Edwards Elementary Missional Initiative Fall 2026
I wanted to share with you a missional initiative for this school year. In the summer, we received a missional proposal from Liz Fodge, who is a teacher at Edwards Elementary, asking Church of the Vine if there was anyway that we as a church could help the teachers at Edwards procure specific supplies and materials that would have a real beneficial impact in their classrooms.
When we received this request, the missions team got together in our monthly gathering and discerned that there was a really good opportunity here to support local students, teachers, and families in a practical way and so we reached back out and got connected with Liz.
When we met with Liz, she shared how teachers were collectively feeling an added weight this year as they were preparing for more students per classroom than ever before and with less resources than previous years. And yet, the teachers are resolved to really try and make the beginning of the school year a great experience for the incoming students, which was so encouraging to hear.
In our talks, we identified that the greatest needs were coming from the K-2 classes. Liz shared a heart for wanting the lower classes to have a seamless and fun experience as they begin their educational journey. And so, we were able to land on supporting 8 classrooms that will make up Kindergarten, 1st, and Second grade at Edwards. And we created a plan and a comprehensive list of supplies they would need.
Last week, as school was about to start, we were able to purchase and deliver every single item they needed, including sensory tools to help teachers identify specific learning needs earlier in a student’s journey, and also a small color copy fund that they can use to print specific curriculum that would enhance engagement and learning.
The total for the 8 classrooms, which makes up about 140 students, was $3,236.41, which comes out of our local 5% Initiative fund purposed to directly serve and support initiatives for Newberg-Dundee.
In addition to the supplies, the missions team was asking the question of how we can stay connected and partner in ways that bring relief and support not just in September but throughout the rest of the year. Liz mentioned the school’s need for volunteers to help out in the classroom and also snacks for students, which teachers often have to purchase themselves.
And so, Bethany and I have created some resources and a sign up calendar for anyone who would be interested in volunteering in a K-2 classroom at Edwards. Please reach out if you would love to learn more about what volunteering can look like (min@churchofthevine.org). If you are interested in volunteering, the sign up form can be found here.
And, for snacks, we are going to be collecting snacks through the month of September before and after our worship service. I invite you to bring a snack for Edwards students as you come here the next few weeks (Sep. 13, 20, & 27).
This week, let’s pray for our schools that the Spirit of God comforts students, teachers, and families as they start the year. That young people in our community delight in their learning and with their friends. And that needs, and especially ones that are hidden and hard to see, be lovingly met, and that we can serve and love one another as Sons and Daughters of the Kingdom of God.
Sincerely,
Min Soo Choi
Deacon, Church of the Vine