By Scott Mayberry
Southern District Communications Coordinator
On Saturday, Aug. 17, Pineville Elementary School (Southern District) was the site for a Back To School Bash for the area’s school children. The event was the result of seven Pineville area churches cooperating to provide incoming students with school supplies, food, and fun.
One of the event’s organizers, our own Rev. Dan Lowther (Pineville, Matheny, Wyoming Charge), remarked that “The money for supplies and food just kept coming in. God has richly blessed our efforts.”
Indeed, the blessings were tangible on the smiling and laughing faces of the children and parents as they enjoyed food, games, and generosity. The event included socks, T-shirts, backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, hourly prizes, games, hot dogs, snacks, and drinks. All were available without charge.
Teachers utilized the three hours to socialize with students and parents. Clergy and laity from the churches offered hospitality and good conversation with folks at event stations. Each child and family readily received a warm welcome at the Bash.
Dan offered a special “Thank you!” to Grand Home Furniture and local Pineville businesses who helped make the event possible. Any remaining school supplies will be distributed after the school’s Christmas break. Dan reminds us that, “kids need supplies more than once a year.”
The idea for the Back To School Bash grew from the success of the DaySpring Community day camp held earlier this summer at the Pineville City Park. The day camp was the first cooperative effort between DaySpring, a ministry of Spring Heights, and Pineville community churches.
DaySpring highlighted the advantages of cooperation among Pineville area churches and founded a unity of purpose. Clergy and lay folks now meet monthly. “Community outreach begins with the kids” is the theme that draws the churches together.
Within the first hour of the event, over 100 children were registered and enjoying the Bash. Pastor Dan summed up his enthusiasm this way: “We can’t wait to see what God has in store for us in Pineville!”