Covenant News

Church Helps Stinky Situation

MASON CITY, IA (May 30, 2005) - The handle on the toilet plunger in the lobby of First Covenant Church is painted to look like a thermometer. As attendees contribute more donations to help a community member, the thermometer is colored in.

The image is fitting because the church recently agreed to pay $3,000 to repair a sewer line so that local resident Bob Snook could move back home.

"We're having a lot of fun with it," says Pastor Tammy Swanson-Draheim.

Snook was forced from his home when the sewer line to his house broke, causing sewage to back up. He hoped the City Council would pay for the repair, but the members voted that Snook would have to foot the bill because the problem was on his property, and not on a city street. Snook could not afford the repairs, however.

Snook does not attend First Covenant, but a member read about Snook's situation and asked if the church would help, calling an impromptu meeting after a Sunday the service.

"The room was filled (with people who wanted to help)," says Swanson-Draheim. "They were really excited."

"We have really been focusing on how we can be more involved in the community, to be more of a blessing," Swanson-Draheim adds.

The group decided to gather donations and may have a car wash next month to pay the repair costs. In the meantime, the company repaired the line after the church promised to pay the bill in three months.

The church is confident it won't be money down the drain.

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