Many, many years ago in the state of Vermont the idea of Partners in Service was conceived with a part-time director and funding from the state.  Letters were sent to all the churches. The director went to those churches that invited her and welcomed them to join this new project.  The mission statement of PINS was to bring together faith communities with human service agencies to promote the resiliency and success of children and youth who have been the victims of abuse and neglect, ranging in age from infant to adult.  The PINS program offers faith communities the opportunity to assist children, youth, and families involved with the state child protection agency by partnering family service staff with volunteers.  Unmet needs of children and families are determined and through donations of items and funding these specific needs are met.  There initially was a newsletter where the director had every participating church write a summary of their activities.  And from the newsletter new ideas blossomed.  But as time went on the state funding evaporated, the director lost her job, the newsletter disappeared and everyone was on their own.

In Chester, St. Luke’s Church continues to put faith in action, involving the entire congregation in reaching out to vulnerable children in our community.  Although over the years we have had to slim down some of our projects and fund-raising efforts, we continue to have a successful back-to-school backpack collection every summer.