– Kim R. Smith, Sound District Lay Leader
Recently, a local Principal invited me to join her as she presented Pastor Johnnie Wright and his wife Annette, with the Bob Silvera Volunteer of the Year Award for WJ Gurganus Elementary School. Since December, when volunteers were allowed back in the schools, the two of them have given over 100 hours of volunteer service in the classrooms of this school. One works with third grade students and the other with fifth graders. They also show up for field days, volunteer to pack with Backpack Blessings, and assist with Buddy Bench dedications.
Due to an intentionally muddy narrative, many from the faith-based community are pulling out of public schools right when we should be pushing in! That is why the fourth area of focus with Congregations for Children…Advocacy…is crucial. To advocate effectively, hearts need to be in the buildings. We need to hear the stories of our students and parents, as well as the educators. If we are present, we can separate fact from fear because we are living it alongside public school families.
Many churches provide backpacks, school supplies, hygiene products, and nutritional support. Basic needs will continue to be necessary if effective advocacy on behalf of public schools is lacking. Do we want to help for a moment, or do we want to help for a lifetime? Advocating effectively for policies that influence child poverty rates and public education is at the heart of social justice and ministry.
Johnnie and Annette are busy folks! They serve a vibrant and active church family. They are both also involved in so much outside of First United Methodist Church in Havelock. Still, they commit to time in classrooms where they can be face to face with students and in the building with educators. They understand how to advocate. When others are pulling out, God has called them to push in!
Consider moving from dropping things off at the front office to volunteering in the media center shelving books. You will learn what our children are reading as you help the media coordinator. Consider serving as a lunch buddy and sit with a child who needs a mentor. You’ll discover how creative Child Nutrition has become since you were young. Maybe you would just like to stand at the door and tell a child good morning like a Wal-Mart greeter! Your local public school can help with that too! Of course, all schools need reading and math tutors. Don’t be afraid! People will help and support you!
This summer, reach out to a school in your neighborhood and find a way to push in. Remember, each time a Christian walks through the door of a public school, Christ walks through the door with them! Johnnie and Annette have taken Christ with them right through the front door and into classrooms for over 100 hours in a six-month period. Imagine what we could all do TOGETHER!
“For an answer Jesus called over a child, whom he stood in the middle of the room, and said, “I’m telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you’re not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God’s kingdom. What’s more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it’s the same as receiving me.” – Matthew 18:5-7 MSG