MCFARLAND (WMSN) -- An entire congregation in McFarland skipped church Sunday.



They didn't sleep in, go ice fishing, or watch college basketball.



Instead, they donated their time to help others -- turning a day of worship into a day of service.



The pews in McFarland Church of Christ sat abandoned on Sunday. No music, no sermon, no prayers.



"Jesus has left the building," the sign read, and church members followed.



"People have been hungry around here to actually get out and do something," said Walt Jackson, church member.



Jackson and his fellow parishioners are skipping the traditional worship, and spreading out into the community, taking part in a half dozen service projects.



"You would not believe the overall response that we've gotten," he said. "People are excited. There's a zeal again"



The church kitchen bustled with cookie bakers. Church member Lisa Fernan helped baked more than 1,200 cookies, which will go towards a Habitat For Humanity fundraiser.



"I think it's a great opportunity to put our faith into action," she said. "It's good to get out of the routine and go out and help others on a personal level."



From the kitchen to the food pantry, parishioners kept busy, stocking shelves, that in this economy, don't stay full for very long.



"We've been averaging 30 to 40 people. This last week we had 57," said Sue Steinmetz, pantry volunteer.



Volunteers say helping those in need is not only renewing their faith, but renewing their faith in people.



"Young and old, gay and straight, different economic situations -- we have a very diverse congregation, all giving gifts," Jackson said. "In the process of giving, people will find out they will receive so much more."



Church members also volunteered at the AIDS Network Camp, Sunset Retirement Home, Port St. Vincent, and Ice Age Trail.



They're planning three more service days in May, August, and October, on the 5th Sunday of the month.

Congregation skips church