Local Elementary Ministries
"Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
Philippians 4:9
In partnership with local elementary schools, we strive to impact the lives of the children in our community. Through offerings of our congregation's time, talents, and tithes we continue to support growth, education, safety, and creativity in the next generation. To learn more about these ministries please read the articles below.
Reading Buddies
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Psalm 119:105
Reading Buddies is a collaborative program between Ward Elementary School and Helotes Hills which promotes literacy of high-risk children between the ages of kindergarten and second grade. Reading literacy is an important component of early academe because it empowers advanced learning skills—such as teaching oneself which are the stepping stones to high academic achievements and the attainments of ultimate potentials, both of which strengthen current and future generations. Most importantly, reading literacy enables children to pick up and read a copy of the Bible wherever they may find it. One member found and started reading her first Bible while waiting at the dentist’s office.
All church members should be aware that the United Methodist Church Book of Resolutions emphasizes the importance of supporting public education outreach programs, particularly the ones that benefit immigrant, minority, and low-income populations all of which are at higher risk for not achieving ultimate potentials.
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There is always a need for more Reading Buddy volunteers! Generally, volunteers assist one-to three children for about two to four times a month for 20-minute periods. Evidence-based activities are provided by the Reading Specialist but it is always fine for the Reading Buddy to read stories to or with the children. Age-appropriate books are available in the school library for temporary check out. Other literacy promoting strategies include, but are not limited to, alphabet and sight word recognition, word rhyming, word family chunking, and reading comprehension. If this mission is calling you to participate, then please contact the church office for more information!
Bag-Pack Ministry
“Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”
Luke 3:11
In an effort to help ease financial strain on families in our community, a program was developed in 2015 to provided "week-end" meals to children on reduced or free meal plans at our local elementary schools. The Bag-Pack ministry provides dozens of at-risk children with two meals and snacks for two days each week of the school year. All meals and snacks are kid-friendly and easy to prepare by little hands. The Bag-Packs are delivered every Friday by members of our congregation to Wanke and Ward Elementary Schools. For more information or to donate to this ministry, please contact the church office.
Angel Tree
"Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality."
Romans 12:13
To support our desire to ease the financial strain of families in our community and to coincide with our Bag-Pack Ministry, we participate in an Angel Tree giving program each Christmas Season. We seek to spread the joy and excitement of the Christmas season with families in our "back yard" by providing gifts for children in families who would otherwise go without. Much like Operation Christmas Child, it is our hope that these gifts will remind the children that receive them that they are loved, prayed for and thought of every day.
