Pastor Ken Timmerman has challenged the congregation of First Methodist to step up, fulfill our billing as the “church with a heart, and help the disadvantaged students in our community as they begin the new school year. Last year he noted that the church provided 39 backpacks filled with supplies for local children. From the pulpit on July 23rd he established this effort as a mission of First Church and set a goal of 139 supply-filled backpacks for this year. Grade level supply lists to be used in filling a backpack are available from the church office. Backpacks ready for delivery to the school should be dropped off at the church office by Sunday, August 13. A supply-filled backpack will cost anywhere from $35 to $65. Other options for those wishing to participate would include purchasing one item such as a gross of pencils (about $20) for distribution to students by the school or simply a donation made to the church and specified for School Backpack Mission.