As children are going back to school and getting into their academic schedules again, the Promise Council of Parkside Elementary organized their annual "100 Caring Adults" morning for Tuesday, August 22. Because we have a relationship with Parkside through the Backpack Ministry as well as a willingness to fill other needs as they arise, several Calvary folks went to the school early Tuesday morning to welcome the students and cheer them on toward a great year. The intent is to let the students (and staff) know that they are not alone....that the community is supporting them all the way.

It was so much fun to encourage these children as they entered the school on their 2nd week of class. While we didn't handed out food or provide shelter or medical care or tend to any other physical need, we helped to give these children what all of us need: encouragement and support. That's part of being the Body of Christ in the world.

It was a rainy, cloudy day, but the Son was shining as we cheered for these children. What difference could we all make it we just encouraged the children that we see everyday? "Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.'" Mathew 19:14.

About the Author
Debbie Reese is the Co-Directing Pastor of Calvary UMC