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Two churches busy with acts of service
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Carol Williams, Mercy Ministry chairwoman at East Lanier Community Church in Buford, talks about her church’s second annual Day of Extreme Blessings taking place today.

Two area churches will be separately fanning across Hall County today to beautify, clean up and participate in other community service activities.

East Lanier Community Church in Buford is holding its second annual Day of Extreme Blessings with several projects in South Hall.

Church members will be making Mother’s Day and Father’s Day items for South Hall Meals on Wheels clients and putting together care packages for military serving overseas.

They also plan to participate in projects at Eagle Ranch, a Christian-based children’s home in Chestnut Mountain; the South Hall Food Pantry in Oakwood; and Living Recovery, a Christian-based drug and alcohol treatment program.

The church, which is off Friendship Road in South Hall, also plans to take homemade cookies and brownies to fire and police departments, as well as library and school employees.

“We feel like (the event) is a natural outreach of our Christian faith,” said Carol Williams, the church’s Mercy Ministry chairwoman.

“Giving to the community is a way to demonstrate who we are and what we believe in, and it’s a great opportunity to get to know people in our community.”

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints members in Gainesville and South Hall are also taking part in a day of service today, as part of a larger effort encompassing 10 Southern states, said George Wangemann, a church member and Gainesville city councilman.

“It’s an effort to recognize that communities have needs, and we’re trying to step (in) and fill some of those needs,” he said.

The Gainesville church is baking goods for the Gainesville-Hall County Senior Life Center, which, in turn, will sell them to generate some income for its programs. Members also will help with repairs and other chores in homes of Meals on Wheels clients.

The South Hall church has teamed up with the city of Flowery Branch in beautification efforts at seven “Welcome to Flowery Branch” signs, Wangemann said.

About two years ago, the church planted some pansies at the signs.

“They lasted until the hot summer came along and killed them,” Wangemann said. “Hopefully, this time we will plant or replant some shrubs and flowers that will hang on year-round.”

He said he was glad to hear about East Lanier’s efforts.

“There are so many needs out there right now,” Wangemann said. “It’s a Christ-like act of service to do something for the community that maybe resources aren’t available to get done at this time.”