Graphic courtesy of Linton UMC.

It is time to gear up and head back to school. The United Methodist Church in Linton, North Dakota, helped families prepare by holding a "Back-to-School Bash." After doing the same thing for ten years, the congregation decided to try something different. A new event for the entire county connects families to community resources. It allows students to gather their school supplies in a backpack, enjoy some food, select clothing for school, and experience God's love.

"In the past, we would just give backpacks. Kids would come in, and we would have the school list for each grade. They would take the supplies they needed and leave. There were in and out in about five minutes," shared Rev. Marlin Sapp, who serves at Linton and Sterling UMCs. "This year, in my craziness, I decided to take it one step farther."

Families from Hazelton, Strasburg, and Linton attended the event. They enjoyed hot dogs and chips and selected a backpack that they filled with school supplies. Families could also connect with public health, the county fire department, and the ambulance crew.

"Kids could explore the fire truck and look at the ambulance. Parents could talk to the county health nurse. People liked it," said Pastor Marlin.

When the students arrived, they were assigned a shopping guide. Each guide assisted the students with backpacks and school supplies.

"They walk with them. They find out what school, what grade, and that way, we make sure they get exactly what they need," shared Pastor Marlin. "We set up nine different tables with school supplies."

During July, congregation members and the Linton community donate school supplies or cash for school supplies.

"We set up the school bus, a wooden bus with a box. People donate stuff and put it into the bus. People also donated money. Whatever we are missing, I go and buy the stuff. This year, we spent about $900 buying miscellaneous stuff we didn't have," described Pastor Marlin.

Winter coats and other clothing items were available. Families could pick out clothing items and receive a voucher for the Next to New Thrift Store.

"I know a lot of clothing went out. People got winter coats and stuff like that," Pastor Marlin said.

Back-to-Back School Bash participants were invited to take a Bible and connect with Linton UMC.

"I invited the Gideons. They shared Bibles and they were tickled pink," shared Pastor Marlin. "Everybody got a chance to know the people a little bit—who they are, what they look like, where they live, hobbies, and interests. It looks like two families will be coming to church. One family was in church on Sunday. The other one will probably be in the next couple weeks, and they have, like, five kids between the two of them."

Seventy-five backpacks were filled and distributed. Parents can look over the clothing while the students are getting their school supplies and interact with public health.

"Public health had toothbrushes for the kids. They also had COVID-19 vaccinations. They had some Narcan and other stuff. They were interacting with the parents," stated Pastor Marlin.

For Pastor Marlin and the members of Linton UMC, it was a chance to share God's love.

"I wanted this year to give them something that they could feel more love. The meals, clothes, public health, Bibles, and all the other things made it more accommodating and welcoming. It became more of an experience," he said.

Plans are already in place for next year. The extra school supplies are packed up and in storage. The date is on the calendar.

Pastor Marlin said, "We store things from year to year. When a need comes up during the year, we get what is needed. We already have the date on the calendar for next year. We will try a Thursday night instead of Friday to catch families that travel on the weekend."

Resources:

Ready, Set, Reconnect! Discover resources for children, youth, and adults as they gear up for the new school year and return to church. Whether you're seeking motivation, spiritual encouragement, engaging liturgy, heartfelt prayers, or inspiring reads, everything you need to start this season refreshed and prepared is right here!

Back-to-school engagement ideas: The families in your city will soon be in full-blown, back-to-school mode. This offers an incredible opportunity to reach out to your community. The Lewis Center for Church Leadership suggests 50 ways you can engage your local school effectively, and some of them are super simple!  Learn more

A prayer for teachers and school leaders: Watch, share and join this prayer for teachers, administrators and staff persons who inspire students to learn, dream and grow. This video was produced by United Methodist Communications in Nashville, Tennessee.