Back to School By Pastor Kim Montenegro

School starts in a few short weeks, although with the heat, it feels like it should be a long way off! The start of the school year is an unofficial new start not only for families but also for our community.

It was a delight to see all the school supplies that were donated to children at Downtown Ministries. While backpacks, pencils, and binders are practical items, they are more than just that. They are also the representation of your commitment to children in our community. For many families, back to school shopping could drain the bank account. Often throughout scripture Jesus is reminding the disciples that they must become like children to inherit the kingdom of heaven. What does that mean for us in 2019? I often believe it means not losing the wonder, excitement, and pure joy that children experience daily. In order to be like children, we must not forget how the minds of children work. There are also fears, that are bigger than we can imagine, an uncertainty about the future, and emotions that can’t be contained in little bodies.

When I see the offerings of calculators, paper, and pens, I know these items bring more than just the material themselves. They come with the blessings of this community. This community has time and time again said that it values the children among us. I imagine the kid who has fears that they will be made fun of for not having the “cool” new thing, but that fear has been lessened by your giving. The uncertainty of how to balance the need for back to school items and the family’s budget has been diminished by your generosity. I am so grateful for the ways time and time again you have seen a need and responded wholeheartedly as Jesus reminds the Disciples we must love one another through our actions.

Blessings,

Pastor Kim