During New Student Orientation, the McKendree University Center for Public Service sponsors a community service project, “Into the Streets.” Groups of incoming students, along with upper-classmen mentors and faculty, go to a variety of locations in the area to perform different projects. About 300 students participated in the activity on Saturday morning, August 25.

Lebanon First hosted seven students, who did a variety of cleanup activities around church property. Five students trimmed bushes and cleaned up debris at the church, the rental house and King’s Closet. Two worked on scraping paint from trim at the parsonage. The students hail from Troy, Mascoutah, Bloomington-Normal, Danville, New Athens, E. St. Louis, and Scotland (yes, the country).

Adults who helped provide supervision were Wayne Clem, Sy Korte, Peter Wehrly and Joe Zimmerlee.

“The church is most appreciative of the work the students helped us catch up on,” explained Rev. Wehrly, “and we look forward to a continuing strong relationship with our neighbor, McKendree University.”

On Wednesday, August 30, Rev. Wehrly and other church staff plan to participate in the Involvement Fair on the campus. They will distribute brochures, share ministry opportunities with the students, and encourage them to consider Lebanon First as “your church home when you’re away from home.”

For more information, contact Lebanon First UMC, 618-537-6622,

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