By this point I hope that every Small Group has chosen a way to serve together during ServeFest 2011. Just in case you still looking where to plug in your group (or at least some of your group,) here is a list of the opportunities for this weekend. Head over to the website to register for any of the opportunities.

Come on out and help show our community how much we care for them.

SATURDAY, MAY 14, 2011

ATHELAS INSTITUTE: (Melting Pot Project) Athelas, located in Columbia, provides a variety of support options for individuals with developmental disabilities. There are two project options at this site:

LANDSCAPING AND SITE CLEANUP – all ages welcome!

PAINTING – Painters age 12 and over, please.

CLOTHING SORT: At Grace, sort and organize donated clothing to prepare for clothing giveaway on May 21.

PLEASE BRING YOUR GENTLY USED CLOTHING TO GRACE TO HELP OTHERS IN OUR COMMUNITY. DROP OFF ANY TIME IN THE BIN LOCATED AT THE BARN OR IN THE LOBBY MAY 1-14.

GLENWOOD 50+ SENIOR CENTER HORSESHOE PIT: The Glenwood Senior Center has asked us to build a horseshoe pit for the Kindred Spirit Social Club, providing opportunities and activities for those with early stage dementia.

HOME CARE AND REPAIR: May 14 is the 2^nd Saturday, so we’ve got some 2^nd Saturday-style projects at the homes of people in our community. If you’re handy around the house and would like to help others with projects that they are unable to tackle on their own, this is the project for you.

NURSING HOME VISIT: Provide support and encouragement to local residents staying in a nursing home. Gather first to create gift bags that will be distributed during our visits with the residents. Adults and children are needed to brighten someone’s day!

PRAYER TEAM: (Melting Pot Project) Join with other believers at various locations (Board of Education building, County Government offices, Jessup prison, Howard General Hospital) to pray on behalf of our county leaders and citizens.

PUBLIC SERVANT– FOOD DONATION: Donate store-bought or home-baked goodies to Grace on Friday, May 13, or before 9:00 a.m. May 14 to be delivered to Howard County public servants. No nuts, please! Great family activity!

PUBLIC SERVANT– FOOD DELIVERY: Prepare and deliver trays of donated goodies to Howard County police and fire stations. Great family activity!

THE SAMARITAN WOMEN: There are two projects with this organization that promotes health, healing, & growth:

CONSTRUCTION – Projects include constructing a shed structure around dumpster/trash cans and a picket fence around the children’s garden. Ages 14 & over.

LANDSCAPING/GARDENING - Mulching, weeding, planting, etc. in the community garden. All ages welcome!

HOWARD COUNTY SCHOOL PROJECTS:

BOLLMAN BRIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:

CRAFT PROJECT WITH STUDENTS - Spend time with students from this school completing a woodcraft project together. Excellent opportunity to invest in kids in our community.

LANDSCAPING – Help to make the school more welcoming by weeding, planting, and mulching the entrance and an inner courtyard. All ages are welcome.

LAUREL WOODS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:

CAFETERIA MURAL PAINTING – Encourage school spirit by helping to paint the school’s mascot in the cafeteria. Ages 13 and over.

LANDSCAPING (cleanup, planting, washing portable classrooms) – Create a more inviting welcome to the school by weeding, planting, and mulching several areas at the front of the school. Also, clean and wash the exteriors of temporary classrooms. All ages are welcome.

SWANSFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:

CRAFT PROJECT WITH STUDENTS - Spend time with students completing a woodcraft project together.

LANDSCAPING – Help to beautify the school grounds by weeding, planting, and mulching. All ages are welcome.

SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2011

MARYLAND HALF MARATHON: Held at Maple Lawn to benefit the University of MD Greenebaum Cancer Center.

WATER STATION – Grace is hosting a water station along the route. Prepare and distribute water to runners, while providing encouragement as they pass.

FINISH LINE – Be the first to congratulate the runners as they cross the finish line and place a ribbon around their necks. Ages 11 and over.

CHEERING – Provide support and encouragement by cheering on the runners as they pass Grace. All ages encouraged! No need to sign up. Please line up at Old Columbia Rd. by 8 a.m.