On December the 8th, Westbury Christian’s 4th grade visited Evergreen Commons, a retirement home in Southwest Houston. They were able to minister to the residents there by sharing Bible verses, singing Christmas songs, reading to them, and showing them Christ’s love.
Fourth grade teacher Mr. McDonald says, “I am thankful to God that all went well and the senior citizens were blessed by our students. Our theme verse for the year, Ephesians 2:10, is something we want to live by- For we are God’s handiwork created in Christ Jesus for good works. I am very proud of our 4th grade!”
Lower School Principal Amanda Archer says, “It fills me with joy to think about how our lower school students are courageously sharing the love of Jesus with our surrounding community. As we seek to develop the next generation of Christian leaders here at WCS, our fourth graders provided a great example for all of us to follow in how they ministered to the residents of Evergreen Commons in December, serving the senior community and blessing their lives with love, hope, and acceptance. For many of our students, it was the first time they had ever visited a senior citizens’ home/facility. While they were a bit nervous, they reported back about how great it felt to read books, sing songs, and visit with the residents.”
About Project HUG: Westbury Christian School’s preschool through fourth grade students have embarked on a new path of service called Project HUG (Hearts Understanding Goodness). The Lower School initiative promotes the idea that kids can serve in mighty ways. Students are learning how to give back to the community, to support one another, and to encourage those both near and far.
Each grade level has chosen a theme project for the year. For example, fourth grade is focused on cancer awareness in October and will be writing encouraging notes to those dealing with this disease; third grade will have a food drive for the Houston Food Bank; and second grade will visit a nursing home to encourage the residents through song. Even the school’s 3-year old class will take part in Project HUG by planning a donation drive for the House of Tiny Treasures in Houston. In Wednesday chapel, students report on their Project HUG progress by sharing “bucket fillers” – stories of moments when students have done something kind or helpful for other students or staff on campus.
WCS Lower School Principal Amanda Archer says the school’s young students are increasingly using words like compassion and mercy as they discuss and plan opportunities for serving others. “Our students’ hearts are being changed as they learn the value of giving back to the school and surrounding community while following the model of Jesus,” Archer said.
To learn more about Christian service in our Lower School please visit https://www.westburychristian.org/lower-school-chapel/
To learn more about Evergreen Commons, visit https://www.aplaceformom.com/community/evergreen-commons-inc-51489
