The purpose of Serve Our City is to create an intentional opportunity for our ACF family to step out and serve the greater Austin area together — we strive to do this through encouraging, equipping, and mobilizing our congregation to show the love of Christ to all our Austin neighbors.
We encourage our congregation to show up for the people and organizations God has already placed on our doorstep. We equip volunteers with meaningful projects and trusted ministry partners already doing the work. And we mobilize our church body to go together — meeting real needs and reflecting the heart of Christ to the greater Austin area.
We believe the love of God compels us to act. 1 John 3:17–18 "If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."
Serve Our City will take place from September 26th to September 27th. There will be various projects around the city of Austin, from projects on campus to on-site projects with our local partners. Projects will vary in age range and skill levels. Below you will find the list of projects – click the date and the event you are interested in to learn more or register.
Sunday services will be held as scheduled, with an SOC Packing project taking place on the patio immediately afterward.
Saturday, September 26th
AM Projects 8:30AM - 12:00PM
Food Preparation — Partners in Hope Lunch
Partner: Partners in Hope
Date & Time: Friday, September 25 · 8:30–11:00 AM · ACF Kitchen
Summary
Before the weekend begins, our Food Prep Team gets to work in the ACF kitchen preparing the lunch that will be served to Lake Travis RV Park residents on Saturday. A behind-the-scenes project with real impact — if you love cooking and want to serve without leaving campus, this one's for you.
Ages 10+
Sign Up
Grounds Beautification Workday + Community Tours
Partner: Community First! Village (Mobile Loaves & Fishes)
Date & Time: Saturday, September 26 · 8:00AM – 11:00AM · Community First! Village, 9301 Hog Eye Rd, Austin
Summary
Roll up your sleeves for a hands-on grounds beautification workday at Community First! Village — gardening, landscaping, and outdoor maintenance that enhances the beauty and livability of the community. Community tours will be offered after the workday, giving volunteers a firsthand look at the scope and vision of The Village.
Farmers Market Breakfast at Community First! Village
Partner: Community First! Village (Mobile Loaves & Fishes)
Date & Time: Saturday, September 26 · 8:00–11:00 AM · Community First! Village, 9301 Hog Eye Rd, Austin
Summary
Start Saturday morning at Community First! Village — a 51-acre master-planned community providing permanent, affordable housing for people coming out of chronic homelessness. We'll share coffee and breakfast with residents in a morning of fellowship and connection.
All ages welcome!
Deck Demo, Trash Removal & Mulching
Partner: Red Oak Hope
Date & Time: Saturday, September 26 · 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM · Red Oak Hope Facility
Summary
Red Oak Hope works with survivors of human trafficking through prevention, intervention, and restoration. Our team will tear down an existing deck structure at their facility, haul away debris, build some new steps and lay fresh mulch — making their outdoor space safer and more welcoming for the women they serve.
Adults 18+
Mobile Loaves & Fishes 4th Saturday Truck Run
Partner: Mobile Loaves & Fishes
Date & Time: Saturday, September 26 · 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM · St. Thomas More Catholic Church
Summary
Join the Mobile Loaves & Fishes 4th Saturday Truck Run — one of the most hands-on ways to serve our neighbors experiencing homelessness. Your team will help prepare and load the MLF truck with sack lunches, then ride downtown to distribute meals directly to people living on the streets of Austin. A powerful, relational experience that takes service right to the people who need it most.
All ages welcome!
Community Event — Pot Painting & Herb Planting
Partner: Partners in Hope
Date & Time: Saturday, September 26 · 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM · Lake Travis RV Park
Summary
Partners in Hope works to eliminate social isolation by connecting neighbors — including widows and single moms — with community and ongoing support. Join us for a hands-on community event where guests will paint a terracotta pot and plant a small herb to take home. A morning of creativity, care, and connection.
All ages welcome!
PM Projects 12:00PM - 4:00PM
Fall Festival
Partner: CRC Twin Lakes
Date & Time: Saturday, September 26 · 12:00–3:00 PM · CRC Twin Lakes, 1150 S Bell Blvd, Cedar Park
Summary
ACF and Life Austin co-sponsor a Fall Carnival at the Twin Lakes Christian Resource Center for families served by CRC's member ministries. We need three types of volunteers to make it happen: a Cooking Team to prepare and serve food throughout the afternoon, a Games Crew to assist CRC member ministries with their game stations and keep the fun going for guests, and a Tear-Down Crew to break down and clean up the site after the carnival ends at 3:00 PM. Indicate your preference when you register.
All ages welcome!
Refugee Loss Simulator + Welcome Letter Writing
Partner: World Relief
Date & Time: Saturday, September 26 · 2:00–3:30 PM · ACFStudent Building
Summary
Experience the Refugee Loss Simulator — a powerful, immersive experience facilitated by World Relief staff that walks you through the journey and losses of a refugee before they arrive in Austin. Afterward, put empathy into action by writing welcome letters for newly resettled refugee families in our city.
Ages 10+
Sunday, September 27th
Between Services & After Service
Hygiene / Blessing Bag Packing
Partner: Sunrise Homeless Navigation
Date & Time: Sunday, September 27 · After Service · ACF Patio
Summary
Stop by the ACF patio between services to pack hygiene and blessing bags for individuals served by Sunrise Homeless Navigation. No sign-up required — jump in for as little as 10 minutes. Every bag goes directly to someone experiencing homelessness in Austin. Great for all ages, including kids.
Bags & Brews Fundraiser
Partner: The Source
Date & Time: Sunday, September 27 · 12pm-2pm · Moontower Saloon
Summary
The Source has served women in Austin and Houston for 40 years through life-affirming women's health clinics. Join a small team of 5 volunteers to support their Bags & Brews fundraiser after Sunday services — a simple way to show up for a partner doing meaningful work for women and families in our city.
Ages 21+