ACS 403 CENTER NEWS
August 2026
Serving Today • Building Hope for Tomorrow
As summer winds down and families settle back into school routines, we are grateful for another season of service, growth, and unexpected blessings at the ACS 403 Center. This summer brought new volunteers through our doors, meaningful connections with those we serve, and wonderful reminders of what God can accomplish through people willing to give their time and hearts to others.
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”
Colossians 3:23 (KJV)
Summer of Service
What an incredible summer of volunteers.
We are especially grateful for the many students who spent part of their summer serving at ACS before returning to school or heading off to college. Many joined us through Hands On, whose volunteer networking program continues connecting ACS with new volunteers each week.
Some came to complete community service or school requirements. Others simply wanted to help. Whatever brought you through our doors, thank you for choosing to spend part of your summer serving with us.
And now that children are returning to school, if your schedule has opened up and you have been thinking about volunteering — come on over. Whether you can give a few hours once, occasionally, or become part of our regular team, there is a place for you here.
Stories of Change
An Unexpected Impact
One of our young summer volunteers came to ACS after graduating from high school needing to complete volunteer hours. With little personal connection to faith, he wasn’t quite sure what to expect from a Christian ministry and was initially somewhat reluctant to be here.
But he stayed.
He worked alongside our volunteers, joined our morning worship time, listened, asked questions, and began seeing faith expressed through service rather than simply hearing people talk about it. He began asking for prayer and thanked our volunteers for showing him what Christianity can look like through kindness, acceptance, and serving others.
Most importantly, when his required volunteer hours were completed, he came back. He has returned many times since simply because he wants to volunteer.
Sometimes we think someone has walked through our doors to help us, only to discover that God may have something much bigger in mind.
From Receiving Help to Giving It
Two individuals who have been longtime clients of our Help Center have recently taken an extraordinary step forward: both are now regular volunteers serving alongside us.
For years, they came through our doors when they needed assistance themselves. Recently, they walked through those same doors ready to help others receive the care they experienced. Because they understand what it feels like to need a helping hand, they bring a special compassion and understanding to those we serve. Watching someone move from receiving assistance to discovering purpose in giving back is one of the most meaningful measures of success we could ask for.
Sometimes the person we help today becomes the person standing beside us helping someone else tomorrow.
Volunteers Needed
Our faithful regular volunteers give tremendously of themselves each week. A few additional helping hands can help share the responsibilities while allowing us to continue serving our community with the care and attention each person deserves.
We especially need someone on Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays to sort, fold, organize, and maintain our linens and household areas. If you enjoy making things neat and organized, this may be the perfect role for you.
Do you enjoy meeting people, making connections, and encouraging others to get involved? We are looking for someone to help us grow and strengthen our volunteer team by connecting with potential volunteers, schools, community groups, organizations, and others who may want to serve.
This is a flexible task that can largely be done according to the volunteer’s own schedule throughout the week and does not require being at the Center during regular operating hours.
There is a place for you here.
Give a few hours once, occasionally, or join our regular team.
Volunteer with usContact the 403 CenterMost Needed This Month
Our current donation needs include:
Clean, gently used donations are greatly appreciated.
Donation drop-off: Monday–Thursday during regular operating hours.
One useful item may seem small to the giver, but it can meet a very real need for the person receiving it.
Christmas All Year Round
Who says Christmas shopping has to wait until December?
Our seasonal area has treasures throughout the year, including Christmas décor and other seasonal finds at affordable thrift-store prices. Stop in, browse, and see what you discover.
Every purchase supports ACS programs and helps us continue providing food and assistance within our community.
Looking Ahead
As ACS continues to grow and evolve, we are grateful for the solid foundation built by the dedicated leaders and volunteers who have faithfully served this ministry over the years.
We are continuing that work by caring for and refreshing our facility, both inside and out, while looking for new ways to meet the changing needs of our community. Our goal is to maintain a clean, organized, welcoming, and safe environment where guests are treated with dignity, volunteers enjoy serving, donors see their generosity at work, and shoppers feel welcome.
Together, we are honoring what has been built while prayerfully preparing ACS for the opportunities God places before us.
Ways to Support ACS
Give
Donate clothing, household necessities, seasonal items, Bibles, hygiene supplies, and other needed goods.
Serve
Volunteer once, occasionally, or become one of our regular helping hands. There is room for many different schedules and abilities.
Shop
Visit our thrift and boutique areas. Your purchases help fund food assistance, programs, and daily operations.
Give Financially
Financial contributions allow us to purchase food, care for our facility, support programs, and respond to needs that donated goods cannot meet.
Pray
Please continue praying for our clients, volunteers, ministry, and for wisdom as we seek to use our resources where they can make the greatest difference.
Hours & Dates to Remember
ACS Thrift Store
Monday–Thursday
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Help Center
Monday–Thursday
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Back-to-School Season
As students return to school, we welcome parents and others whose schedules may now allow a little time to volunteer with us.
Labor Day
Second Sabbath Q&A at Madison Campus Church
Curious about what happens at the 403 Center? Come learn more about who we serve, what happens behind the scenes, and our successes and challenges.
Nashville Praise Symphony — Save the Date!
We are excited to welcome the Nashville Praise Symphony back to Madison Campus Church for a special Sabbath performance benefiting the ACS 403 Center. This beautiful musical event brings together talented musicians for an inspiring program of praise and worship. During the program, a special love offering will be collected for Adventist Community Services, with proceeds helping support the work of the 403 Center and our continued ministry to individuals and families in need. Last year’s event was a tremendous blessing to ACS, and we are grateful for another opportunity to bring together music, worship, generosity, and service. Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 21, and invite your family and friends to join us.
Director’s Corner
As another busy summer comes to a close, I find myself especially grateful for the people who make ACS what it is.
I have had the privilege of watching new volunteers discover a heart for service, longtime volunteers continue to give faithfully, and individuals we once served begin serving others themselves. Those moments remind me that this ministry is about much more than the items that pass through our doors — it is about people, relationships, dignity, faith, and hope.
As we move toward fall, I am excited about what lies ahead and grateful for the strong foundation built by those who have served ACS throughout the years. Thank you for walking alongside us, believing in this ministry, and caring for the people God places in our path.
With much love and gratitude,
Shannon Lundeen-Kreuzer
Director, Adventist Community Services 403 Center
“By love serve one another.”
Galatians 5:13 (KJV)