Churches aim to do service in community

Published 11:08 pm Tuesday, September 23, 2014

You’ve probably seen those “don’t go to church” signs in people’s yards or in front of churches lately.

If you are wondering why churches would tell you not to go to church, here’s the answer. Last September, for one Sunday, hundreds of people banded together for the “Don’t Go to Church. Be the Church!” project, a community-wide effort led by Dalton First United Methodist Church on Thornton Avenue.

This year, the project has not just one, but eight churches leading community service projects all across Whitfield County, this Saturday and Sunday.

Community Fellowship Church, Crosspointe Christian Centre, Dalton First United Methodist Church, Fellowship Bible Church, Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, Rock Bridge Community Church, Temple United Methodist Church and Trinity Baptist Church have come together for one common purpose: to assist those in need.

“It is our hope that the program will be a great cross-collaboration of churches setting aside their theological differences and coming together collectively to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ,” said Cindy Ray, a volunteer and co-chair of the “Don’t Go to Church” movement.

Much like last year, the service projects will take place all across the area. But instead of 26 projects, there will be more than double that amount.

“We have close to 64 projects that people can sign up for this year,” said Kenny Ott, the outreach pastor for Dalton First United Methodist. “And some that we’re still hearing about that are in the works.”

Each church has designated project leaders to assist with a multitude of projects, but people should not shy away from a project if they are not a member of that particular church.

Ott encourages anyone who finds a project they’re interested in to sign up. Those wishing to volunteer can visit www.servewhitfield.com.

“Though the churches have project leaders, the projects are not exclusive to just members of those churches. We invite all people of all walks of life to come and help the cause,” he said.

There are projects appropriate for all ages and abilities, from landscaping, construction and beautification to fishing, sewing and singing.

Other projects include building wheelchair ramps for City Park Elementary School, making walking trails around the county, making cross-country trails for the area high schools and Dalton State College’s track team, making dresses for girls in the Philippines and writing letters to servicemen and shut-ins, among many others.

 There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer for those unable to participate in physical work.

“While some are completing their volunteer work with landscaping or painting, others will be going around and visiting shut-ins, listening to their stories and singing for them,” said Michael Young, music pastor for Crosspointe.

In addition to the community service opportunities, churches will also host various events this weekend. For example, Trinity United Methodist Church (901 Veterans Drive) will hold a free Community Health Fair on Saturday, where they will offer free health screenings and nutritional counseling.

“If you don’t see a project that you want on the list, call one of the churches!” emphasized Ray. “There are no strict rules, just do something that’s appropriate for you and that will help someone in need.”

Suggestions for a service project must first follow three guidelines: it must be for a not-for-profit organization, you must receive permission from the landlord if it takes place on private property, and it must already be funded.

“Last year’s emphasis was more on creating buzz with ‘Don’t Go to Church,’” said Ott. “This year, it’s ‘Be the Church.’”

“We’re exploring the ways we can be active in the community,” he continued. “What we’re hoping is that the community sees us not as ‘a church’ but as ‘the church.’”

Wrapping up the weekend of service will be a community celebration Sunday night at the trade center. The Christian band Calling Glory will perform. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and the celebration will begin at 6.

“We encourage anyone from the community to join us for our celebration, whether they participated in a service project or not. This is a way for us to come together as a community and celebrate togetherness,” said Ott.