With Appreciation....

Being a teacher and staff member at our local schools can be a rewarding job!  But I suspect that most days it has more challenge than reward.  This year, Community of Joy has sought to strengthen it's connection with our neighborhood elementary school - Pinehurst. 

Today, we are hosting a special all day long reception to say "thank you" to the teachers and staff at Pinehurst for all that they do!  I just returned from taking three LARGE trays of about 13 different kinds of cookies and candy - all homemade - and three large coolers of pepsi, diet pepsi, and water - iced down and cold!   Many of the staff and teachers were making there way down to the lounge as we were setting up and leaving and they each expressed their appreciation for the gesture!  I hope it brightens their day and they feel the love!

In addition to this event, we have joined with them in helping to staff the monthly good behavior incentives.  All who have helped out have enjoyed this partnership very much!  Wednesday will be our last one, which will be sad for me!  I have so looked forward to these each month! 

I can tell that a constant presence has deepened the connection with the children and staff.  On Friday night, Sharon and I were at Ritas and saw the gym teacher, who promptly came up to engage in conversation and express her appreciaton for the help of the church.

The next thing on our horizon as far as the partnership goes, will be to donate school supplies this fall when the children go back to school!

I am delighted to be part of a church that cares about it's community and desires to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors!