Many Hands, One Heart
Picture this: 9,100 books traveling one block down the street -- not packed away in boxes, but passed carefully, one by one, hand to hand, through a chain of people.
This wasn't a scene from a movie. It was a real-life "book brigade" in Chelsea, Michigan, earlier this month. Local bookstore Serendipity Books needed to move its entire inventory to a new location, and when owner Michelle Tuplin invited the community to become part of the process, the response was overwhelming.
Some 300 people showed up to help form the human chain (chains, actually, as the turnout was so high that they formed two lines), and volunteers ranged in age from 5 to 91 years old. Far from a chore, the event turned into what Tuplin described as "a bit of a street party." People were singing, sharing stories, and reviewing the books as they passed them along the line.
Tuplin did not organize the event to save money on moving fees; in fact, she hired professional movers for the heavy bookcases the next day. Instead her goal was to involve the community in a meaningful and inclusive way, recognizing the sense of ownership and connection people feel when they play a part: "We had so many offers of how people wanted to help," she said, and she wanted to channel that goodwill purposefully.
Located 60 miles west of Detroit, Chelsea boasts a population of about 5,300, and the community managed to move all 9,100 books in about two hours. Because residents passed the books section by section, they were able to shelve them in the new store in alphabetical and subject order, which meant minimal reorganizing was needed once the move was complete. As Tuplin said, "There really is no unboxing or rearranging."
The bookstore successfully reopened in its new location on April 26, coinciding with Independent Bookstore Day. Tuplin acknowledged that running a bookstore is tough, but the community consistently shows up because they value what it brings – connection, discussion, and access to diverse ideas. They understand that supporting it is key to keeping it.
The Apostle Paul encourages us in Galatians 6:2 to "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." While moving books might seem like a lighter burden than others we face, the principle is the same: When the community came together, shoulder-to-shoulder (literally!), a daunting task became a joyful celebration -- accomplished quickly and efficiently.
How can we, Cedar Creek Church, embody this spirit? How can we find opportunities, big or small, to be the "helping hands" for one another -- lightening loads, sharing joys, and building up our surrounding communities in faith and fellowship?