17 Jul Servefest 2018

For too long the church has been known by what it’s against. We want to be known by what we’re for. That’s how Jesus was known.

As we look to reflect the heart of God in our community, we look to Jesus and how He lived.

Jesus made it clear that He didn’t come to be served, but to serve. In fact, He said that anyone who wants to be great must take the posture of a servant as well (Matt. 20.28).

So, on Sunday, United took a break from meeting at Owings Mills High for a typical Sunday gathering, and instead gathered at Hannah More Park for the very first United ServeFest!  

ServeFest consisted of splitting up into many teams to spend the day serving alongside some of our community partners, who are already doing great things, in Owings Mills and Reisterstown.

A BRIEF SNAPSHOT OF THE DAY

The Community Crisis Center works hard every day to supply food, toiletries, clothing, school supplies, financial literacy, utility assistance, and eviction help to our community in need. A team of people gathered there to organize toiletries, clean up outside, package food, and sort through clothing to prepare them to welcome and serve more people this week.

Sarah’s Hope offers a home for families those who don’t have one, while working hard to find a more permanent housing option. We loved getting to connect and build friendships with the families there, while organizing their supply closet, playing kickball and doing crafts with the kids.

The Alpha Pregnancy Center comes alongside moms as they seek to build their families by providing mothering classes, offering counseling, and giving away baby supplies. Folks from United got help organize their baby boutique, create new-mom baskets, and clean their office and playroom.

Owings Mills Elementary is one of many schools in our area that is investing in the next generation. It was our privilege to clean up the grounds and help them get ready for school starting back up.

We love our teachers, police officers, firefighters, and community workers. So, a team of people sat down and wrote encouraging notes to thank them for all they do.

Local business owners and organizations help build culture and provide places for people in this community to work and gather. We thought they deserved doughnuts for all they do, so just to say thanks and let them know we are FOR them, we delivered Krispy Kreme to a bunch of them.

Baltimore Humane Society helps foster relationships and friendships, and takes care of our environment and the animals who live in it. They let us help be a part of their memorial park beautification project by cleaning their grounds.

Shout out to our community partners for all they do to serve Owings Mills and Reisterstown. We are so thankful to come alongside you and your efforts! We hope you know we’re FOR you, and more importantly that Jesus is FOR you!

Last but not least, sending a huge thank you to everyone who came out and spent the morning serving; it was great to spend the day together.  Thanks for being #UnitedFOR our community!