By STEPHANIE FORTH

stephanie.forth@leaderpub.com

Dozens of people filled the streets of Niles this weekend eager to lend a helping hand to anyone in the community who needed it.

More than 30 volunteers from Relevant Church, located at 210 E. Main St., went out into the community for a second year in a row on July 15 and 16 to partake in various service activities.

The annual event, titled Serve the City, is led by the church’s lead pastor, Muta Mwenya.

Mwenya said Serve the City is divided into three phases. For phase one, which is called “Service with Intention,” volunteers were sent to other community organizations on Saturday, such as the YMCA and the Boys and Girls Club, to support any volunteer work that the organizations might need. Those who participated in phase one helped these organizations with filing records, landscaping and general office organization.

Volunteers for phase one not only helped non-profit organizations, but they also aided an area man with whom they knew had health problems. The volunteers mowed the gentleman’s lawn, painted his stairs and assisted with other miscellaneous tasks.   

Phase two of Serve the City did not have an official title, but the lack of a title was perhaps appropriate due to its casual nature. On Saturday, volunteers met at a park on Cherry Street and had a cookout for anyone in the area that wanted to join. More than 250 hot dogs donated by a couple within the church were served to the public.

For phase three, titled “Adopt a Block,” volunteers meandered to different blocks in the city and asked residents if they wanted any help around their house on Sunday, mowing lawns, painting fences, and fixing stairs for various community members.

“‘Adopt a Block’ has to be my favorite phase,” Mwenya said. “I love the look on their faces when they find out we’re not trying to convince them of anything and that we’re just trying to help out. That’s what Jesus did and that’s what we are about. We like to make a tangible difference.”

There is an official budget for Serve the City, but Mwenya says that many individuals within the church are quite generous and provide extra gifts during the time of the event. Mwenya also said that Relevant Church never asks for donations, instead requesting that people “just give.” 

Most of the volunteers were members of the church, but some members came from St. Joseph’s Road to Life Church and others were not affiliated with any philanthropic and/or religious organization.

“We are honored to be a part of the community. We believe God is at work throughout the city and we want to work with Him and add a little flavor to the city,” Mwenya said.