Bethany Holds Service Day at Boys and Girls Club

Bethany Theological Seminary students, faculty, and staff participated in a half-day of Service at the Boys and Girls Club of Wayne County on Monday, March 31, 2025. 

Two dozen individuals spent time at the Boys and Girls Club’s Jeffers Unit, the largest of the organization’s five locations in Wayne County. Bethany volunteers helped sort donations, clean up the building and grounds, and assemble a large fundraising mailing for the organization. The club is one of several nonprofit organizations in Wayne County where Bethany students regularly volunteer. 

Community engagement and volunteer service are hallmarks of the Bethany BOLD program for residential students. BOLD (which stands for Build, Organize, Love, and Dare) provides students with opportunities to put their faith and education into action, helping local organizations to serve vulnerable populations. 

Bethany employees are also known for their commitment to service in the community, with many individuals serving on boards, helping to organize events, assisting social service organizations, and participating in arts groups. 

“Our commitment to being good neighbors and serving our community grows out of our Brethren witness,” says President Jeff Carter. “Business leaders and elected officials often remark that Bethany makes a significant positive difference in our community, and we understand we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our Neighborhood.”

By taking time away from the Seminary as a group, Bethany seeks to strengthen its relationships with its community partners, and also offer students, faculty, and staff an opportunity to learn a little about the organizations that host student volunteers. 

Coordinator of Community Engagement Derek Parker organized employee participation in the event. “The staff at the Boys and Girls club was so appreciative of our efforts. What we accomplished in a couple of hours would have taken their small staff several days. It was great to see Bethany making a difference in the community.”

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