Virginia Episcopalian Magazine Winter 2015 Issue | Page 28

Ten Years Keeping
Folks Warm
The Wood Ministry, a joint effort by church and community
members, remains one of the most important outreach
undertakings at Grace, The Plains. “God called us all to help
beyond our own doors,” said Jeff Brown who, along with
parishioner Paul Smith, coordinates the ministry. With a roster
of 12 to 14 church members and a handful of non-members,
volunteers split and store firewood, make home deliveries and
pick up donations on Saturday mornings. The team delivers
the firewood from late October to late March to community
members who have only a wood stove or fireplace and
depend on the free firewood to heat their homes.

Over two years ago, out of a need for additional security,
the Wood Ministry moved operations from the church parking
lot to a parishioner’s farm. Thanks to a $5,000 Mustard
Seed grant and $1,000 from church funds, they were able

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Virginia Episcopalian / WINTER 2015

to purchase a pre-constructed shed for the new location,
allowing them to store and protect cut firewood. Between the
workers, the team has trucks for delivery, two power splitters
and one trailer.

Last season, volunteers at Grace made close to 70
deliveries to 23 households. “Those receiving firewood are
so grateful and, to us, it’s a humbling experience to see
some of the impoverished conditions which exist locally,”
said Brown. Currently, the team delivers to The Plains,
Remington, Warrenton, Rectortown, Markham, Catharpin,
Catlett, Aldie, Halfway, Broad Run, Sumerduck, Midland and
Gore. Additional wood is donated to the Wood Ministry by
individuals in the Fauquier/Prince William community. “It’s
very gratifying to know that all of us are giving back to the
community,” said Smith. t

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