The first event of CONNECT 2021 took place from July 12 through 15, following the inception of the idea in March. The event was organized through a collaboration of five area churches - Bethany Grace Fellowship, St. John's Center United Church of Christ, Bowmansville Mennonite, Terre Hill Bible Fellowship and Vibrant Church of Terre Hill - working together to organize a youth-centered service work outreach in the eastern Lancaster County communities of East Earl, Terre Hill, Reinholds and Bowmansville.

Using six teams of 13 youths and 17 adults, the churches planned and completed a total of 11 work projects for widows, single moms and others in need. The work included pressure washing, painting, repairing a deck, working on roofing and siding, cleanup, debris removal, landscaping and general maintenance. Participants were able to share fellowship and create memories and friendships.

They were supported by more than 20 other participants from the churches in areas of operations planning, logistics, transportation, administration, hospitality, and discipleship/fellowship. Many local merchants joined with the churches in supporting CONNECT 2021 with discounts, gift cards and donations of construction and maintenance materials and food.

This fall, the CONNECT 2021 collaboration is transitioning to a more permanent name while retaining the same logo of "His hands and feet." The group is known as ELANCO CONNECT, and it plans to launch its own website as well as pursue nonprofit status through the IRS.

The organization's mission is "connecting people, churches and community all in the name of Christ." In the upcoming years, ELANCO CONNECT intends to expand its service in the eastern Lancaster County area with additional partner churches, student and youth organizations and merchant sponsors. Another goal is to continue the efforts of ELANCO CONNECT throughout the year with smaller-scope, one-day events and seasonal service projects.

For more information about ELANCO CONNECT and future service opportunities, contact elancoconnect@gmail.com.