The West Nodaway Ministerial Alliance, consisting of the Burlington Junction First Christian Church (DOC), the BJ, Elmo and Clearmont United Methodist Churches, and St. Benedict Catholic Church of BJ, have joined together to support the children of our school district in any way we can. This summer we have come together to form No Hunger Summer for the children of the West Nodaway School District.
No Hunger Summer is a program sponsored by Second Harvest out of St. Joseph which strives to ensure that no child goes hungry during the summer months. Many of our families with children who receive free breakfast and lunches during the school year struggle to provide balanced meals during the summer months.
No Hunger Summer provides free meals at the United Methodist Church from 11:30 am to 1 pm, Monday-Friday thru July 29th, to all children under the age of 18. Adults may also eat for a suggested donation of $2.00. However if the adult is unable to pay the churches have agreed to pick up the cost to ensure no one is turned away.
In addition to No Hunger Summer the Burlington Junction First Christian Church joins with the school district and provides all the crayons, colored pencils and lead pencils for the elementary age students and will once again provide after school homework assistance to all elementary age children two nights a week after school at the First Christian Church of Burlington Junction. Teachers work with the tutors to provide any additional materials and lists of needed help the students need. This program services approximately 12-15 students.
The Church has also started an interdenominational youth group for kids in 3rd through 8th grade. This group has grown from 5 kiddos who were baptized and wanted to spread the word to 25 kids who meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesday. The Lord’s help and two very energetic youth group leaders, Kelli Hagey and Whitney Beery, have made this group a huge success! Pastor Terry hangs in the best he can.
We also provide a High School Youth Group under the direction of Brooke Kinsella and Pastor Terry. Very important conversations and studies are held based on the topics the kids feel are important to them at this moment of their lives.
Thanks to Pastor Terry Robison
for this story and photos.