Friday, June 26, 2026
There's something that happens when you spend a Saturday morning serving your neighbors instead of scrolling your phone. The day feels different. You meet people you never would have crossed paths with otherwise. And somewhere in the middle of it, you remember that showing up for others is one of the most human things you can do.
That's the heartbeat behind Second Saturday at CedarCreek. Every month, we head out into Toledo and the surrounding communities to serve, and we'd love for you to come with us.
How Second Saturday Works
On the second Saturday of every month, volunteers from CedarCreek campuses across Northwest Ohio fan out into the community to tackle hands-on projects that address real, practical needs. The projects change month to month based on where the need is greatest, but the format stays consistent, show up, get paired with a team, and get to work alongside people who genuinely want to make a difference.
Projects are organized and led by our outreach team in partnership with local nonprofits and community organizations. Everything you need is provided. No tools to bring, no experience required. Just show up ready to work.
Registration opens a few weeks before each event, and signing up in advance helps our team place you on the right project for your interests, abilities, and schedule.
Sign Up for a Second Saturday
What You Might Be Doing
Projects vary every month, but here's a snapshot of the kinds of things our Second Saturday teams tackle:
Serving nursing home residents who haven't had a visitor in weeks, offering companionship, conversation, and genuine human connection. Packing and distributing food and essential items to families in need across Toledo. Supporting our free automotive assistance program by helping provide basic vehicle repairs to people who can't afford them. Neighborhood beautification projects that make a visible, lasting difference in communities that need some extra care. Outreach to people experiencing homelessness, meeting them where they are with practical supplies and real presence.
Each project is designed to be accessible for volunteers of all ages and physical abilities, so whether you're 16 or 76, there's something meaningful you can do.
What Makes It Different From Other Volunteer Opportunities
A lot of volunteer opportunities are transactional. You show up, do a thing, and go home feeling okay about it. Second Saturday is designed to be something more than that.
Because it happens every month with many of the same people showing up consistently, real friendships form. You start to recognize faces, learn names, and build the kind of community that exists beyond a single Saturday. For a lot of people, Second Saturday is how they first connected with CedarCreek, not through a Sunday service, but through a morning of serving side by side with people who share their values.
It's also genuinely one of the best ways to try CedarCreek out without the pressure of walking into a church building. Come serve, meet people, and see what this community is actually about before you ever set foot in a weekend service.
Serve Day: The Biggest Day of the Year
If Second Saturday gives you a taste of what serving at CedarCreek feels like, Serve Day on July 25th is the full experience. Once a year, our entire church mobilizes across Northwest Ohio for one day of community-wide impact. Last year that looked like painting at a women's shelter, packing gifts for first responders, serving at local schools, and much more.
It's one of our favorite days of the year, high energy, deeply meaningful, and a powerful introduction to what CedarCreek is really about at its core.
Going Deeper After Second Saturday
A lot of people show up to a Second Saturday and want more. When that happens, there are natural next steps. Our outreach groups offer ongoing, relationship-based serving that goes deeper than a monthly event. GrowthTrack is a free 4-week program that helps you figure out your purpose and where your specific gifts fit — and connects you to a serving role that's genuinely the right fit for you.
Explore More Ways to Serve
FAQs
Q: What should I expect at my first Second Saturday?
A: A welcoming team, clear instructions, all the materials you need, and a morning that goes by faster than you'd expect. First timers are paired with experienced volunteers so you never feel like you're figuring it out alone.
Q: Can families and kids participate?
A: Yes. Many Second Saturday projects are family-friendly and include options suitable for children and youth. It's a great way to serve together as a family and build habits of generosity early.
Q: Do I need to attend CedarCreek to volunteer on Second Saturday?
A: Not at all. Second Saturday is open to anyone in the Toledo community who wants to serve, regardless of church background or affiliation.
Q: Is prior volunteering experience required?
A: No experience needed. Our outreach team provides all the guidance and support you need to contribute meaningfully from your very first Saturday.