By Courtney Rabideau (Contact / Staff Bio)
June 25, 2008 - 12:00 a.m. EST

CARO ‹ While many were still enjoying their morning cup of coffee, Greg Arnett and 49 teen volunteers were situated on roofs, painting garages and hosing down brushes.

All in a day’s work.

Arnett, the Director of Christian Education at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Caro, helped coordinate a Lutheran-based volunteer program known as a “National Servant Event” in Tuscola County.

Every summer, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) organizes more than 100 service opportunities for Lutheran teens from across the country to participate in.

Arnett’s church has been involved in these events for 13 years, servicing projects in many states with the help and involvement of an estimated 370 teens.

This year, Arnett hoped to bring the events closer to home. “We forget that there are opportunities within our own community to serve others and help make a difference. Even though we’ve traveled all over in the past, it’s nice to bring it back home.”

This summer, the participating youth volunteers around Tuscola County are dividing their efforts between five houses, including those in Gagetown, Vassar, Reese and Caro.

“We try to limit the different church groups from around the United States to 10 people to increase the diversity and varied participation that we have,” Arnett added.

At one of the sites in Caro, Arnett counted kids affiliated with six different churches from homes in Kansas, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana and Michigan.

All 49 teens are being housed at the Lutheran church for their nine-day stay, although Highland Pines has offered their facilities for showering, etc. Various congregation members are donating time and food for the volunteers, who will spend their days not only working, but also traveling to the Caseville beach and unwinding with Bible studies each night.

The fixing-up process includes whatever aid homeowners may need, from new roofs to a fresh coat of paint.

“We’ve been blessed with the support from area businesses, who donated money and supplies for these projects,” Arnett stated. “Various contractors and Detroit Edison employees have also been on hand to aid in the construction process. There are so many who deserve thanks.”

Paula Schmitt, one of the homeowners, was nominated by a friend last year to be on the receiving end of the services.

“Her daughter had participated in the events and loved them. I told her how badly I was in need of a new roof and fresh paint, so she nominated me in Greg’s church. In April, I was notified that my bid was accepted,” said Schmitt.

“The kids have been such a blessing. They’re fun to work with, and I’m so lucky to be a part of this opportunity. It makes all the labor seem less like work because you’re meeting and enjoying so many new people.”

Jon Dale, a volunteer from Topeka, KS, has spent many of the past summers participating in national service events.

“It’s something we look forward to doing. It’s a great opportunity for us to serve others,” he said.