Volunteers from St. Mark’s Lutheran give back through Day of Service in St. Charles

More than 80 volunteers from St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in St. Charles spent Sunday, Aug. 30, putting their faith into action during a community-wide “Day of Service.”

Following mid-morning worship led by Pastor Jamie Holt, volunteers fanned out across the community to complete a variety of projects benefiting local residents, church members, and international ministries. By day’s end, they had contributed nearly 250 hours of service.

Four outdoor projects focused on landscaping, weeding, and land clearing for local seniors who needed some extra help. Several of the projects were identified through the office of St. Charles Mayor Clint Hull and Hands Across St. Charles, a newly formed local volunteer organization.

Inside the church, volunteers worked on ministry projects, including making blankets and cards of encouragement for cancer patients and creating baptismal banners for the Liberian Children’s Ministry.

“St. Mark’s has so many members who want to share God’s love in a variety of ways,” Holt said. “Sunday was an excellent opportunity to worship together and then work side by side with one another to serve those in need. I was pleased that we were able to partner with the city of St. Charles and Hands Across St. Charles to find locations in need of some local attention.”

The spirit of service has continued beyond the August event. Since the Day of Service, St. Mark’s and Hands Across St. Charles have completed two additional landscaping projects in St. Charles, contributing more than 50 hours of volunteer service.

St. Mark’s plans to continue its Day of Service efforts on a regular basis, with the next designated day scheduled for Nov. 29.

Hands Across St. Charles is a local 501(c)(3) volunteer organization dedicated to neighbors helping neighbors, with a special emphasis on supporting seniors, veterans, and residents in need.

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church at 101 S. Sixth Ave. is affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Northern Illinois District.

For information, call 630-584-8638 or visit stmarkslife.org.