The First Christian Church of Waynesburg Sunday School students practice what they learn by giving back to their community.
Some of the students of the NextGen Ministry class at the church, recently delivered a donation of One Hundred Dollars to the Community Foundation of Greene County (CFGC). Darren Knight, Roxy Lightner, Alyssa Lightner, Nathan Iams and Ethan Iams, made a special trip to the CFGC office on High Street to present the check to the Foundation’s Board Chairman, Dr. Morris Harper, and Vice-Chairwoman, Kim Grimes.
“I was so thrilled to hear that the Community Foundation had been selected by Asher’s students to receive this gift,” said Bettie Stammerjohn, CFGC’s Executive Director. “Learning about philanthropy is an important lesson for all of us, but it is especially touching to see young children experience the joy of giving back. Each gift, no matter how big or how small, has an impact. Most of all, the children are learning an important lesson in giving that will last them a lifetime.”
According to Asher Knight, the NextGen Ministry leader, students ranging in age from 2 to 13 years old select a nonprofit each month to receive their weekly offering. “Their goal is to raise $50 in the month,” said Knight. “We share with them some information about two organizations each month and the children select one to receive the donation.”
Ms. Knight said the students selected CFGC to receive the June offering because of the work it does to help promote the Weekend Food and Summer Food programs in Greene County, along with many other projects that give back to the community.
“We began this at the beginning of the year under the direction of our new minister, Pastor Scott Chambers,” noted Ms. Knight. “I am simply volunteering as the children’s ministry leader, but Scott has given us some new and great ideas.”
Some of the other organizations the children have supported include: the Corner Cupboard Food Bank, 2ndSam9, Inc., Camp Christian, and Christmas for Teens (an initiative started by Dr. Darrell Donley). The children are currently collecting for Cornerstone Care.