Big Rake

-          HAVE PEOPLE RAKE FOR PEOPLE THEY KNOW: Have people rake in their own neighborhood or for people that someone in the group knows. This makes the biggest impact, deepens relationships, and gives us the opportunity to share the gospel.

-          LUNCH: Provide lunch after late worship for everyone to eat and then go out. This prevents people from going home and getting involved with something else and not coming back for the BIG RAKE. It also creates community and builds excitement for those who serve.

-          MATCHING SHIRTS: Provide matching shirts with your church name on the back and “iserve” on the front. This makes a big impression on everyone in the neighborhoods where you rake. You can order those shirts from us with your own church name on it.

-          YARD SIGNS: Provide yard signs that say “This lawn raked by the servants at (Your Church Name).” This makes it clear as well that Christians like to serve. You can have yard signs created through us as well.

-          PROMOTION: Promotional materials should be used for 3 to 4 Sundays in a row before the event. Every Sunday for a month before the BIG RAKE we had an announcement in worship, people walking around after church with leaf bags on promoting the BIG RAKE. Sign up sheets and a display for the BIG RAKE and even a video announcement. It’s important to put it on your website, in your newsletter and in the Sunday bulletin for up to 2 months ahead of time as well.

-          DONATIONS: Encourage people to donate money, food for the lunch, leaf bags, and cookies or pies (for the people you serve). This allows many people to get involved who are unable to rake.

-          TO BRING: Have people bring their own rakes, leaf bags, leaf blowers (if they have them) and water bottles.