Lamar UMC connects with community through 'Blessings in a Bag'

Story and photos submitted by the Rev. Barbara Johns-Schleicher
Pastor, Lamar United Methodist Church, Lamar, Colorado

Lamar United Methodist Church's Whole Church Initiative team sponsored "Blessings in a Bag," which was handing out food in drawstring bags each Wednesday this summer to low-income, school-age children in our church neighborhood. Some school teachers from the community also helped us. We had lots of fun getting to know the wonderful children who came each week.

At the local swimming pool, three kids came up to me and said, "Hi!" I said, "Hi" and gently asked, "Do you know me?" One boy said, "I think so ... Blessings?" "Ah, yes!" I replied. "Blessings in a Bag! You came this week. Thanks for saying 'hi!' to me." Awesome – I have some new friends!