Service Opportunities

How To Serve While Socially Distanced

For many of us, the Covid-19 pandemic has turned our world upside down. Current activities and future plans have been scuttled, leaving us with a near-term future that is either unknown or highly ambiguous.

This uncertainty can raise one’s anxiety and stress. The CDC recommends getting enough rest, eating healthy, exercise and getting outside to combat the effects of this crisis, but serving others is another way to reduce stress and anxiety.

Every week at South Church there are low-commitment opportunities to get involved. Some are ongoing, some are one time events, some are great for kids, others require the use of power tools.

I am ready to help!

Home Repair Help at Lazarus House

Truck, minivan, and labor needed to move about 20 bins full of winter clothing (semi-heavy) between Lazarus House sites. Can be done at a mutually convenient day/time in September.
One to two handy people to re-glue vinyl baseboard molding that was repaired and install a vinyl protection barrier on the painted wall to avoid splash-ups and damage at the shelter location. (Material reimbursement provided) Timeframe: Needs to be done before the end of September.
Volunteer or two to remove old mini-blinds in the shelter kitchen and eating area, measure, purchase and install new blinds. (all material costs will be reimbursed by Lazarus House). Timeframe: by the end of September.

Anyone interested/willing to put their home-repair skills to work, click to email Ellen Arvidson or Jennifer Bouchard for more details.

Help at the Farmers Market

We need five volunteers to help at the market each Saturday and have created two “shifts” per day, making room for ten volunteers per market. Details and sign up here. Learn more about the Farmer’s Market.

Help in the Giving Garden

Come learn about growing organic produce while helping to feed our hungry neighbors. No gardening experience required. Details and sign up here.

Build affordable housing in Andover

September 19th 8:30am We invite you get hands-on building at the HABITAT FOR HUMANITY site in Andover. Habitat is welcoming back small groups of 6 volunteers. Safety protocols are in place including distancing, hand washing, masks, tool cleaning, and fever checks. Volunteers 16 and up are welcome. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Would you like to help build? Email Ellen Arvidson.

Cook meals for church members in need

Email Linda to sign up!

Help teach our youth

Assist our Sunday School teachers. Email Jennifer Murray if interested or have questions.

Buy/Order Extra Groceries

Merrimack Valley Y: Has a weekly “Drive and Drop” on Wednesdays from 4-6 PM at 165 Haverhill St in Andover. Please keep an eye on their website to see what future needs they may have.
Lazarus House: Have shared a list of urgent food needs here. Please drop off at their FOOD PANTRY at 242 Hampshire Street, Lawrence M-F between 8:30AM and 4:00PM.

Garden for a neighbor

Getting outside for some vitamin D is good for you and your family! If practicing the 6′ physical distance rule, you can do a project with family and friends.

Make masks

Make face coverings for friends, neighbors, Lawrence General Hospital, local health care facilities, and church members. Directions can be found here.

I'm not sure what I have to offer.

We encourage you to read Service Central’s blog ‘Reflections on Service”. Reflect on your life and how you might benefit by sharing God’s love with others.