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GASTONIA, N.C. – The sanctuary at First United Methodist Church in Gastonia was empty Sunday morning because the congregation spent their regular Sunday service time volunteering.

Church leaders called the event Divide and Serve Day.

More than 300 members of the church worked at 20 different locations. They tackled all kinds of projects so that everyone could do something to help.

“This is a very significant ministry not only to help change like this facility and the life of the community by improving it, but mostly by changing the lives of the people in our congregation. It’s putting their faith in action,” Senior Minister George Freeman said.

Church member Olivia Davidson spent her usual time of worship sewing ribbons.

“We’re going out to and spreading cheer among these organizations, helping them do things that possibly they can’t do themselves,” she said.

The projects varied as much as the people doing the work. No matter the age, each member could lend a hand and put their sermons into action.

A few charities the members of First United Methodist Church worked with include the Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity and area homeless shelters.