Project nominations are now being accepted for the 2010 session of “River of Life Mission Advance” which will be held in Lincoln County June 23-27.

Sponsored by the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church, River of Life is an interdenominational program that gives young people the opportunity to use paint brushes, hammers, sweat, wood, smiles, and shingles to minister to those in need.

Last year, volunteers made improvements to 24 local residences during Lincoln County River of Life.

Work at each site is normally done in one of three areas: painting the exterior of the house, re-shingling the roof, or building a wheelchair ramp and/or porch.

According to Leigh Beggs, one of the program’s directors, “When evaluating a request, we must first determine if we can handle the project. Then, we try to select a few of each type and spread out help around the county.

“We typically can re-shingle two single-story houses, build five or six wheelchair ramps or porches, and paint the exterior of four to nine single-story homes, depending on whether we are painting the trim only or the entire house.”

Beggs went on to say, “However, due to equipment limitations and safety factors, we do not re-shingle or paint two-story houses nor do we work on metal roofs. Also, we only use latex exterior paint, but we will try to use the color of the homeowner’s choice. Please bear these limitations in mind when nominating a house for River of Life.”

There is another important consideration this year. Each homeowner must set aside at least one day to work with the River of Life crew, while repairs are being made to his residence. If he is physically unable to participate, a friend or family member may assist the volunteers instead.

In other items of information, Beggs said, “We are asking people to consider themselves and their neighbors for project nominations. If you have more than one nomination in any one area, please prioritize your nominations based on need.

“For example, if you have two nominations for a building project, number them one and two. The need would be greater for the number-one project. Please prioritize all multiple nominations in one category.”

Nomination forms may be picked up at the Lincolnton United Methodist Church office from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Monday through Friday or at the Lincoln County Department of Family and Children Services during regular business hours. They are also available at all times just inside the church’s right front door, facing Peachtree Street.

The nomination forms may either be returned to the church office in the basement of the fellowship hall or mailed to Chuck and Leigh Beggs at 166 Perryman Avenue, Lincolnton, Georgia, 30817.

The deadline is May 15.

For more information about River of Life, contact Chuck or Leigh Beggs at 706-359-2545.