09/02/2026
Back to School Family Fun Night (July 31st) Report...
This year marked ACC’s 10th year responding to this ongoing community need. In its beginning, serving alongside Eminence Christian Church, this outreach was held at the Atlanta Memorial Park requiring everything to be hauled across town. The following year, having the space to accommodate this large event, ACC began hosting in the Gate. Thankfully, though there are still a lot of supplies, they only need brought up from the our downstairs storage room where they have (thanks to our savvy shoppers) amassed throughout the year. A huge “shout out” to our youth group kids and sponsors for their willingness to help haul it all upstairs for us, this year!
HANDS & FEET…….
Despite there being chance for storms in the forecast, our event was surprisingly well attended. We had 133 guests, which included families from McLean and Waynesville, providing 71 kids (K-5) with backpacks and school supplies. We also expanded our shopping this year to include basic supplies for our older kids (6-12) with 15 students “shopping” from our supply tables. But it didn’t end there! Before school officially started, we had 9 more families hit our supply room to “shop” for supplies. As of this writing, we were able to help provide 96 Olympia students with their needed supplies. 🙌🏻
In addition to supplies, many took advantage of free haircuts provided by Katie Holliger & Bella Prather. We were also able to offer back to school photos compliments of Sue White. And always trying to provide a little family fun to the evening, we added rock painting, this year, led by Debbie Bell & Kayla Craig - a big hit that was enjoyed by all. Everyone was encouraged to “strategically” place their rocks about the town….perhaps on an outing you’ll spot one!
Reflecting back on the evening is absolute joy, as we witnessed God's blessing upon this event! A beautiful sight - seeing The Gate filled with God's faithful servants, generously giving of their time and talents.
Community service functions as a vital bridge in evangelism, transforming abstract messages of faith into tangible acts of compassion that open doors for deeper spiritual conversation. By meeting urgent local needs, churches can build the trust necessary to share the gospel with humility and respect, shifting the narrative of service from simple charity to a meaningful, reciprocal exchange between the congregation and their neighbors.
