharyj, who was one of the 40 people who had their property beautified through the efforts of the more than 300 volunteers from Royal Redeemer Lutheran Church’s Servant Saturday Program.
“God tells us to go out and love him and love our neighbors. What better way than to come together as his church and help those in need,” said Pastor Dave Timm.
Saturday, May 5, was a sunny morning, a good weather day to clean up flower beds, rake leaves or cut grass.
“It’s an important day here at Royal Redeemer so people know that we are here and we care. We are not just focused on ourselves, but we are focused on them. We represent Jesus Christ to the people around us, to be the heart, hands and feet of Jesus. Today, we want to let the light of Jesus that is in our hearts to shine,” said Senior Pastor John Zahrte.
North Royalton Mayor Bob Stefanik was there to help send the volunteers on their way after breakfast. “The North Royalton Community is always glad to pitch in and help. From the food bank, the community meal and the churches, our residents are ready to help their neighbor.”
When I arrived at Ingrid’s home, volunteers were already on the job. Ingrid had a big smile on her face. “This is the same group of volunteers that came to my house last fall. We had such a good time. They are so cheerful and so giving.”
And everyone had a job. The youngsters were getting Ingrid’s garden ready for vegetable planting. The teens were cleaning out flower beds, planting and raking leaves. The adults had chain saws in hand to trim branches. There was lots of laughter while everyone was working.
This was the first time for Selena Schtscherbak at Servant Saturday. “I feel like we are serving God. There is a need and we want to do it. I get to spend time with my family and help others out.”
A few doors away, more Servant Saturday volunteers were busy at another home. (We’ll call it Rose’s house). “All of this work is a bit overwhelming. I can keep up with edging and trimming but not much else. This is great. It’s unbelievable,” said Rose.
Andrea Orr was busy cleaning out a flower bed while her sons, John and Greg, were cleaning out a ditch by the street. “It’s good that Royal Redeemer can help. It shows the goodness that people have.”
Jeff Johansen feels that his time spent on Servant Saturday “helps to pay it forward. There are many seniors in North Royalton that are on their own. Days like this are a big help to them.”
After spending two-to-three hours helping out their neighbors, the Servant Saturday volunteers returned to Royal Redeemer Lutheran Church for lunch and to share stories.
Servant Saturday is a ministry that takes place twice a year, usually in the spring and the fall.

By JOE JASTRZEMSKI
Contributing Writer