On the first Sunday of February Senior Pastor Rev. Rick Kirchoff challenged his congregation at Germantown United Methodist Church (GUMC) to dig deep when contributing to the communion offering.
That particular Sunday the money collected would be donated to the FirstWorks After School Academic Program for inner city kids.
Additionally, Rev. Kirchoff had been informed that one generous and anonymous family was offering to double any contributions made to FirstWorks.
As a result of the congregation's heart for giving and the anonymous benefactor, FirstWorks received $11,520.40 for the kids enrolled in this vital program.
In a statement from the Rev. Kirchoff to his congregation posted on the GUMC web site, he said, "Thank you! Thank you! Amazing! I know that FirstWorks Executive Director Rev. Birgitte French, "Pastor Bee," the volunteers, and the young people who are part of this ministry are deeply grateful to all of you."
Pastor Bee couldn't wait to tell the FirstWorks kids about the kindness of GUMC. Upon hearing the news, the children and volunteers burst into applause. That evening after homework was completed, the children created colorful "thank you" cards to send to Rev. Kirchoff and his church.
This contribution will help support the FirstWorks teachers' salaries as well as transportation costs for the children.
FirstWorks, Inc., a 501C3 mission, enrolls at-risk, near-homeless children and youth from downtown ZIP codes.
The children are referred to the program by Memphis City School teachers and counselors. These children are intelligent and capable, but may not have the parental and financial support needed to succeed in life.
Two evenings a week the children are brought to Union Avenue United Methodist Church by the FirstWorks bus for a nutritious, hot dinner served by volunteers, followed by tutoring and homework assistance.
The children benefit from visiting with motivational speakers and meet with career experts to help guide them on their future path.
On Saturdays, the children are treated to sports, entertainment and educational outings such as skating, fishing, movies, and museums.
At FirstWorks, the children are welcomed into a safe and encouraging environment and spend time with positive adult role models.