Your parish group can work together to mow, edge, rake, weed, change storm windows and screens, or shovel snow. Bring along a snack to share with the member during a break. Be sure to plan goodies that the whole family can make and that everyone in the congregation can enjoy. And, oh yes, remember that just because someone is an adult, that doesn't automatically mean they like coffee. Be sure to also offer a drink such as lemonade or hot chocolate.
Any yard is fair game.
Leave a note telling the homeowner that you helped out. Ask the church property board for a list of fix-up tasks that need to be done. Let your members know the date, time and what to bring, but keep the rest of the project a secret until everyone arrives. West Portal Lutheran Church, San Francisco, offers a freezer-meals program to those who need temporary assistance. Soups, stews and casseroles that freeze well are prepared by parish members and kept frozen in congregation-provided containers until they are needed.