January 24, 2023
As part of PCS’ mission to educate students “in the truth of God’s word . . . so that their lives may be transformed by the renewing of their minds” the preschool and elementary school’s service theme is “God’s Work, Our Hands.”
In chapel, the mission committee (comprised of PCS staff) presents a country for the students to learn about, and prayer points that include people’s spiritual and physical needs. The “God’s Work, Our Hands” global mission program portion began in November with prayer for Somalia, in December for the Maldives and this month, Iran. Through this exposure to a specific country each month, our students (and their families) become aware of other countries and missions worldwide.
The impact of this program has been far reaching! Currently several students in the high school Intro to Engineering were able to respond to the statement “God’s Work” with “Our Hands!” because they started attending PCS preschool or elementary school. Principal Mrs. Rogers at elementary chapel always says “God’s Work” to the student body during chapel, and they respond “Our Hands!”
Students in the high school Intro to Engineering class,
from left: William Loffink, Ian Hoffert, Corbin Hughes, Noah Shin
Tenth grader Corbin Hughes still has his bookmarks that he uses “Pray for [specific country name]” from his elementary school days. And when he looks at a bookmark, he prays! He says, “even though I was so young back then, I’ve kept all the bookmarks and pray for the specific country!”
As part of the local monthly mission focus, specific items are collected for a designated mission organization every year between November and April. This 2022-2023 school year, November’s mission focus is the NW Children’s Outreach. This faith-based, non-profit organization helps provide clothing, and other necessities families need for their children. Distribution barrels are placed strategically throughout the preschool and elementary campus to collect socks and underwear.
This past December, our annual Giving Christmas Tree was covered with tags. Written on each tag was an item request. These gifts were for Cascade Terrace residents at a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center. PCS students and families took a tag(s) off the tree and went shopping. In early December after all the tags with gifts were returned, PCS took over 90 gifts (five car loads!) to the retirement center. What a blessing! Our peer ministers also donated hand tied fringe fleece blankets.
This month January 2023, PCS families are collecting diapers and baby wipes for SnowCap Community Charities. This organization provides emergency food, clothing, advocacy, and other services to low income families in the Portland East County.
Upcoming local mission organization focus and items that will be collected include: February - for David Douglas Kid’s Closet - toothbrushes, toothpaste and deodorant; March – for the Children’s Book Bank - gently used or new children’s books; and April – Northeast Emergency Food Bank – non-perishable foods.
“God’s Work, Our Hands” culminates with the event “Go Out and Serve!” in May. All six grades (from preschool to 5th grade) will be serving our community in a variety of ways. Some projects are completed on campus, while others will be off campus. Items that are collected throughout the year will be packaged and delivered to the respective mission organizations. At some missions, students will be sorting, organizing, even cleaning and gardening!
Photos from 2022, last year's Serve Day event
We are so glad to be able to teach our students and partner with families to help local missions with tangible help and also pray for global mission needs. It’s God’s work that we do with our hands!
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Written by Grace Dugger