Pine Shores Presbyterian Church in Sarasota is a relatively small congregation of 450 members with a modest youth group of 30 (ages 11 to 17). But don’t be fooled byt their numbers – this small but might group of young people are living their faith through their participation in local mission.
Recently, this small youth group accomplished an extraordinary feat: Souper Bowl of Caring’s 1st place contributor in the state of Florida (and 2nd place nationally)!
Souper Bowl of Caring is a national hunger awareness event held every year on Super Bowl Sunday and the Pine Shores youth have participated for the past six years.
Although Sarasota County is one of the wealthiest counties per capita in Florida, many residents are burdened in providing food for themselves and their families. In fact, more than half of all children in Sarasota County are on a free or reduced-price lunch program. Clearly, there is need in this affluent community, and the youth of Pine Shores does not ignore it.
But service to those in need is no novel concept for these kids. They are regular participants at community ministries that serve local needs, including those of the migrant community and the hungry. A monthly “Mission 101” program at church provides opportunities to learn and practice skills that will make them more effective participants in service.
When the church opens up every other month to host area homeless families for a week, the youth group puts their mission-minded hospitality to work welcoming their guests, cooking and sharing meals, and playing with the children and enjoying fellowship.
Mission has been a core component to the youth’s growth and involvement in their family of faith. “They jump for the chance to serve,” says leader Terri Jo Crego. But it doesn’t stop with the kids. The congregation is drawn to helping their younger members learn about giving and supporting them so they can be active ministry participants too. R.J., a 17-year-old youth group member says he is astounded and thankful for the support of the congregation in the efforts to reach out to community and support.
Fourteen-year-old Robyn agrees. “The Souper Bowl of Caring unites our community for a common goal,” she said. While opening her eyes to the needs of the community, she said it has also shown her what a difference her youth group and the congregation can make.
This year, the youth at Pine Shores went to work and collected (and counted!) 2,199 cans of soup. But they didn’t stop there. They then challenged the congregation to augment their efforts through a special money offering. Pine Shores’ parishioners didn’t disappoint and generously added $16,451.02 to the cause, with a local food bank receiving 100% of the special offering and cans collected.
On March 29th, they presented their check of $16,451 to All Faiths Food Bank while spending the day helping out during their spring break.
All Faiths’ Food Bank provides food for over 7,000 people each week, many of which are working parents striving to meet day-to-day financial demands. This organization is able to turn every dollar donated into 8 meals. Doing the math, that means Pine Shores’ financial donation will provide well over 131,000 meals for hungry people in the community.
Looking at contributions from the last six years, Pine Shores has raised over $97,000 for the Souper Bowl of Caring. All told, that’s over 776,000 meals provided for those who hunger–meals that otherwise would not have been possible, stomachs who would otherwise have gone hungry.
Though Pine Shores Presbyterian Church may be small compared to larger PC(USA) congregations who contribute to the Souper Bowl, it has given heartily and faithfully. Next year? Anyone up for a challenge?
Terri Jo Crego is the Director of Children and Youth Ministries at Pine Shores Presbyterian Church in Sarasota, Florida and an M.Div. distance student at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary.
