Saturday, July 31
The Presbytery of Coastal Carolina
North Carolina
Volunteers gather to fill backpacks for distribution.
In the Presbytery of Coastal Carolina, teachers and staff in Moore County Public Schools realized that after many students left school on Friday, they had little to eat until they returned to school on Monday, when they received free or reduced price lunches. In 2005 Volunteer Coordinator Linda Hubbard contacted churches and civic organizations to generate interest in a new program called Back Pack Pals, which provides nutritious foods to children who might have little or nothing to eat at home. The distribution goes according to a plan that maintains dignity and anonymity for the recipients. That first year the program served twenty-five children in one school. With the help of many churches and community supporters, the program grew quickly. By December 2008 the number of children who were being served had grown to 671 elementary, middle, and high school students, and the number of schools served had grown to twenty-two. Subsequently students asked about food for holidays and over summer vacations, so program organizers made additional plans to cover their needs.
Ten PC(USA) churches support Back Pack Pals: Eureka, Brownson Memorial, West End, First Carthage, Bethesda, Jackson Springs, Community, Cameron, Vass, and Lakeview. They provide funding or volunteer hours in cycling the backpacks for redistribution each week. Church groups, families, and individuals participate each week to feed hungry children. Two nearby counties have since initiated similar programs.
The presbytery has 189 churches with 29,391 members. Within its bounds are several institutions of higher learning, including St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg.
Let us join in prayer for:
Robert W. James, member, GAMC
Presbytery Staff
The Rev. David Walker, general presbyter and stated clerk
Elder Gayle Boykin, treasurer and business manager
Elder Penny Cooper, administrative assistant, recording clerk
Kaye Bledsoe, associate of Resource Services
The Rev. Eduardo Moreno, evangelist, Hispanic ministries
Terry Johnson, financial assistant and computer administrator
De Scott, receptionist, database manager
Ann Locklear, camp registrar and administrative assistant
Diana Askins, Rev. Hazel Wilson and Rev. Laura Lupton, mission coordinators
Jon Stricklin, site manager, Camp Monroe
Jerome Patterson, site manager, Camp Kirkwood
Jennifer Maffia, interim associate for youth ministries
PC(USA) Agencies' Staff
Mary McAdory, GAMC
Maria McAtee, BOP
Mark McCabe, GAMC
Prayer
Gracious God, you give us all that we have and you lead us into greater service. Some of us have more than enough, while others live in need. By your Spirit, guide us to show love and compassion and to share what you have given. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen.
Daily Lectionary
Ps. 122, 149 and Ps. 100, 63
Judg. 5:19–31
Acts 2:22–36; Matt. 28:11–20