Ministry to provide aid to single parents

By Shavonne Potts

spotts@salisburypost.com

ROCKWELL — A local church is starting a ministry directed at offering support to single parents. Rockwell United Methodist Church will offer free parenting seminars and other regular events to help parents who raise children alone.

“This is not a way to make any money and get new congregation members. There are people in our community that are really hurting right now. I feel like single-parent families are left on the outskirts and there’s sometimes a stigma,” said committee chair Cathy Mahaffey.

The kick-off event will be a giveaway for school uniforms, school supplies and a free meal on Aug. 20 at the church, located at 430 E. Main St. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The church is currently collecting new and gently-used school uniforms.

The church has committed to organizing once-a-month events like family fun night, dinner and tutoring.

Free child care will be provided during the monthly events.

The idea began in January when the pastor, Warren Miller, set goals for the church, one of which was to adopt a true mission project.

“We have several people who’ve been single parents at some point in their lives. The biggest thing is to reach out to people who need it,” Mahaffey said.

The church also plans to build a small food pantry to help families who may need a little help.

“We hope that we would be able to help them in a way that would be meaningful,” she said.

Since January a few committees have been planning for this event.

In the past the church has held an annual carnival in October.

Donations can be made at Rockwell United Methodist Church, 430 E. Main St., Rockwell, from 9 a.m.-noon at the office. For more information call the church at 704-279-3235.

Rockwell United Methodist Church, 430 E. Main St., Rockwell, will host a Community Fun Day on July 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event is free to the community and will feature numerous activities including face painting, a bounce house, corn hole and other games like volleyball.

Organizers will serve hot dogs and hamburgers. The fire department will be on hand to let the children splash in the water. The Highway Patrol will have DWI goggles to simulate the difficulties of driving while impaired.

This is the first year for the event.