Bayside Community Church recently concluded a church-wide emphasis called “40 Days of Community.” This was a follow-up campaign from three years ago, “40 Days of Purpose,” developed by best-selling author and Senior Pastor Rick Warren of California.

The entire Bayside congregation participated in “40 Days of Community” − from children through adults. A key component of this was hands-on volunteer service in the community.

The children’s department used some friendly competition among Sunday school classes, collecting nonperishable food to be shared equally among the Kingston Food Bank and the ShareNet Food Bank.

Two groups provided lunch for Saturday workers at the Habitat for Humanity home being built in Hansville, while another group offered several days of labor to help construct the Beninger’s home. Additionally, a number of them worked at the June 7 McDonald’s McTakeover to benefit Habitat.

Two groups joined forces for construction, painting, and wiring of a generator at the S’Klallam Reservation and S’Klallam Worship Center. Kingston business PacTools and an individual donated the new generator.

Kingston residents at the Times Square Apartments enjoyed refreshments on the day that their windows were cleaned and buildings were pressure washed.

Poulsbo residents at Martha & Mary Nursing Home enjoyed a bingo event complete with prizes, gifts, refreshments, and personal conversation.

When the church learned that Kitsap County Facilities, Parks and Recreation Department saves nearly $250,000 annually through volunteer labor, a large focus was placed on local parks. Dori Leckner from the parks department has been closely working with the church in these efforts. In Kingston, Arness Park, the totem pole and corner across from the pet store and fire department benefited.

On May 20 junior and senior high students descended upon Kola Kole Park and Ed Moon Ball Field where they pressure washed, painted, raked, weeded, and picked up litter. The ball field is named for Ed Moon who has been a member of Bayside Community Church for a number of years.

Three groups joined forces at the Billy Johnson Skateboard Park on Lindvog in Kingston. Not only did they pick up trash, weed, and paint over graffiti, they plan to provide on-going help to paint over the graffiti. One of the group members is Gayle Johnson, whose husband’s memory is honored with the skateboard park. On June 3 and 24, in addition to their labor, they provided a barbecue for kids for skateboarders. A professional video photographer captured then in action and will offer their own personal video. This effort will continue through the summer.

Several members will volunteer at Tiny Town and other Kingston Fourth of July weekend festivities.