'I Heart Sisters' gearing up

Last updated 5/3/2011 at Noon

Volunteers young and old are being mobilized for the annual "I Heart Sisters" community service event scheduled for this Saturday, May 7. Working together, members of seven local church congregations will be rolling up their sleeves to serve their neighbors in a number of practical ways.

"Our target is mostly seniors, single moms, veterans and disabled folks," says coordinator John Gerke. "Most of the work is raking pine needles and clearing debris from rain gutters, and there will also be some window washing."

Gerke says that over fifty community members have signed up already, including eleven handymen ready to assist with home repairs. But it's going to take many more willing hands to knock out all 42 projects on tap.

Families are encouraged to make a day of it; there are jobs to fit anyone. Says Gerke, "We also need people willing to just visit with the folks while we work."

Helpers are invited to bring their gloves and rakes and meet at the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration at 9 a.m. for assignments. Everyone is invited to regroup afterward and enjoy a free chili lunch at 2 p.m.

I Heart Sisters got started three years ago as an arm of I Heart Central Oregon - a nonprofit, faith-based initiative designed to ignite communities to acts of service throughout the region.

Originally the campaign was funded by various grants; this time, Sisters churches united to sponsor the event, desiring to meet community needs in a continuing spirit of cooperation and goodwill.

Says Gerke, "It's Christ's love in action. We want to reflect His light of hope and grace to the community."

For information or to sign up, call John Gerke at 541-549-4976 or any of the following team contacts: Pastor Chuck Perry, Sisters Church of the Nazarene, 541-389-8960; Allen Hull, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 541-549-6152; Pastor Mike Golden, Calvary Chapel, 541-410-5751; Ken Carlson, St. Edward the Martyr Catholic Church, 541-408-5912; Roger Fairfield, Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, 541-549-6417; Jeff Haken, Sisters Community Church, 541-815-3828; Michael Schantz, Three Sisters Fellowship, 541-549-4184.