SPRINGDALE — A glass skillet set for $3. Two still-in-the-box stainless steel roasting pans for $4 each.

Maria Tejada was glad she’d heard about the new thrift store opening in Springdale on Thursday.

“I’m so happy. I got good stuff .”

Tejada was shopping at the Compassion Center, a new ministry of Cross Church. Located in the former Hank’s Furniture store on Thompson Street, the center features a resale thrift store and a ministry center in one.

The thrift store offers the usual assortment of clothing, electronics, books, movies, furniture and housewares. The ministry center will strive to fill a different setof needs - English as a second language tutoring, literacy skills, career training, computer skills, budgeting and more.

The possibilities are wide open,said center director Ken Milbrodt. “We don’t know what we don’t know,” he said, his motto in terms of predicting the center’s future. Initial programs include a laundry ministry for the indigent and homeless and a salon ministry for free haircuts.

The benevolence program previously located at Cross Church in Springdale will move to the Compassion Center, Milbrodt said. People must call for an appointment. Those who qualify receive financial assistance with utility bills, rent, gasoline or food.

The hope is that they’ll take advantage of the classes, programs and ministries available at the center, Milbrodt said.

“We’ll minister to them.We’ll identify what their needs are. And, someday, when the timing is right, we’ll introduce them to Jesus Christ.”

Other plans include Bible studies, support groups and discipleship programs, he said. He envisions a church meeting in the ministry area.

About 150 volunteers donated their time to get the center up and running, Milbrodt said. Volunteers will continue to play a key role - as will community members who donate used goods.

Cross Church reaches about 6,500 people in nine Sunday services, said Doug Sarver, minister of global missions for Cross Church. That’s a large pool of potential aid.

The ministry is a win-win for all involved, Sarver said.

“Here’s who won,” he told Tejada as she waited to purchase her items. “The person who donated these things won because they’re clearing out their house and contributing to the kingdom of God. The volunteer won because they’re contributing to the kingdom of God. The customer won because you got a great product at a real value - and you’re contributing to the kingdom of God.

Religion, Pages 10 on 10/01/2011