Today’s blog highlights how Franklin First United Methodist Church and ClearView Baptist Church are each showing love to their partner school. Feel free to use these examples as a jumping off point of what is possible and what you could do! 

This week we welcomed Natalie Piper Bingham to the blog! Natalie is a congregant at Franklin First United Methodist Church (FFUMC), an alumni, parent, volunteer and staff member of the Franklin Special District, and the United4Hope church coordinator for the FFUMC and Freedom Middle School partnership.

Natalie shares:

This school year Franklin First United Methodist Church began a partnership with Freedom Middle School. Here are just a few ways that we have worked together! 

Donations of Snacks and Hygiene Items for Students: 
Being a middle schooler comes with its own challenges, and it’s even harder when basic needs like food and hygiene aren’t being met. Through a churchwide supply drive, we provided a variety of snacks, deodorant, hair care products, toothpaste, and more for our students.  

Notes and School Supplies for Teachers: 
A kind word can make all the difference. The encouraging notes our congregation wrote to teachers were deeply appreciated, with many educators keeping them as reminders of support during difficult days. Additionally, our church’s donations of essential school supplies, including dry erase markers, have been invaluable. Special thanks to The Sisters Circle for preparing and replenishing custom supply baskets for the teacher workrooms! 

Partnerships and Candy: 
Our Freedom Middle School students demonstrated true partnership spirit by hosting a trunk at our Trunk or Treat event this Halloween, and many of our congregation members attended their production of The Little Mermaid this fall. Leftover candy donations served as wonderful incentives for students and teachers alike, bringing smiles and boosting morale. Our tween FFUMC students created goodie bags for the Freedom Middle School custodial and support staff, too! 

Christmas Cheer: 
After Thanksgiving break, we surprised the staff with a table full of seasonal treats, and the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes were a clear favorite! To top it off, we had the privilege of sponsoring Christmas gifts for 98 Freedom Middle School students and their siblings.  

Looking Ahead – Spring Semester: 
We are looking ahead to our spring semester and hope to provide some of Freedom Middle School staff members’ favorite things and items from their wish list. We also hope to become more involved during the school day by offering lunch for the staff, assisting them with classroom needs, and mentoring students. 

It’s an honor for FFUMC to commit to loving our middle school neighbors (students and staff) in Franklin, TN. This dedication reflects the heart of our mission: seeking first the kingdom of God and spreading God’s love to those around us.

Are you looking for a Valentine’s Themed Idea? Well, ClearView Baptist Church has one for you.  

Cookie Donation: Teachers work so diligently to make Valentine’s Day special for students; they deserve to feel special too. ClearView Baptist Church is partnered with Liberty Elementary. Nancy Goins, the church coordinator, decided to decorate 100 Valentine’s themed cookies for staff to feel loved with ClearView Baptist Church Children’s Minister, Chelsi Bassham.

We are amazed each week by stories of school and church partnerships in action. If you’d like to share your school and church partnership story, please email united4hope@operationandrew.org.

-Written by Marian Campos, United4Hope program manager for the Franklin Special District