Saturday was a perfect day in more than just weather for those who like to help others, give back or just be part of a church that serves its community.

Gainesville First United Methodist Church held its seventh annual Great Day of Service. An estimated 500 volunteers took part in acts of service from Hall County to Dahlonega.

“The volunteers do various projects in the community” said Lora Cooley, co-chairwoman for the event. “It’s really fun. It really is a team effort. Each part depends on another part being done.”

Cooley’s husband, Jody, was co-chairman for Great Day of Service. According to Lora Cooley, planning for Saturday’s event started last May. As a result, 44 projects were put to action Saturday, including landscaping, painting, Meals-On-Wheels delivery and a carnival and cookout for kids.

“We just are doing God’s work,” Lora Cooley said. “It makes us feel like a church community. It’s a great opportunity for people to get a flavor of GFUMC. We have great Christian fellowship while we (volunteer service). It’s really been a big growth of service in the name of Christ.”

At the church itself, volunteers packaged food for Stop Hunger Now, a service that provides prepackaged food for underdeveloped countries. Lora Cooley said the goal was to package up 10,000 prepackaged products, and get them ready for shipping.

“I think it says a lot about the church,” said Shirley Corders, office manager at GFUMC. “They have a heart for serving.”

Corders said letters for the Great Day of Service were sent out last September, when volunteers began signing up. She said some signed up as late as Friday.

Michele Bellue, communications manager for the church, said planning for Saturday’s festivities was an event unto itself. However, all the hard work pays off in the end.

“It is in our motto,” she said. “Great Day of Service gives (the church) a chance to take it out to the community. It’s a lot of work, but when you’re finished, you’re like ‘wow.’”

The carnival for kids took place in the Baker & Glover community. Meredith Pierce and Stacey Terry were team leaders for the carnival, and said residents were thankful for the event.

“We love Christ. We want the neighborhood to know Christ,” Pierce said. “We know the neighborhood. They’re all family. They’re all so thankful, just like us, and I think the kids know we love them, and God loves them.”

“For what Christ did for us, our response is a life of service,” Terry said. “It makes a difference in kids and families. ... What I’ve learned is it’s our consistency and presence that makes a difference (with the neighborhood). These kids know we aren’t going anywhere. Jesus modeled that when he was on earth, the model of discipleship, and it’s so rewarding.”

At the Boys & Girls Club of Hall County, team leader Headen Embry, along with his Sunday School class, painted walls and doors throughout the building. For Embry, Saturday was about giving back to the community where he grew up in and spread the word.

“No. 1, I wanted to help the community and give back. Reason No. 2, serving the Lord and spreading the word of Christianity,” he said.

Another place benefiting from the Great Day of Service was Center Point, located across from Gainesville High School. There, Joyce and Pat Link led a group in landscaping and painting. Jessica Gonzalez, office manager of Center Point, said the facility normally has to wait until summer to get any work done, and usually at a cost.

However, the service from Saturday was free, and Gonzalez was thankful for it, saying, “It’s a blessing ... To have this service is amazing.”

For more information on Saturday’s projects, visit www.gfumc.com.