We believe that everything that happens inside the walls of the church, equips us to embody the message of Jesus outside the walls of the church.  In fact, we believe the church is at its best when it serves, sacrifices and gives, caring about the things God cares about.  We were created to live for something greater than ourselves, and we think the best way to accomplish that is by serving people outside the walls of our church.  Listed below you will find just some of the ways we are attempting to accomplish this.

LOCAL EFFORTS
Buses 'n Backpacks
Each Thursday, a backpack of food is taken to area schools, providing food to children of families in need, many of which are currently homeless.  The child returns the backpack to the school the following Monday, where it is picked up, repacked, and delivered back to the school by Thursday.  Currently we work with five local schools to identify those in need.  Food is made available through donations made to the church, and through our partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank.  This weekly ministry is overseen primarily by volunteers who order, sort, pack and deliver the food each week.  For more information on how you can be involved, contact Bryan Jerry at the church office (352-243-1155).

HIS Harvest
A local ministry to families in need during the holidays.  We provide Thanksgiving and Christmas meals and various other  non-perishable items to families who are identified through the school system as needing assistance.  In addition in 2006, more than 40 families were also provided with Christmas gifts for the children.  For more information contact Michele Carter at 352-242-9642.

Disaster Relief Trailer
When a natural disaster strikes, it normally gives little to no warning, and leaves tremendous devastation in its wake.  Through the initiative of a group of volunteers, we have outfitted a response trailer, equipped to assist victims of disaster with everything from tree removal, to roof repair, and just about anything in between.  We currently have approximately 25 people who are an active part of this team, having been trained in disaster response.   

YOUTHFORCE Clermont
This is a combined effort of 4 local Student Ministries to serve our community during spring break to serve people who cannot afford or are unable physically to fix their homes.  Middle and High School students will spend the week repairing, cleaning, landscaping, and just about everything else. They will also be throwing a block party for the families in the neighborhoods in which they'll be serving.  For more info, contact Bryan Jerry at the church office (352-243-1155).

Saturday of Serving
These are periodic serving opportunities in the community and anyone can be involved in helping.  Past projects have included serving the Green Isle Children's Ranch, Special Olympics, and cleaning and repairing the home of the elderly.  You can find the current opportunity on the home page of our website. 

GLOBAL EFFORTS
We support several foreign missionaries through a combination of financial support and teams of people who travel to their location. 

Guatemala
We frequently send support teams to assist Bart and Pam Biddle in Guatemala.  Typically, ministry there includes giving out shoes in villages, building and construction projects, nutritional training and medical assistance. 

Papau New Guinea
Working with the missionary organization called "New Tribes Mission", Keith and Angie Copley are in PNG serving the Hewa people.  Their goal is to plant tribal churches in un-reached areas of the world.  We help provide a portion of their monthly financial support through our annual church budget.