"We have had a really good late
turnout and are up to right around 500 volunteers, which is above
where we were at going into the last two years' project dates," said
Dustin Fulton, preaching minister at Jefferson Street Christian
Church and public relations coordinator for TFL. "However, due to
the amount of labor involved in some of the bigger projects this
year, we still need at least 100 more volunteers to complete all of
the projects." Fulton adds
that if they have that turnout, they won't have to say no to any of
the approved project requests.
Anyone who wants to volunteer can
simply show up at Latham Park on Saturday starting at 8:30 a.m., and
they will be assigned to a specific project. Volunteers are also
asked to bring any tools they might be able to use on projects, such
as gloves, hand tools, ladders and especially trucks.
Those who have signed up ahead of
time but have not heard from their project leader by Saturday
morning should go to Latham Park to get their project assignment.
Also, any participants wishing to
purchase this year's T-shirt can do so at the park for $10 each.
This year there are several midsize
to large-scale projects.
"We will be constructing two
good-sized wheelchair ramps for people who need help with home
accessibility," said Norm Newhouse, Together for Lincoln president.
There are also more than 30
weatherization projects, which typically involve installing multiple
windows in a home. Volunteers on Saturday will also be painting,
assisting with basic electrical and plumbing repairs, and even
visiting nursing home residents, among many other things.
Fulton encourages families to come
and serve together.
"I think it's great for children to
serve with their parents and siblings and experience how rewarding
it is to give back to those throughout the community," Fulton said.
There is also an opportunity to be
involved on Sunday night during the community worship service in the
Hargrove Chapel at Lincoln Christian University. Several of the
songs during the service will be led by a community choir. Those
wishing to be part of the choir can come to the LCU chapel from 3 to
5 p.m. Sunday for a rehearsal.
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The 7 p.m. worship service will
feature former WAND-TV sports anchor Ron Rector. Rector is currently
the campus minister for South Pointe Church in Decatur, a new church
start sponsored by Grace United Methodist Church, where he has
served on the ministry staff since March 2010.
Following his 13 years at WAND-TV
(1989-2002), Rector served as area representative for the Greater
Decatur Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He was also pastor of
Maroa Christian Church for seven years. He is a 2011 graduate of the
Lincoln Christian University Seminary.
Rector says he can't wait to share
how the Lord is using the disability of multiple sclerosis in his
life for God's glory.
An offering will be collected at
the end of Sunday night's service.
"We have never done this in
previous years," said Fulton, "but basically everything that is
given will be matched dollar for dollar by the Woods Foundation as
seed money for next year's TFL, as well as for ongoing needs such as
wheelchair ramps that have become year-round projects for TFL
volunteers."
The Woods Foundation in Lincoln has
agreed to match individual and businesses donations given between
now and the end of the year, up to $10,000.
[By DARA BROCKMEYER] |