Downtown Raleigh Outreach Providence has the opportunity to join with Church in the Woods ministry to help serve and feed those who are homeless and needy in the downtown Raleigh area every second Saturday of the month at 11:30 a.m. We will be meeting at Moore Square, just across the street from the Salvation Army. Our church will be providing a hot meal for 100-200 people and sharing the Gospel. We need volunteers to provide, transport and serve food.

In our quest to know Jesus, we want to make Him known in the community by forming friendships and taking advantage of ever discipleship opportunity. Providence has an amazing opportunity to do just that, right in our own backyard. The Raleigh Gardens housing complex is located behind the church. Our ministry outreach to this community has grown over the past year and as we expand the program and get more people involved, we need more volunteers. Please consider making at least a six-week commitment to one of the programs listed in the ongoing ministries section below.

• Kids Club invites elementary-aged children for a time of Bible study, activities and snacks on Saturdays from 1-3 p.m. Children are taught and encouraged from the Word of God and enjoy field trips and service projects.
• Youth Night meets on Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. Middle and high school students enjoy Bible study and games that help us grow in faith. We also have special events and trips.
• Women's Bible Study meets on the second Saturday of every month from 1-3 p.m. and is an awesome opportunity to form relationships, woman to woman and mom to mom. Join us after you drop your child off at Kids' Club. We will discuss spiritual, emotional and general life issues while focusing on God's Word and promises.
• Back-to-School Supply Drive: Many children don't have the opportunity to have new school supplies at the beginning of the school year. We want to provide kids with the tools they need to have a great academic year in school.
• Thanksgiving Outreach provides holiday meals to families in need by collecting specific food items. This outreach is a wonderful opportunity for families to minister to families by hand-delivering food baskets to residents.
• Christmas Toy Store helps parents living in Raleigh Gardens and surrounding communities give their children a wonderful new gift on Christmas morning. More than 50 volunteers are needed to help make this ministry a success.
• Bicycle Outreach: Do you have a bike that needs a new home? Please consider donating your bicycle to our ministry for the kids in Raleigh Gardens. Bikes, helmets (preferably new) and bike parts are needed as we connect with the young ones of this neighborhood. Contact Bob Mishler (422-7663).

ESL (English as a Second Language) Ministry If you desire to make an impact in the lives of internationals in our community, consider volunteering with Providence's ESL ministry. The next session of ESL classes will begin August 26 and will run every Thursday from 7-9 p.m. until November 18. We are especially in need of volunteers for teaching ESL (teacher training will be provided) and childcare workers. However, volunteers can also be involved in prayer ministry, social activities and ESL student recruitment. PLEASE NOTE: No knowledge of a foreign language is required to volunteer.

Disaster Relief and Handyman Ministry Providence is in the process of forming a Disaster Relief and Recovery Team. Our desire is to be equipped and ready to respond to local or national disasters as well as supply basic handyman services where needed. This team will help give people the love and support they need during critical times in their lives.

The following are current and ongoing construction needs.

 Clayton, N.C.: House of Hope would love to have you get involved several available projects and volunteer teams can be any size. Some of the projects are:

• Building a new outdoor food storage building
• Building a new outdoor equipment storage building
• Purchasing and installing a gazebo to be placed between the two houses for relaxation

Gulfport, Miss.: The rebuilding efforts continue following Hurricane Katrina. N.C. Baptist Men are seeking to rebuild 700 homes and are asking for volunteers of all experience levels. Due to the distance of travel to this site, we are seeking teams of approximately 9-12 people who can commit from Monday to Sunday or seven days. Cost is $200 per person to cover all travel, meals and lodging.

Every Monday night Providence holds Bible studies for young adult inmates at Polk Correctional in Butner. Volunteers are needed to lead a small group discussion. Volunteers must be males over the age of 21.