Invisible City helps those ‘unseen’

By: 
MEGAN LINSKI

Rev. Cathi King at work during Invisible City mission project. Photo by Megan Linski.

From June 16-18, the First Presbyterian Church of Tecumseh partnered with Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and the First Presbyterian Church of Adrian to lend a hand of service to those in the community.

Created by Reverend Cathi King of the First Presbyterian Church of Tecumseh, Invisible City is a mission project that performs work at various homes around Lenawee County, assisting residents with whatever work needs to be done that those residents cannot do themselves. The churches teamed up with the Lenawee Department on Aging, Meals on Wheels and the Tecumseh Service Club to best see what needs were presented in the community. This is the third year the First Presbyterian Church of Tecumseh has organized the project.

The name “Invisible City” arose after King looked around and realized there were many residents in the community who had needs that went unnoticed. “There are people among us that we don’t see,” King said. “Rather than doing a mission trip, we chose to stay local and help out our neighbors.”

Approximately 60 people were scattered throughout various projects sites around the county on the three-day mission. Volunteers came from all generations, including helpers who are in elementary school and a couple in their 80’s. The volunteers did yard work, tree trimming, carpentry, painting, and other projects for those who could no longer physically do it themselves. One of the first jobs included performing various chores for a 90-year old Tecumseh woman, who struggled to complete difficult household tasks. Other work involved interior refurbishing at Catherine Cobb Domestic Violence Shelter.

“It’s a way to show love for people through Christ,” King said. “There are invisible cities everywhere. The best part about this project is it can be done by any church, anywhere.”

King stated that Invisible Cities isn’t about yard work, but about being there for people who have experienced loss and sorrow as they’ve grown older.

“It’s really important we come alongside each other,” King said. “Aging is a universal thing that happens in life, and many of these people have become isolated from the community. Who is to say what the greater need is? These people need to be loved and seen.”

The effect of Invisible City lasts long after the mission is over, King said, as volunteers can see firsthand what change their work has done in their local area.

“You wouldn’t think there’s a need here, but there is,” King said. “This is our home, so we can’t get back on a bus and leave and forget about it. Even when we’re done, we still see them and they’re still here.”

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