At PCA, connecting with God is a regular occurrence through the means of Bible classes, chapel, attending church service as a family, and individual prayer. However, twice a year, the Upper School joins to reconnect with God corporately. During first semester, students participate in Spiritual Renewal Week where the focus is to reexamine the student's personal walk with Christ. During second semester, students participate in Spiritual Emphasis Week where the focus is to incorporate the student's spiritual growth with community service in order to impact the community for Christ.
Last week, upper school students had the privilege of listening to teaching during daily chapel from RaShan Frost who has an MDiv from Liberty University and works with Fellowship of Christian Athletes and The Citadel. In conjunction with attending daily chapel, the grade levels divided into groups to volunteer in the community. On Tuesday, the 6th graders visited residents at Franke at Seaside and Summit Place. On Wednesday, the 7th graders worked with Lowcountry Food Bank and Lowcountry Orphan Relief. On Thursday, 8th graders worked at the North Charleston Dream Center. On Friday, 9th graders worked and provided lunch for the Windwood Farm Home, 10th graders worked at Eagle Harbor Ranch Group Home, 11th graders went to Ronald McDonald House and Water Missions, and the 12th graders visited patients at the Veterans Hospital.
The students were humbled by the experiences as well as being drawn closer as a group through the Spiritual Emphasis experience. After chaperoning the 7th grade students who went to Lowcountry Orphan Relief, Emily Terry, parent of Anna Terry, wrote this to Mrs. Allison Long (middle school science teacher):
"I went back inside to talk to David and Christina for a few minutes. David could not say more than enough kind things about our students. He said they seemed so excited about filling the backpacks full of school supplies for the children, and worked so hard-filling many more than they had thought possible. Christina was looking over the notecards the girls had written, small notes of encouragement and bible verses to place in the clothing bags. She was a little tearful and told me she was without words - she was so blessed by the girls and their hearts for serving. I have volunteered at Lowcountry Orphan Relief for 2 years and I was amazed by their responses to our group."
How motivating it is to hear stories like Emily's about how PCA students' Christ-like actions are appreciated. If we are proud of them, how much more pleased is our Lord with their efforts! Thank you administrators, teachers, and parents for taking time to reinforce the importance of prayer and service to PCA students. Thank you students for volunteering and allowing the Spirit to work on your hearts and to shine through you. PCA loves you!
