VIRGINIA, MN (July 16, 2008) \u2013 What began as a 50th birthday party for local Fire Chief Darrell Knapper has become a unique ministry of First Covenant Church to the Virginia Fire Department.
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\nOne of the members of the church decided to help Knapper celebrate with the members of his department. Dorothy Schuknecht baked him birthday cake and took it down to the fire hall. \u201cShe was welcomed enthusiastically and given a grand tour of the facility,\u201d says church member Wayne Christiansen.<\/p>\n
Schuknecht then suggested that the church could regularly show its appreciation for the service the department provides, which in addition to responding to fire calls includes providing ambulance service.<\/p>\n
The diaconate board agreed to coordinate an effort to take baked treats to the fire hall. Since last fall church members have signed up to take cookies, cake, or sweet breads for the personnel to enjoy with their coffee every other week.<\/p>\n
As well, church members are encouraged to pray for the department shift that is scheduled to put in the most hours each week. The department employs 21 people, each of whom averages 53 hours a week.<\/p>\n
Both the baked treats and the prayer support have been received with much appreciation, Christiansen says.<\/p>\n