Residents throughout Belleville, Trenton, and the surrounding Quinte region may have noticed groups of volunteers in bright red T-shirts serving throughout the community this past weekend.
That was for the inaugural ‘Serve Day’ event on Saturday, held by the Pentecostals of Quinte, who joined this international day dedicated to serving local communities through acts of kindness, encouragement, and practical support.
More than 150 volunteers participated in projects across the region with a shared goal of demonstrating God’s love through service.
Throughout the day, teams conducted prayer walks, visited parks, distributed free water and freezies, offered prayer and encouragement, visited seniors in nursing homes, and assisted local organizations including the Quinte Humane Society and the Trenton Care and Share Food Bank.
Volunteers also delivered treats from Tim Hortons and Wannamaker’s Bakery to first responders and frontline workers as a thank-you for their service.
“The church needs to go beyond our four walls and be present in our community,” stated Pastor Shawn Stickler. “Serve Day is about showing people they are valued, loved, and supported. We hope today’s efforts encourage others to get involved and embrace the servant-hearted example that Christ displayed for us.”
“There are many people in our communities who are hurting, struggling, or feeling alone,” added Pastor Stickler. “We want to show kindness and remind them that they matter. If Serve Day brought hope or encouragement to even one person, then it was worth it.”
Church leaders were encouraged by the positive response from residents and community partners and hope Serve Day will become an annual tradition.
The Pentecostals of Quinte hope their efforts brought hope and encouragement to those facing challenges and served as a reminder that they are not alone.
For more information on The Pentecostals of Quinte, please contact Amanda Tarapore at 613-969-9999, amanda@thepoq.ca or visit thepoq.ca
