Back-to-school season is officially here, with many students returning to class in early August. For many United Methodist congregations, it's a time to share God's love in both word and deed.
In Pace, Fla., Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church hits the ground running with the Santa Rosa County Back 2 School Bash, scheduled this year on Aug. 17.
"The B2SB," said the Rev. Mark Dees, "is an outreach ministry of the church in partnership with our neighboring church, along with 140 businesses and organizations in our community. In 2012, we gave out 1,700 bags of school supplies, 300 backpacks, 140 haircuts, eye care, child video identification and around 75 door prizes." Between 7,000 and 8,000 people attended. Various faith-based organizations set up booths to spotlight their work.
"I guess you could say that the people of the community know us as the Back 2 School church," Dees added. "It's about showing God's love.It's about giving the children an opportunity to hear the message of Christ while experiencing his love firsthand.
"Wesley averages 95-100 in worship, and it takes about 400 volunteers to pull off this event. God has truly blessed us."
Back to School Fiesta
The Barnabas Connection, an outreach of the Wimberley (Texas) United Methodist Church, addresses the health and human service needs of the community through education, advocacy and direct service.
One of its big events is the Back to School Fiesta, introduced in 2006 and next slated for Aug. 17. Many area churches and agencies play key roles. Underserved families receive free backpacks and school supplies, books, gift cards for shoes, haircuts, immunizations and vision screenings, as well as information about housing from Habitat for Humanity and voting from the League of Women Voters.
"It's an opportunity for this community to really get to know all aspects of the community," explained Barnabas director Vicki McCuistion. "People don't realize there are people in our community who are struggling. We often hide that demographic.
"The fiesta gets a child prepared for school with supplies that look like everybody else's," she said. When church families shop for their children's supplies, they pick up another stylish backpack "so we don't give out a bunch of identical red backpacks."
An important aspect of the fiesta is inviting families who receive services to return next year as volunteers.
McCuistion expects about 500 participants at the three-hour event.
A little boy receives a haircut as part of back-to-school activities at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in Pace, Fla. A 2002 file photo courtesy of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church.
'The door is open'
Starting in late August and continuing throughout September, Springfield United Methodist Church in Virginia, a faith-based partner of a neighborhood elementary school, plays various back-to-school events to a crowd of 200.
"In addition to year-round tutoring," said Shana Barr, director of family and children's ministries, "our congregation participates in the school's Back to School Fun Fair, where we pop popcorn and hand out pencils and information about our ministries and upcoming Blessing of the Backpacks and More Sunday. During this service, children and parents are invited to worship with us to receive a special blessing for their school, work or play. Later in September, we collaborate with the PTA to have a Back to School Movie Night.
"People in the community look at Springfield United Methodist Church as a place to belong," she added. "They may be of different faiths, but they know that the people who tutor their children, pop popcorn and supervise moon bounces at fall and spring festivals are people who love their children and love their family. I have seen Muslim families praying in our festival prayer tents.
"Some children in the community may only see us during events, but we know that our relationship building has started. When and if they need us, we are on the corner. The door is open. Our hearts are ready."
*Dunlap-Berg is internal content editor, United Methodist Communications, Nashville, Tenn.
News media contact: Barbara Dunlap-Berg, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or [email protected].
Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.
