A diverse group of 15 Brainerd-area churches have come together to support the Bible history program in their local public school.
The “Brainerd Gathering,” scheduled for Oct. 2, from 6-7:30 p.m., will feature a community meal, prayer service and fund-raiser at the Brainerd High School gym. Organizers expect to raise enough money to fund a full-time Bible history teacher at Brainerd High School. Proceeds will be directed to the school through Bible in the Schools, a local nonprofit organization.
“I was thrilled for our students when I learned about this grassroots community effort,” said Brainerd Principal Charles Joynes. “In these tough economic times, how incredible it is that we’re able to offer a more robust curriculum to our students, without worrying about how that would impact our budget. Thank you, Brainerd, for making it possible.”
Jonathan Schwartz, senior pastor of Brainerd Presbyterian Church, is one of several pastors leading the joint effort. “There is a reason why the Bible is the unrivaled bestseller of all time. Let’s give our young adults in the public school a chance to discover why,” Mr. Schwartz said.
“The Bible can equip these students with the wisdom, knowledge and education on morality and ethical behavior which the school administrators, parents, local leaders and the community have been seeking,” said Eddy Echols, deacon at Greater Tucker Missionary Baptist Church, another sponsoring church.
There is no cost to attend the dinner, but reservations are required by calling Bible in the Schools, 648-0500. A children’s program for grades K-5 will be provided by Student Venture following the dinner portion of the evening’s agenda.
For more information, visit BibleintheSchools.com/brainerd.
The participating churches, representing various denominations, are Brainerd Baptist, Brainerd Church of Christ, Brainerd Presbyterian, Brainerd United Methodist, Church of the First Born, Greater Tucker Missionary Baptist, Love Fellowship Baptist, Mt. Canaan Baptist, New City Fellowship, New Covenant Fellowship, New Horizon Baptist, New Monumental, New United Baptist, Olivet Baptist and Westside Missionary Baptist.