New Life church volunteers in the community with annual Serve Weekend

WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) - Bringing their service to the community, New Life’s congregation spent Sunday not at their local churches but rather spread out all across Jefferson County, doing public service.

From Friday to Sunday, New Life’s church goers began work on more than 30 community projects, cleaning schoolyards, police stations, elderly homes, and serving food to first responders.

It’s part of their annual Serve Weekend.

New Life officials say Jesus was all about meeting needs, and in doing this they’re following His lead.

One church group was stationed here at the Watertown YMCA daycare, mulching and cleaning up the property.

Volunteers here tell us it’s a joy to do this work.

“Kind of just showing the love of God in a tangible way instead of trying to bring people into the church all the time,” said volunteer Carolyn Gilchrist, “we’re kind of like- ‘Okay, let’s go outside the walls.’“

Most of the 31 community projects should wrap up Sunday. If not, the church says they’ll be completed by the end of the week.