Thursday, May 25, 2017

Do Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly


For many years, Christ Church has been in a special partnership with George Mason Elementary School in the downtown neighborhood of Church Hill. Through Richmond Hill’s Micah Initiative, we support GMES by tutoring students, providing support to teachers, and through a one-on-one reading program. A highlight for volunteers and students alike is the annual ice cream party and book fair that we sponsor to celebrate the end of the school year. Fourteen-year-old Cameron Steenrod has volunteered at this event for many years with her father, Rick. Cameron reflected on this experience and shares her witness below:

"Hi! My name is Cameron Steenrod. As some of you may know, I have been going to the Ice Cream Social and Book Fair at George Mason Elementary for four or five years. I can't remember a year not doing it. Now, I am not a busy person, nor am I very social. However connecting with these kids, seeing the smile on their face when they receive books, is an amazing experience. I find myself talking to them and being more social than I am normally, while helping others. I mean, yeah, of course it's nice to skip school, but it's way more than that to me. Helping these kids is something I look forward to every year. As soon as the week rolls around, I am always sure to talk to my teachers so I can be ready to go. It helps remind me how fortunate I am and that kids in our area really do have different lives. I am always grateful to be part of this awesome event. I would encourage anyone who has the opportunity to go because this experience is unlike any other." - Cameron Steenrod

Why George Mason Elementary School?

The Richmond Public Schools serve the most distressed portion of our area’s young people. Many of these children come from families with low income, low literacy levels, and a high degree of emotional and situational stress. These schools often have less resources to meet these challenges. The children at GMES need the steady and concerted support of the entire community to succeed in school and in life.  This is why as disciples of Christ we answer the call to serve. It takes a village to raise a child. All of metro Richmond is our village!

- Learn more about the Micah Initiative and get involved through Christ Church. 




Monday, May 15, 2017

Love Your Neighbor



The Wednesday Women’s Bible Study did a two-week study of Islam and wanted to get the perspective of the women from the West End Islamic Center. We invited them to join us on Wednesday morning. They were very gracious in answering our many questions and furthering our understanding. For some of us, it meant challenging some of our preconceived notions. During the past few months, the Muslim women have made an extraordinary effort to reach out to us in community and friendship. It’s safe to say that we were all enriched by the experience and hope to develop some genuine friendships. Yes, the Holy Spirit was right with us in the room. There was also much laughter, too.

- Rebecca Maguire