Spirit Alive is a twice a month blog that looks at different aspects of mission and ministry throughout the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference and beyond.

May 10, 2016

Signs of Life:

Did you Know that Love Can Fit in a Backpack?

Often we pray that we’ll see more children become involved in the life of our congregations. Sometimes this does not happen on Sunday mornings, but that doesn't mean that you can't have a relationship with children in your community. Did you know that an increasing number of our congregations aren’t waiting for the children to come to us; they are going to where the children are—in our schools?  

Backpack Buddies is an outreach program designed to partner with schools in ways that address the needs of children who find themselves on the margins. And these programs make a big difference in the lives of countless children.

Here’s what I learned from four United Methodists congregations involved with the Backpack Buddies program.

After you’ve watched this video, consider these questions:

1. What are the needs of children in your community?
2. How could your church become involved with the needs of children in your community?
3. What would it take to do this?

Blessings on your journey,

Lowell

Spirit Alive is a twice a month blog and email by Rev. Lowell Greathouse, Mission and Ministry Coordinator for the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference. It seeks out where the spirit is alive in our congregations and communities.