At United Spirit Community Church, the Christian Service Board continues to lead a significant and transformative outreach: our partnership with West Elementary School. With one of the highest percentages of economically disadvantaged students in Montana, West faces daily realities that require more than occasional assistance. They call for steady presence, compassionate partnership, and a community willing to stand in the gap. Through the Christian Service Board, our congregation has embraced that call with unwavering love.

Last year, our ministry’s impact was felt more deeply than ever. The newly appointed Principal, Vice Principal, and Counselor expressed heartfelt appreciation for the strong support they received from our church. Their gratitude affirmed that our presence is not only noticed but needed.

One of our most cherished commitments is the weekly Reading Program. Christian Service Board and volunteers offer literacy support, encouragement, stability, and the priceless gift of time. This year’s new format asked even more of our volunteers, and once again, they responded with grace and dedication, changing a child’s day, strengthening a teacher’s work, and reminding the school they are not alone. The Christian Service gifted the children of the Reading program with a book at the end of the year to take home for their very own,

Our partnership extends far beyond the classroom. Twice each year, the Christian Service Board prepares warm, nourishing dinners for teachers and staff during Parent–Teacher Conferences, giving them a moment of rest during their longest days. Throughout the year, our Narthex becomes a visible symbol of compassion as it fills with school supplies, clothing, and essentials for students who arrive without what they need. Steady donations of canned goods and non‑perishables keep the school’s food pantry stocked, ensuring families have support during difficult seasons.

Through collaboration with Christian Education, Thanksgiving Dinner Baskets are assembled with care and dignity for seven families who might otherwise go without. Thanks to the church members’ generosity, the baskets are overflowing with all things Thanksgiving and for the week after the holiday. The crew does an exceptional job, including Sunday school children in this meaningful act of service. At Christmas, the Angel Tree transforms our Narthex into a celebration of generosity. The Christian Service Board meets in Fellowship Hall to organize, wrap, and check their list twice, followed by a lunch celebrating fellowship. This year, gifts brought joy, relief, and hope to five families and twelve children.

The Christian Service Board’s ministry at West Elementary is not simply charitable work; it is a living expression of compassion, justice, and community. We help children feel seen, support teachers, and help families feel held. This mission remains our most significant impact because it changes lives in real time—and it continues because of the steadfast love of the United Spirit Community Church congregation.

It’s a New School Year! Let’s help the kids get off on the right foot.

 Dear United Spirit Community Church,

We are reaching out to you with a heartfelt request to support the children of West Elementary. Many of these young students arrive back to school without essential items, and together, we can make a meaningful difference in their lives.

What We Need:

• School Supplies: watch for the Sales.

• United Way and many other outlets provide backpacks for the kids to start the year. But after that, the need remains. So, while everything is on sale, please consider picking up a few items and donating them so staff always have supplies to hand out.

• • Notebooks, pencils, pens, backpacks, crayons, markers
  • This assists with school essentials for students who arrive late in the year

• Clothing:
  • All sizes, for both boys and girls
  • New or gently used clothes that can help a child get through the day with comfort and confidence
  • Sometimes children arrive at school without the clothing they need. Or there is an accident. It happens for many reasons, and the staff works hard to care for them. We’d like to help by collecting new or gently used clothing items the school can give to students when needed.

By contributing these items, you can help ensure that every child at West Elementary has the tools and confidence they need to succeed. Your generous donations will go a long way in making their school year brighter and more hopeful. Thank you for always coming together as a church community and supporting these wonderful children. Please leave items in the box marked for West Elementary in the coat room area.  Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

Your Christian Service Board