Disciples Women of Weirton First Christian Church Collect Clothing for Weirton Elementary School Students

Members of the Disciples Women of Weirton First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) gathered for their “Joy to the World” Christmas meeting, where Counselor Stacy Flowers Cullinan spoke about the mission of Weirton Elementary School. Cullinan said the school’s mission is to “educate the whole child.” She told the group that the school has 900 students in preschool through fourth grade, making it West Virginia’s largest elementary school, according to Cullinan.

Cullinan said school staff “work to provide all that each child needs to be able to learn.” She said that if a child is hungry, cold, unclothed, or missing sleep or care, staff “help in every way we can,” adding, “We nurture, feed and nourish.”

Disciples Women President Janet Rymer presented Cullinan with sweatpants, sweatshirts and underwear that members had donated for the school’s free clothes closet, a gift made in keeping with the group’s principle of justice for children. Caring for children who lack basic clothing reflects a commitment to protecting the vulnerable (Proverbs 31:8-9).

Cullinan explained that clothing donations at the school are organized so that each child can “shop” for their own items. She said the school also welcomes coats and jackets, backpacks, classroom supplies, hygiene items, take-home snacks and other resources. Secret Santas help during the holiday season, and staff create wish lists to help meet student needs.

Cullinan, a Weirton resident, previously worked 16 years as an early childhood and elementary school health consultant for Pittsburgh public schools through the University of Pittsburgh Office of Child Development.

Special guest speaker Lynda Slowikowski, an author, presented her original short Christmas story “Jazzy and the Shiny Bright Star,” which was published in Carolyn Bradley’s book “Surrounded By His Love.” The story follows a wayward lamb on Christmas night and draws on the author’s experience with a child who was reluctant to portray a sheep in a Nativity play.

At the meeting, members voted to raise money for the church elevator fund. Treasurer Connie Norwood presented the devotions, Vice President Susan Brown led the icebreaker and craft sessions, and Secretary Karen Blanc made announcements.

Disciples Women meetings are open to all women. The next session is set for 6:30 p.m. on March 16 in the church fellowship hall at 3252 Main St., Weirton. The special guest speaker will be Jennifer Allen, wife of the Rev. Thaddaeus B. Allen, regional minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in West Virginia.

Sunday worship at Weirton First Christian Church begins at 10:30 a.m. and is aired on the YouTube channel WEIRTON FIRST CHURCH CC (DoC). The Rev. Mark W. Mayer is the church’s pastor.

Source: Read the original report