Elementary music students recently participated in the annual “Christmas Caroling” service project organized by Heritage Christian Academy’s Music & Theater Diretor, Shelly Manston. Mrs. Manston has been at the school for 7 years, starting in the Early Education Program before moving into the music position and adding the theater program shortly after. According to Manston, “This is our second year caroling to homebound members of the Grace Life Baptist Church community. It began because I was looking for a service project that we could do safely during the time when a lot of places were still taking Covid precautions. Indoor ministry in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or hospital was not allowed, so I thought of caroling to homebound members of the Grace Life Baptist Church community. We were singing outside, bringing Christmas cheer to those who needed it, but in a safe way.” Participants and homebound residents alike were blessed by this experience, prompting HCA to continue the service project for a second year.
Part of the mission of Heritage Christian Academy is to teach students about Service to Christ. The annual Caroling Event is a wonderful example of this mission. It gives students of all ages an opportunity to serve which is especially important for the younger students that find themselves as the recipients of service projects, but do not often get the chance to be the servants. The staff finds joy in giving back to the congregation at Grace Life Baptist Church, one of the school’s strongest partners and supporters. “I also love that the entire lower school, Kindergarten through 5th Grade students, work together on this service project. It builds a camaraderie among the students that is so meaningful,” adds Manston.
While the holidays can mean joy and fellowship for many, Heritage has taken on the task of remembering those residents that may feel isolated and forgotten during this time. Through collaboration with local ministries, they hope to expose their students to experiences that will inspire them to continue to contribute to their community through service. It is evident that HCA students benefit as much from the caroling day as the residents they visit. For days after the event, students continued to share stories of the pleasure they found in singing the carols and realizing that their joyful songs and gifts were such a blessing to others.
Heritage Christian Academy is an independent community Christian school located in McCalla, Alabama serving grades K3-12 that assists Christian parents in providing a quality Christian education for their children. If you would like more information about Heritage Christian Academy, please call the office at 205-978-6001, or email office@hcachristian.org.