Students returning to Bryant Woods Elementary School this fall were in for more than a few pleasant surprises, thanks to St. John United Church, in Columbia. 

The principal was extremely grateful for the church’s recent initiatives, writing “the vibrant flowers adorning our bus loop and the generous provision of school supplies and backpacks, demonstrate your commitment to enhancing our students’ learning environment and ensuring their smooth return to school.”

She called the heartwarming “clap in” ceremony orchestrated by the church members on the students’ first day back “a remarkable display of community unity [that] provided a warm welcome that resonated with all.”

At the opening of school for the first day of teachers, St John also provided and joined staff for breakfast. According to Pastor Mary Ka Kanahan, it was overheard, “Who are these people?” – to which another staff member replied, “Them? Oh, that’s our church!”