Weems Creek Church Washes Cars & Builds Community

By Sharon Mager

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Weems Creek Church used a free car wash as a way to engage their community. But they didn’t just wash cars! As passersby dropped in, they were greeted and offered food while they waited. About 30 volunteers—adults and children—worked in two shifts at two washing stations for four hours. They washed 30 cars and had the opportunity to talk with many visitors. The church used funds from a Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware (BCM/D) Strengthening Churches Grant to help purchase supplies.

Pastor Bryan Sims was pleased with the event. He said, “It was a nice sunny day. We put up tents, tables, and chairs and offered hot dogs, chips, and sodas. We also had a free resource table.” The resources included pamphlets, tracts, books, and gospel material, addressing some of the difficult questions people face in today’s world, such as, “Does God exist?”

Sims found that many people had no prior plans to attend — they simply saw the sign and decided to stop in. They enjoyed the food and other free items. He said, “Some stayed for 30 minutes, just hanging out and talking. We had some good conversations and got to hear a little of their stories.”

Visitors also received gift bags with a few goodies and information about the church and upcoming events, including a fall festival in October.

Many attendees were surprised to learn that the car wash wasn’t a fundraiser and expressed interest in learning more about the church. Sims said he was pleased to learn that most of the visitors lived locally. Several indicated they would like to visit the church, and the team will follow up with those individuals.

For information about how the BCM/D can help equip and resource your church, visit our website.

Feature photo: A family serves together at Weems Creek’s car wash. (Photo courtesy of Weems Creek Church)

Sharon Mager serves as BCM/D Stories Editor.