Mission Opportunity:

A Special Need:    

The Onslow County Learning Center (OCLC) is an alternative school for students to attend when certain issues prevent these students from attending one of the other middle or high schools within our county.  Recently, I spoke with a science teacher at OCLC whom I taught with for 14 years at White Oak.  She informed me that students attending OCLC are not allowed to bring anything to school, including a pencil.  After speaking with this teacher and the new principal at OCLC, students are not allowed to bring any school supplies to school for security and safety reasons.  This means that the teachers must supply their students with all necessary materials.  No funds are allocated to this school for student supplies.

This school is in need of the following school supplies:

* notebook paper – college rule

* #2 pencils, not mechanical pencils

* colored pencils

* glue sticks

* pocket folders

* blue and black ink pens

* yellow highlighters

* 25-count crayons

* 3-ring notebooks (1 1/2-inch black – are 75 cents each at Walmart)

* bookbag for a middle or high school student (for transitioning to high school)

In addition to these supplies, I’ve asked the principal to notify me when students are transitioning from OCLC to White Oak so that I can provide them with the supplies they will need at the high school.  I’ve found out the hard way that students coming from OCLC to White Oak arrive without any supplies, and I wrongly contributed this to their lack of work ethic or behavior issues rather than the fact that they are used to coming to school with nothing and in most cases, can’t afford any school supplies.  I’ve asked Mrs. Walton, OCLC’s principal, to notify me in advance so that I can also provide them with a bookbag so that on their first day at White Oak they are prepared and know that there are people (Pine Valley folks) who care about them.

If you are interested in helping, please purchase the above supplies, and/or a bookbag and bring these items to the church no later than Sunday, August 22.  You can also contribute money rather than purchasing these supplies – whatever you are comfortable doing and more importantly what you are led to do.

If you have any questions, please call me (346-8926) or email me at dcoleman1@ec.rr.com.

Thanks!

Debbie Coleman

Other Mission Notes:

Mugs on a Mission – Help us with our August Mission project for the Onslow County Learning Center by purchasing your very own Pine Valley UMC mug.  All monies raised will be used to purchase school supplies.  The mugs are $6.00 each.

Angel Food Ministries - Order taking days are Sunday, Aug. 8 and Aug. 15, 9:30am -12:30pm in the Fellowship Hall.  You may also order online at www.angelfoodministries.com. Distribution day is Saturday, Aug. 21 from 8:00 – 9:00am.   

Youth News:

Sunday, Aug. 29 @ 5:00pm – Youth Group Swim Party at the Grosskopf’s.  Admission:  bring a friend!

Sunday, Sept. 12 @ 5:00pm – Youth Group Kick Off!!!  All youth and parents are encouraged to come and enjoy a meal and hear about the plans, and sign permission slips for the upcoming year. 

Upcoming Events:

Sunday, Aug. 29 – “Stump the Pastor” Sunday. 

Beginning Sunday, September 12th – the “back to school” sermon series is “Life Is a Highway.”  Learn more about how Christianity is the best road trip you can imagine.