Laundering Love
Ministries are part of most churches, but one nondenominational group in the county has put a new spin on giving.
Calling themselves the Laundromat Ministry, members of Community Life Church gather one Sunday a month to randomly pass out quarters for washing, rinsing, spinning and drying.
“We've given out thousands of dollars,” said Kevin Riordan, CLC's director of evangelism, who has led the ministry for about five years.
On Nov. 28, Riordan's group of five was one of three doing ministry in local laundromats, approaching people to ask about their expenditures that day.
Eric Bell, 38, was among many taken off guard by the question, estimating he had spent $20 on the many stacks of laundered clothes emerging on the folding table.
“We're going to pay for it today,” said Karen Kurtz, 30, a longtime member of the ministry.
Bell reacted much like others in the Monroe Coin-op Laundry — speechless and hesitant, but appreciative.
“It surprised me, I can say that,” Bell said. “I certainly wasn't expecting it.”
In the group's typical style, Kurtz left a purple printed card that explained the ministry and its purpose.
Usually, members ask if the recipient is seeking prayer or looking for a church. Sometimes, recipients say yes. But according to Riordan, the gesture demands no obligation.
“If we see you in our church, that's fantastic. If we don't ever see you again, God bless you,” Riordan said.
“We're not out to make a name for our church, we're out to make a name for Jesus.”
Although many laundry doers express gratitude, many hesitate to take the gift.“I almost feel guilty. I'm sure there are other people who need it,” said Dan Simonetti, 40, of Butler, who recently moved to Butler from Mars.Kathy Lowers of Chicora expressed the same sentiment, admitting she disclosed only the cost of her wash loads.“I'll take care of the drying,” she said.Although Riordan says it's a privilege to help the needier recipients, he stresses the goal is to demonstrate kindness.“It's not a charity. We just want to bless people,” he said.Dan and Sonya Durkacs feel especially blessed as a result of the Laundromat Ministry, which brought them together about two years ago, when Dan was washing clothes and Sonya was among those giving out quarters.“I didn't take the quarters,” said Dan, 41, of Butler, who was intrigued enough to attend services.“(Kevin) prayed for me and invited me to church and I went,” he added.Although the couple didn't connect during their initial Laundromat encounter, they became acquainted through the church softball team, began dating and married in July.Riordan officiated the ceremony.Now, Dan Durkacs serves alongside his wife in the ministry, which Riordan says distributes as much as $200 a month.The ministry is supported by the church's about 120 members, who meet at 10 a.m. Sundays at McQuistion Elementary School.“We're not a huge church, but we're doing big things,” Riordan said.
