SchoolConnections - Oakwood UMC, Oakwood

We wanted to reach out to our community and work with the neediest kids in ourschool district – to help them feel the love of Christ – to help them know that someone cares for them. It'sall about the kids; ultimately, that they will know God cares for them. But in the meantime, they need to seethat love through people. We told the principal that we had “adopted” Jefferson School, and especially theneediest kids in their school. We live in a town where two denominations have set up parochial schoolsystems, grades 1-12. Pastor Ric Jacobsen spoke with the principal, telling her that Jefferson Elementarywas OUR parochial school – after all, the world is our parish! We go about partnering with Jefferson, notworking directly with the students, but giving reliable, constant support and concern in the form ofemergency school supplies, emergency nurse's station kids clothing and staff appreciation gifts throughoutthe year.

Community Baby Shower Outreach: Our public school system's Early Childhood Education program isvery active in the area. We partner with them to support young families at their annual community babyshower. Our members provide childcare on-site at no charge, a snack and also a gift bag with items thatshare Christ's message. Some of the attendees are the neediest of families. We want them to knowabout Oakwood members' concern for them and through this, to know the love of Christ.

Getting Started:
1. Meet with the Oakwood Administrative Council and any effected committees about the new outreachproject. Ask for prayer. Ask for approval. We find some members will give approval while others willwish to wait until the project is up and running.

2. Acquire dedicated volunteers to serve on and pray for the project.

3. Acquire the supplies needed through designated donations and budget line items.

For information contact: Evangelism Chair, Kathy Austinson, 507-766-3194,