October 18 Micah Moment - The Joy, Connection and Impact of Volunteering with MCI at O’Brien School

When: Sunday, October 18

Time: 11:30 am

Where: Micah Chapel

The program is sponsored by our Micah Children's Initiative Team.

O’Brien School Principal Diane Leja will offer a brief moment of sharing during our 10:00 a.m. worship service, followed by a more in-depth Micah Moment at 11:30 a.m. Diane and others will help bring to life the impact our MCI volunteers have on O’Brien School and the broader community. Hear how our involvement helps make a difference in the lives of children, families and teachers in the community!

Find out more about our partnership with O'Brien Elementary School.

Learn More About the Micah Children’s Initiative

What is the Micah Children’s Initiative (MCI)?

For the past five years, MCI has partnered with the East Hartford Public School System and the Robert J. O’Brien School, providing support in many areas. MCI volunteers work inside and outside of the O’Brien classrooms, forging connections with students and their families. Together, they identify needs—as well as hopes and dreams—to enrich the learning environment for students, families and staff.

Mark your calendar for October 18! O’Brien School Principal Diane Leja will offer a brief Moment of Sharing during our 10:00 a.m. service, followed by a more in-depth Micah Moment at 11:30 a.m. Diane will help bring to life the impact our MCI volunteers have on O’Brien School and the broader community. Hear how our involvement helps make a difference in the lives of children, families and teachers in the community.

What’s MCI Up to this Fall?

Our MCI team leaders attended the O’Brien School open house for new students on August 24. They welcomed students and their families with cookies and fruit before the students headed to their classrooms to meet their teachers. It was a wonderful way to begin preparations for the new school year! During the first few days of school in late August, MCI volunteers were at the school helping O’Brien teachers and staff welcome students, particularly kindergarteners and those attending the school for the first time, off the school buses and into the classrooms. MCI volunteer Jim Hartung continues to work closely with O’Brien staff to ensure that the school’s uniform closet is stocked to meet the potential needs of the students. Uniforms can be a costly expense for parents, and the O’Brien PTO has launched a uniform recycle program to supplement these efforts. Jim also makes sure that the O’Brien food closet is well-stocked so the needs of those families affected by food insecurity are met each weekend.

There Are Many Ways to Get Involved!

Ask any of our MCI volunteers about their experience—you’ll quickly hear how rewarding it is to be part of this ministry. Please consider the following opportunities:

We currently have 18 volunteers, and if you want to get involved, let us know!

November 14 – Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day: Volunteers are needed to help support this special event. Learn more about the significance of the day at https://rubybridges.foundation/walk-to-school-day/.

November 21 – Turkey Bingo: Come join the fun and excitement by helping support this school community event!

To learn more about volunteering with MCI, contact Jennifer Anglim at anglimjennifer@yahoo.com. For general MCI questions, contact Gail Gagnon at gailgagnonct@comcast.net or Merryl Rees at merryl@glastonburyfirst.org.