Our church is trying to reach out to the town that we're based in. Very few of us are residents of this town. As we plan our "service projects" we often find that what we want to do is considered illegal. You can't hand out free beverages on the street corner. You can't knock on doors and ask if people need free lawn work done. We aren't asking for donations and we don't expect to get any new people into our church because of this. We just want to show people that Christians are good people. These are our most basic, just getting started ideas and we're being shot down at every turn. We want to bring a little heaven into the world expecting nothing in return. Any suggestions for projects that you've tried?
2006-08-15 01:43:03 · 9 answers · asked by luvwinz 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
You may need to get the names of prospective help recipients from members of your church, if what you're doing now is
"loosely" considered solicitation. From whom did you find out that your ideas so far we not allowed. Just curious because I've never heard of that.
My mom is older and disabled and she's always got people calling or coming over to do yard work and stuff. I think it's members of her church that are turning the "helpers" on to her plight.
Good luck and blessings. You are doing the right thing.
2006-08-15 01:52:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
We don't have that problem here. We do a single moms outreach. The single moms bring their car by. We take it and give them a free oil change and inspect the car for mechanical problems. During this 20 minutes the moms and children are at the church being ministered to and they get food if they need it. After the inspection and oil change is done, a maintenance report is given to them. Their car is washed, vacuumed, and protectant is put on it on the inside, as well as we give them a full tank of gas.
We put up fliers and ask for appointments.
Maybe you could post a flier saying free lawn care this Saturday. This shouldn't be considered solicitation. Check with the town board. There must be some way to do it!
2006-08-15 08:55:28 · answer #2 · answered by RB 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My aunt and uncle's church does things like this, too.
One thing they do is hold free car washes with refreshment stands where people can have a snack while they get their cars washed.
Check with the city council. There may be some kind of exception to the rule since you are a church. If not, maybe you could petition the city to make an exception for your group.
Good Luck!
2006-08-15 08:54:40 · answer #3 · answered by mynx326 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Then why not just be good people within society. If your truly good at heart other people will take notice without you having to show others christians are good people. Stop with organized acts of kindness. Something about that seems so shallow. Just be good people in everyday life outside of the church, examples for the community.
2006-08-15 09:00:11 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Our church is near the local homeless shelter and we take turns volunteering there.
Our area has a program called "adopt a highway". What that is is you are given a 2 mile stretch of road and it's your job to make sure that it's trash free. Our youth do that ( with adult leader help). Some of us give our time to the local women's shelter. We always walk in the local March Of Dimes fund raiser.
Find what programs are already in your area and volunteer for them. Things like shelters and programs that are important to your community. If you are in an area that needs a GED study program then offer that. If your area is in need of help with boys and girls club workers then do that. Investigate your town.
Good luck.
2006-08-15 08:56:16 · answer #5 · answered by jymsis 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look locally for community service projects. There are many that would accept help from your Church Group. Volunteer at soup kitchens, animal shelters, Habitat for Humanity...the list is endless.
2006-08-15 08:57:34 · answer #6 · answered by IndyT- For Da Ben Dan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because this could disrupt the local businesses in the area. What about the vendors who sell beverages, to put food on the table, or that kid who does lawns for money saving for college. The good you think your doing could do harm. Remember the law is there to protect people and property.
2006-08-15 08:54:07 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Maybe the door knockers have ruined it in that town.
A lot of churches church build with postcard mailings. Can't stop the US mail!
2006-08-15 08:50:04 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
To want to perform services for others for free is good, but if told to stop, is it "Christ-like" to continue to try? WWJD? There are other ways to serve and walk in Christ's footsteps. You only need to prove your Christianity to God. Lead by example and those who will follow, will follow. Those who choose to ignore, will perish.
2006-08-15 08:58:56 · answer #9 · answered by Joseph G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋