Church Buzz

Were you aware that some Lexington County children have no lunch when school is out?

The Church of Christ at 1303 Sunset Boulevard in West Columbia is dong something about that.

They make a difference with lunch for up to 20 children this summer.

After several years of planning, they launched a summer lunch program open Monday to Friday. Their program is sponsored by Lexington School District 2 which provides the meals.

A volunteer picks up the meals at BC High School.

This is more than just meals, Daphne Scott, the site supervisor, told me. Church of Christ volunteers help with everything from kitchen duty to activities and mentoring the kids in school and life skills.

They take the kids home afterwards.

She, Co-Minister Demarcco Owens and the staff make it more like a summer camp with a summer reading club.

They have lots of books for each age group and the kids who want to participate are required to read in 15-minute intervals.

When they complete 45 minutes, they can select an item from “the gift table”. And there are plenty of arts and crafts, coloring books, indoor games and basketball to add to the fun.

Both Daphne and Demarcco say that they have gained insight and experience this summer which will help in the future.

Two challenges in the beginning were transportation and the Spanish speaking language barrier. But with help from others they were able to overcome these barriers.

One future goal is to offer an English as a Second Language program.

Demarcco reminded me that they are providing a physical need with a spiritual foundation. I couldn’t have said it better.

Do you have a ministry you want to talk about? Call me at 348-0243 or email chuck1946@hotmail.com