Community Outreach Ministries
Reading Buddies/Homework Buddies (Townley Elementary)
“Public schools are a vital component in achieving transformation in our communities. One of the most strategic groups to focus on is elementary school aged children. It is at the youngest ages that students need to learn skills and be encouraged so that they can discover success as they move into middle and high school. If students don’t learn to read by third grade, then they may never catch up or move forward.” Just thirty minutes a week spent reading and encouraging a child can make the difference for their success. If you can devote time to helping a child with reading or homework, contact either teri.petty@southmac.org
Lunch Buddies (Bowie Middle School)
Lunch Buddies spend 30 minutes a week at school having lunch with a student recommended by the school. “During middle school years, kids are making decisions and attitudes toward school and toward authority that will determine the direction of their lives. Providing mentors who can give sound advice and wisdom and a caring heart can help students see the possibilities of making wise choices, even when peers may be pulling them in other directions.” If you would be willing to spend 30 minutes a week as lunch buddy, email Teri Petty at teri.petty@southmac.org
TAPPS (Teenage Pregnant and Parenting Students)
South Mac’s partnership with Irving ISD TAPPS (Teenage Pregnant and Parenting Students) is relatively new but quite exciting. The TAPPS program has a presence in all of Irving’s high schools. Their goal is to help students stay in school and graduate. South Mac provides school based mentors for the students through the Community in Schools organizations. The church also partners with TAPPS to help in the new mom’s closet located at Irving High School. If you are interested in knowing more about volunteer opportunities in this program, email teri.petty@southmac.org.
Poverty & Homeless Coalition of Irving
South Mac is an active member of the Poverty & Homeless Coalition of Irving. What brings this group together is the (plight/struggle) of men, women and children who live in poverty and homelessness in our community. Together, we work to understand poverty and homelessness. We also work together to share our knowledge of the resources that will: a) Provide food, shelter and most of all, hope to our neighbors; b) Improve the lives of our fellow neighbors; and c) Bring the issues of the poor and homeless to our city leaders, business community, and fellow neighbors. No single agency or church can do it all, but all of us together can. The Coalition meets the 3rd Monday of each month at the Central Branch of the Irving Library at 12 noon. For more details: http://irvingpovertyandhomeless.org/ or email teri.petty@southmac.net.
Community Partnerships Ministry ~ “Loving God and others as the presence of Jesus in the neighborhood”
We are called as followers of Christ to love God and love others (Mark 12.30-31). Loving others through practical service in the community is the goal of the Community Partnerships Ministry. “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven”. (Matthew 5.16) The reflection of Jesus Christ’s light in us shines brightest as we serve in partnership with schools, non-profits, city agencies, and other churches to meet the needs of our neighbors. If you are interested in serving or have an idea of how the church can serve in the community, please contact Teri Petty at teri.petty@southmac.org.
Great Days of Service
Great Days of Service is a community-wide effort among churches and local groups working to improve the living conditions of those in need and not able to provide for themselves. We work with the city of Irving to identify homes needing repair and offer our services accordingly. We set aside two weeks each year, usually April. If you would like to serve in this ministry, contact Ronnie Walker.
39ers
The 39ers are members age 55 and older who meet on the second Tuesday of every month for a potluck dinner and some form of entertainment. For more information, contact Richard Stallings at cinnabar06@tx.rr.com.