From Pete Rhodes-Robinson (Onslow Community Church)
"As part of our regular rhythm at OCC, we hold ‘Serving Sundays’, where instead of gathering for our usual morning service, we head out into the community to serve in practical ways.
"Our final Serving Sunday for the year once again supported a local school with their annual fundraiser--a community fun run/walk up a local hill, followed by a fair at the school grounds. This year, around 65 volunteers of all ages from OCC took part, helping with a wide range of tasks including course marshalling, registration, fitting and removing timing chips, cooking and serving food & baking, running carnival-style games, and assisting with the setup and pack-down.
"A number of children and parents/grandparents also participated in the event. The organisers expressed real appreciation for our continued partnership, noting that our involvement is has become more valued over the years in light of a declining volunteer culture among school parents (Something we’ve observed in other contexts also, providing real opportunities for churches to serve).
"It’s a privilege to serve together as a church family, support our local community, and share God’s love in practical ways through events like this. And it’s a heap of fun too!"
