Here’s some answers to frequently asked questions about serving with actionchurch at the York Relay for Life from our amazing events coordinator, Kenna.

Q: I’ve never been to a Relay for Life event. What’s it all about anyway?

A:  Here is the run down. Relay for Life is a 24 hour walking marathon sponsored by the American Cancer Society. There are events held around the world! So it’s even bigger than York and Calamazoo combined!! Our local event is held (rain or shine) at the York County School of Technology (on Queen Street) starting at 1:00 p.m. on Friday June 22 and continuing through 1:00 p.m. on Saturday June 23. Oh, and don’t forget to stay for tear down / clean up …it’s incredible!

Q: I see that there are T-shirts for sale in the lobby.  How is that connected to Relay?

A: Every year artists in our church design a new line of t-shirts. actionchurch purchases the shirts, and sells them to raise money to cover some of the expenses of our relay effort. Folks who purchase them do good…look great…and show that they are part of the actionchurch team when they wear them to relay.  (and anywhere and everywhere else!)

Q: I plan to be at Relay for the entire event. I took off work so I could attend all 24 hours and I’ll help wherever you need me! What do I need to bring with me?

A: That is so awesome! You are the event planners dream come true! But, please bring deodorant, powder, cologne, a toothbrush and a clean shirt. Basically anything that will make you smell better! Oh, and don’t forget warm clothes or a blanket – it still gets pretty cold at night.

Q: Can I just come out to Vo-Tech? Or do I have to sign up for a volunteer spot?

A: You are always welcome to come and chill with the actionchurch folks! You don’t have to sign up for a specific activity, but don’t be surprised if we don’t let you sit around much. There is a lot to do! If you can only come for a very small amount of time, I highly recommend that you come on Friday evening around 8:00 p.m. to catch the luminaria ceremony. It is something you won’t forget!

Q: What is this whole Bring-Break-Bless thing I keep hearing about
A: Don is challenging us – kind of like Myth Busters – to see if we can bring what we have to Relay….including our time, talents, money and resources…and have God bless that effort so that we can use a very little to serve in a very big way. I think we are going to be amazed when God works through us for the benefit of the cancer survivors and their families!

Q: So, what can I bring?

A: Whatever you have. Seriously. We have sign-up sheets for different activity areas, including set-up/tear down, coffee bar, walkers, actionkidz, sno-cones, breakfast prep and breakfast servers! Any talent you have, we can use (mostly….except for some of James’ talents….which we won’t go into here)!! AND we have sign-up sheets for specific supplies that we think we will need to serve breakfast to upwards of 500 people on Saturday morning! Yes – it’s that HUGE!

Q: Do I have to pay money or raise funds for this thing? I’m kinda broke right now.

A: You don’t have to pay money and you don’t have to raise funds. The Cancer Society does have lots of ideas for you if you CHOOSE to raise funds from sponsors/friends. They use that money for various programs and research that helps cancer survivors. It is a very worthwhile cause – so you make the call. P.S. You do however, still have to fill out a “permission slip”. See the gang at the Relay table on Sunday morning. They have everything you need.

Q: I know someone personally who has been dealing with the diagnosis of cancer. How can I help them?

A: Wow! We can imagine how you are feeling right now. First – pray, pray, pray. Grab someone with a “crew tag” Sunday morning, we will pray with you. It helps. Second, there are so many really amazing “mini-events” going on in the middle of the bigger “relay event”. There is a dinner especially for cancer survivors and their caregivers. There are special laps, special t-shirts….incredible programs available through the Cancer Society. Bring them to the event and anyone in an event t-shirt will steer you in the right direction.

Q: I have kids?

A. So do we. Please don’t leave them locked in the car. Bring them along to Relay. It is a family atmosphere – there are specific events and games and areas just for them. As a matter of fact, actionchurch will have their bounce houses and some amazing people will be there to make sure they have fun. AND they will learn/witness a whole lot of feel good, do good, life lessons.

Q: Is it okay to tell someone they need to change their shirt?

A: Only if you are married to them or related by blood. Otherwise you could offer to share your deodorant.

-Kenna