Thrift store benefits school, neighborhood, volunteers

Calvary's Gift rededicated for fourth year of service

Bethel Johnson, reflected in mirror, wraps items at the cashier's desk Saturday while volunteering at Calvary's Gift. The thrift store, located on the north side of Central United Church of Christ on Washington Street, is in its fourth year of operation.
Bethel Johnson, reflected in mirror, wraps items at the cashier's desk Saturday while volunteering at Calvary's Gift. The thrift store, located on the north side of Central United Church of Christ on Washington Street, is in its fourth year of operation.

What started as a support to a fledgling parochial school has become a ministry crossing congregational and denominational lines. And Calvary's Gift even has found an unexpected ministry to its neighborhood.

Three years ago, Central United Church of Christ offered its buildings at 713 Washington St. to a group of volunteers from the six Missouri Synod Lutheran congregations supporting Calvary Lutheran High School.

On Saturday, the Rev. Warren Brandt rededicated the place of ministry as it begins its fourth year.