For years, churches like Miami-Dade based Christ Fellowship have made a point to serve the students, parents and staff and local public schools.
Hundreds of backpacks are distributed to low-income students, church volunteers landscape, paint and repair school facilities, and teachers and administrators are honored with gifts of food and school supplies throughout the year.
Such relationships with local schools have now taken on a whole new meaning. When Christ Fellowship members decided to pursue a new church campus in Miami Springs, they looked to Miami Springs Middle School as a possible weekend venue for church services.
The new relationships appear to be a win-win situation. The school district earns lease revenue, church services don’t interfere with school since they happen on the weekend, the local school is improved by church volunteers who landscape, clean, repair and paint the facility; and neighbors have a nice, clean and accessible location to enjoy church services.
CF Miami Springs campus pastor Omar Giritli estimates that it will take about 100 Christ Fellowship volunteers three hours every Sunday morning to set up for church, and another two to three hours to clean up before leaving.
“It may sound like a lot of work, but in our minds the benefits clearly outweigh the challenge,” said Pastor Giritli. “Hosting church in a local school may be a little different than the norm, but we think it presents a unique opportunity for Christ Fellowship.
“We consider it an honor to serve the students, teachers and families of Miami Springs Middle School and take joy in the chance to improve the facility and help a family in need.”
Grand Opening services are scheduled at 9 and 10:30 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 22 at Miami Springs Middle School, 159 S. Royal Poinciana Blvd.
For information, tel. 305-2381818 or visit www.cfmiami.org
