Jim Reis, Nederland. The historic Nederland Cemetery was restored to its natural beauty this summer when about 30 volunteers, mostly teenagers, spent two days repairing fences, mowing grass, cleaning and defining grave sites, and clearing the grounds of downed trees. It was the work of the Rocky Mountain Mission service program, now in its fifth year at the Nederland Community Presbyterian Church.

The Nederland Community Church once again hosted the Mission program to pair eager young people with opportunities to serve, all surrounded by the stunning natural environment that can help them consider God’s place in their lives. About 75 volunteers from congregations across the country traveled to Nederland this summer to live in the church for a week and perform service projects, making life a bit easier for seniors and other members of the community.

The RMM program was born out of the vision and leadership of NCPC members and Pastor Hansen Wendlandt, who developed the program to connect young people with God through outreach, community building, and spiritual reflection. The youth groups also took part in nightly devotional lessons with RMM Community Coordinator Bailey Johnson. On Wednesdays, each group had an adventure day to explore Colorado’s beauty by hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park or white water rafting in Idaho Springs, followed by picnics and s’mores hosted by church members. 

 In addition to the cemetery project, RMM volunteer groups fanned out across the community completing 31 service projects for seniors and others in need. They built a wheelchair ramp and mobility sidewalk to help folks get around their homes and yards more easily. They worked several days with the Nederland Food Pantry and Clothing Closet to stock shelves, tend the community garden and reorganize and sort clothing. The teens also helped seniors with wildfire mitigation and other physically demanding projects, hauling away 15 trailers full of slash or trash. They stained the exterior of the Carousel of Happiness, served homeless lunches at Socks & Sandwiches, and spent five days doing trail maintenance and cleanup work at Chipeta Park.

“RMM is a fantastic opportunity to teach teens from across the nation the value of selfless service and rewards of helping others,” said Jim Reis, RMM Work Coordinator. Between June 16 and August 2, Reis led volunteers from Atascocita Presbyterian Church of Humble, TX; Providence Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, NC; First Central Presbyterian Church of Abilene, TX; New Hope Presbyterian Church of Katy, TX; First Presbyterian Church of La Grande, OR; and Arvada Presbyterian Church of Arvada, CO.

Special thanks go to the Nederland Lions Club (#3466) for their financial support. RMM could not have completed the wheelchair ramp and mobility sidewalk projects without their generous donation.

Thanks also to the many local volunteers who helped serve alongside our teens, cook them meals, and welcome them with the kindness of our community.

(Originally published in the September 19, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)