We’re partnering with Virginia Beach Public Schools to bless local students with fully stocked backpacks for the new school year! Stop by the Mission Wall to grab a backpack, and return it filled with the school supply list found inside. This year, we’ve added water bottles to the list—these kids get super thirsty, and it’s a simple way we can help them stay refreshed and ready to learn. Backpacks are due back by August 10.

If you or someone you know could be blessed by receiving a backpack, please fill out this form: https://people.churchcenter.com/people/forms/998464

The first Saturday of every month Essential will be providing lunch for the homeless and those experiencing hardship at People In Need (PIN), 1164 Millers Lane, Suite A, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. There are several ways you can serve - from food prep,  to helping at PIN with serving lunch and socializing with the guest and other projects they need help with.  Food prep is done in your own home - you pick up the food to prepare the Sunday before our Saturday commitment and drop the food off at PIN Saturday morning at 11:30am.  Helping at PIN begins at 11:30am.  You must be 18 or older to serve at the PIN portion of this event. Sign up to serve here.  Questions? 

Contact Stephanie at Stephanie@essentialchurch.com or 502-436-4148. Click here to sign up - 

Registration Link -https://people.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3027216

We're building a team to lead a parenting class for Crisis Pregnancy Center clients. This is a one year commitment - training is provided. If you're interested in being part of this team, please reach out to Stephanie, our Missions Coordinator, at stephanie@essentialchurch.com or 502-436-4148.

One of our Fall Mission Projects is making 9 inch granny squares for our mission partner, Operation Smile.  These squares will be made into blankets for the kids receiving surgery.  

You can make the squares by knitting, crocheting or looming.

The squares must be made of machine washable and dryable yarn (no wool please).

Granny Square donations can be left in the foyer with Food Pantry donations.

Want to learn how to make Granny Squares?  Join the group, download the app and join in the group messaging.  We'll figure out when we can get together to learn how to make Granny Squares!

On the first Wednesday of the month from 5-6:30pm, a team of servants from Essential hand out bags of groceries to those in need.  We do this at Courthouse Community United Methodist Church, at 2708 Princess Anne Road (close to the Virginia Beach Courthouse).  This mission opportunity is perfect for families with children in 4th grade and above.