HEYWORTH - If you want to raise the ire of your pastor, skipping church is usually a good way to do it.

But two Heyworth church congregations plan to do just that Sunday, and the entire community is invited.

Members of The United Church of Heyworth and Faith Fellowship Center are holding their second annual "Faith in Action" day to work on various community projects. Last year, more than 100 volunteers painted and recovered books at Heyworth Elementary School, refinished art tables and assembled study binders at Heyworth High School, and painted curbs and re-striped tennis courts for the Village of Heyworth.

"Faith in Action" is a national initiative established in 2007 by Christian group World Vision, "Outreach" magazine and Zondervan Publishing, said Sheri Strohl, who is coordinating the Heyworth effort.

"You don't have to be a member of The United Church, Faith Fellowship or any church to participate," Strohl said. "We need skilled and not-so-skilled labor. There will be something for everyone to do."

Heyworth Junior-Senior High School Principal Jeff Asmus appreciates the group's efforts.

"I am grateful the Faith in Action workday is continuing," Asmus said. "This program allows us to complete projects that might otherwise sit on the back burner for quite awhile."

Strohl said community members also can donate to the Heyworth Community Food Pantry, which was established at The United Church in 2006. Heyworth's pantry, like most in the area, is seeing a shortage as more people seek assistance.

"The pantry serves approximately 25 families each month, as many as 90 people," Strohl said. "It is only open one day a month, but a goal for 2009 is to have enough food available to open an additional day each month."

Items needed include non-perishable food, paper goods, personal hygiene items and cleaning supplies. Strohl added Faith in Action volunteers will clean the pantry, sort donated food, lay carpet tiles and make preparations for holiday food baskets.

Pre-registration is required for the workday, which begins at 8:30 a.m. Limited spaces for childcare are available. Sign-up sheets are available at The United Church, 302 E. Main St.; Heyworth Village Hall, 108 S. Buchanan St.; or by calling (309) 473-2223, (309) 530-2917 or 530-9126.

Food pantry items may be dropped off at the church or at Heyworth High School during workday hours, or call to arrange an alternate time.