Caption: The Rev. Kelvin Barnes, left, serves food to Lumberton Junior High School Principal Dr. Jamane Watson earlier this week. Barnes’ church Sandy Grove Baptist Church of Lumberton, was among the churches that served meals and prayed over school staff members this week. (Photo Credit: Kelvin Barnes)
As teachers returned to their classrooms this week they received support from the faith community which included meals and prayers for a prosperous school year.
Most teachers within the Public Schools of Robeson County returned this week to their classrooms to prepare for a successful academic year and the return of students on Monday.
Their efforts to prepare their classrooms were met with support from churches in their communities.
“When the community comes together as one, everyone wins,” said John Simmons, vice chairman for the Public Schools of Robeson County Board of Education, who represents District 1.
“Thank you to the churches for providing the meals with hospitality,” said PSRC Board Member Tre’ Britt, who represents District 8.
Multiple board members connected with local churches to help coordinate the efforts. Church members gladly answered the call to serve educators in their communities and to put their faith on display.
"What a tremendous act of kindness, love and appreciation our faith-based community delivered to our teachers and staff," said PSRC Board of Education Chairman Randy Lawson, who represents District 7.
"I personally want to say 'thank you' to every person who participated in ensuring that our teachers were recognized and appreciated in such a caring manner. This is an example of how good things can happen when we put others first and we work together to accomplish a common goal. Again, many thanks to all those who worked to make this event happen. This ensures our school year is already off to a grand start,” Lawson said.
Sandy Grove Baptist Church of Lumberton was among the churches that answered the call to serve. Other churches that participated included Hyde Park Baptist Church, East Lumberton Baptist Church, Baltimore Baptist Church, Orrum Baptist Church, Long Branch Baptist Church and Antioch Baptist Church.
“Education has an important place in the hearts of the parishioners of Sandy Grove. We have many retired educators and school board members who have served the Public Schools of Robeson County,” said Rev. Kelvin Barnes, who serves as the senior pastor of the church.
Barnes could be seen serving food to teachers and staff members at W.H. Knuckles Elementary School and Lumberton Junior High School alongside church members.
“We support education and community engagement. Long-time pastor, the late Reverend T. S. Byrd, pushed for the church to support W.H. Knuckles and Lumberton Junior High School by adopting them,” he said.
“I just picked up the mantle and increased our efforts of support. So it felt good to feed the staff of those two schools and provide prayer for the opening of the school year for those who desired,” Barnes said.
The church also distributed door prizes which were donated by retired teachers and John Simmons, he said.
Lumberton Junior High School Principal Dr. Jamane Watson said the meal is one way the church continues to partner with and support the school.
“This is the second year that I have been a part of this event,” Dr. Watson said. “Sandy Grove has truly been a pillar of the community. It was a great way to start the school year and the event was filled with inspirational speeches, prayers and gifts.”
L. Gilbert Carroll Middle School staff enjoyed a meal from Vertical Church earlier this week.
“We believe in the hard work and sacrifices these teachers and administrators put in for our kids and community. We aren't loving our neighbors well if we don't help meet needs and celebrate with them when we can,” said Hector Miray, the pastor of Vertical Church’s Lumberton location.
The gesture was greatly appreciated, said L. Gilbert Carroll Middle School Principal Christopher Burton.
“It was great to have vertical church show their love and support to our teachers and staff. We definitely felt special on the first day,” Burton said.
Britt, who is a former educator, said the meals are a reminder for educators that they have support from the community. Those encouraging reminders are important when educators face challenges throughout the year, he said.
“At the end of the day, you realize you have people behind you supporting you,” Britt said. “That support makes all the difference.”
In addition, multiple prayer walks were held this week at schools, in which people gathered to pray for the safety and success of students and school staff this school year.
Previously, pastors in the Fairmont area gathered with school leaders on Aug. 15 at Rosenwald Elementary School to discuss how they can support students and partner with local schools like Fairmont High School, Fairmont Middle School and Rosenwald to serve children and their families.
“It was an all-around awesome experience,” Rosenwald Elementary School Principal Justin Dial said.
Educators and staff members of Lumberton Junior High and W.H. Knuckles Elementary schools enjoyed a meal earlier this week prepared by Sandy Grove Baptist Church of Lumberton. Multiple churches put their faith on display through prayer and providing meals for educators this week.
Rowland-Norment Elementary educators and staff members enjoyed a meal from East Lumberton Baptist Church on Friday. The church was one of multiple churches that served meals to educators at various schools across the district.