Worship Transportation Ministry – Leave the Driving to Us
What does riding the bus to worship at Trinity entail? I took a ride last Sunday to see for myself, and I met some lovely people while doing so.
The bus pulled up to Trinity’s entrance at 7:45 AM as volunteer Craig Remmen stood by the church office, making his last confirmation calls for a ride to church that morning. Randy Elsbernd, the driver of the day, had the bus warmed up and ready to roll. Craig and I chose back seats as Randy said we’d have about eight riders that morning. “A big part of the [volunteer’s] job is figuring out who we’re picking up and calling them,” Remmen explained. Elsbernd studied his list of riders and yelled back to Remmen, “We’ll pick up in the order they’re listed.”
One by one, Remmen called the riders to let them know they’d be the next pickup. The first rider was Carolyn Bethke, who said she’s been riding the bus “ever since I moved from Dallas…a long time!” She’d recommend riding the bus to church as church is important to her. “I can pray to God, and I like to pray for my family and friends…and my cat!”
The bus offers a lot of room, and has the capability to help people with walkers and in wheelchairs. Elsbernd was very adept not only at driving, but jumping out to help people get into the bus if they needed the extra assistance. Remmen explained that this ministry used to consist of a van, but the handicap accessibility and a professional driver make a big difference. Remmen and Elsbernd greeted riders as they came into the bus and made them feel welcome…the first part of Trinity’s radical hospitality.
Next up was Stan Olson, who was wearing a big fur cap that reminded me of one my dad used to wear. He also recommends the bus service. “It’s nice!” he said. “I don’t drive anymore.” Even though he’s lived in Iowa since 1931 and in Mason City since 1980, he said, “I never got used to the winters. It’s nice to have a change of seasons…and I just put up with the winters.” We had a fun conversation, and he told me I had a nice smile. A reminder of my father and a compliment. Not bad for early on a Sunday morning!
Denice Pinnske has also been riding the bus “for a while.” She said she rides it because she likes going to church and buses are the only way she gets around.
Another stop and elegant and cheerful Glea Brunner entered the bus. “It’s nice and warm and everybody is so lovely!” she said. “It works out so nicely for me.” Brunner was driving until a few months ago when she quit because of her arthritis and declining coordination. “I’ve been riding a few months now and it means the world to me!” she exclaimed. “I miss driving, but this is just wonderful…just super! I love the people and I love the church.”
Another rider, Sandra Willis, said she rides the bus to church because she has no car. “I’ve been riding a long time and I love going to church!” she said. “I usually don’t miss it unless I’m sick.” Since she’s been going through chemo, she doesn’t feel well some days. “I just wish it were summer,” Willis said.
Another nice man, Stan Curry, was next on the pickup list. His reason for riding the bus: “I fell and the doctor suggested I don’t drive anymore. I start therapy next week.” He started riding the bus just this year and would recommend it to others.
Finally, the last passenger of the day, Sharon Heimbuch, entered on her wheelchair with the assistance of Elsbernd. “Hi Sharon!” the riders of the bus shouted. Her reply of course was in song: “We’re all in our places with bright shiny faces!” Suddenly, the people on the bus seemed like a family who is used to being together every Sunday.
However, this wasn’t the case as this was Heimbuch’s first time riding the bus! She just recently started using a wheelchair as her knees were hurting so badly with bone on bone arthritis. “I couldn’t walk down to the garage,” she said, “and I’ve started physical therapy to get stronger.” Heimbuch explained that every Sunday she would “see this nice bus with nice people getting on and off,” and it never occurred to her that she, too, could use this service. “I’ve been listening to church on the radio,” Heimbuch said, “and this means I can come to church. A huge part of church is the community of believers being together!”
From the grateful riders to the welcoming volunteer to the competent and friendly bus driver, this transportation service to Trinity is a beautiful thing. If you are in need of a ride or if you’d like to be a volunteer from time to time, call the church office to help make arrangements. And be ready to start your Sunday morning off with a smile…and a warm ride in the winter.†
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