This weekend I was reminded that being the hands and feet of Jesus requires actually going and DOING something.  It’s easy go to church and talk about making a difference in the community around you, it’s another to really do it.  Greenford Christian Church organized a wonderful event called the Big Day Out, where we went into the surrounding neighborhoods and helped out with projects like weeding, painting, cleaning, handing out water bottles, praying, talking with new friends, and doing it all on a Saturday morning with a joyful spirit.  I got to bring my camera along for the Big Day Out and capture some of the groups in action, and whether it was painting fences or pulling weeds or dropping off goodie bags in the neighborhood, there was one common factor among all the volunteers – everyone had a contagious spirit of JOY.  It was so encouraging and inspiring to see the number of people who showed up willingly on a weekend to go out and make a difference!

If you live in the Youngstown area and are looking for a church community, I’d love to invite you to come check out Greenford Christian!  There are so many opportunities here to get involved and meet new people, and you are more than welcome to join in!

 

The master organizer behind the Big Day Out – Audra!  She’s even more amazing in real life.

Groups gathering at their stations to pray before heading out!

These seamstresses whipped up some magic with their sewing skills!

Goodie bags for the Salem Community Center.

Painting at Small Wonders Learning Center

Painting pavilions at Coy Park

This group of 5th graders sent off the girls softball team to state with cheering before weeding all around the school!

Canfield Middle School never looked so good!  This awesome group of volunteers cleaned up the stadium and the landscaping.

Dropping off goodie bags door-to-door in Canfield neighborhoods!

We met back at church afterwards for pizza and worship – a great ending to an even better day!