CHURCH PARTICIPATION

In keeping with our mission of mobilizing the local church into service, our work at FCWC Weekend Edition begins with church partnerships.  Just as individuals participate in Flower City Work Camp through their church, the same is true with FCWC Weekend Edition.  But, FCWC Weekend Edition is more of a collaborative partnership with the churches who participate.

 

What does a church’s involvement usually look like?

FCWC Weekend Edition has pre-screened worksites ready to select from and an appointed Worksite Leader hopefully from your church for each site.  The Worksite Leader manages the project list and handles getting the materials for that worksite.  The church will select a worksite they want to complete and will contribute 4 to 7 volunteers to staff the worksite.

In addition, FCWC Weekend Edition will provide an on-call Roving Expert in case a project is more challenging or takes an unexpected turn.

Worksite Leaders will coordinate with their volunteers to bring the necessary tools and safety equipment for the projects on their site.  The Worksite Leader will supplement with their own tools or provide specialized tools as necessary. Volunteers should bring work gloves and safety glasses at a minimum.  Masks will be provided if needed.

Lastly, volunteers will need to bring a sack lunch and water bottle or make an alternate plan for lunch.

Volunteers can be anyone 18 years or older who apply through our website and are background checked prior to participating.  Students 14 years of age or older are allowed to serve with a parent or guardian present on the worksite.  It is expected that volunteers can provide their own transportation to and from the worksite or that they will carpool.

Youth groups may be eligible to staff a worksite on their own with prior approval of the FCWC Weekend Edition staff and requires adequate supervision onsite.

 

What does it cost to participate in FCWC Weekend Edition?

The worksite budget is $600, or $75 per volunteer.  A church may choose to:

1. Fund the worksite in full and volunteers only contribute their time
2. Fund a portion of the budget and charge volunteers a nominal participation fee of $10-$20
3. Ask volunteers to contribute the full participation fee of $75

The budget includes all of the building materials for the site, required safety equipment and a t-shirt for each volunteer.

FCWC Weekend Edition has the same ability to utilize resources at the FCWC Warehouse the storage facility at Bethel Christian Fellowship (see info here).

 

What if a church isn’t able to sponsor an entire worksite on its own?

In that case, your volunteers will be combined with volunteers from another church to fill out a worksite team.  At least one of your volunteers should be appointed as an Asst. Worksite Leader.  Our staff will coordinate with you and the other volunteers ahead of the service day.

 

What if a church wants to sponsor multiple sites over time or on the same day?

This is entirely possible as well, and our staff will work with you to plan, coordinate and conduct a large scale day of service or extended service program.  We have even added a large group start to the service day with a group time of prayer, worship and small breakfast before teams head out to their worksites.

 

When does FCWC Weekend Edition operate?

Service days are single-day projects conducted throughout the year usually timed once monthly.  Volunteers will help in a way that doesn’t require them to take time off work, with the goal is to work on Saturdays/holidays.

There is a 45 day lead time from church sign-up to service project to allow for the proper planning and volunteer recruitment.

To enroll your church for participation, or to get more information, please contact Gary Passero at gwp@fcwcweekendedition.org.