By Sharon Mager
ANNAPOLIS, Md.—Weems Creek Baptist Church, in partnership with Elevate Church, Germantown Elementary School and the Annapolis Police Department, is hosting a 5K race, “Church & State 5K—Separate and Serving Annapolis Together,” on June 11. Funds from the race will provide for a “backpack buddies” program at Germantown Elementary School, providing weekend breakfasts, lunches and dinners for elementary school children at risk.
The church also saw the event as an opportunity to do more. “We wanted to do an outreach and do more than raise money. We wanted a message and a theme,” Associate Pastor David Barrett explained.
Barrett said as the leadership prayed, they decided to use the theme of church and state, a hot button for sure; but to use the sensitive subject as a bridge, rather than a divider, to the community.
By working together with Elevate Church, the school, and the police, Barrett said leaders felt they were making a good step of showing their neighbors that they can work together for the good of the community.
“We’re going to keep it small this year, but next year we hope to bring in more state agencies, perhaps a fire company.
“We’re hoping the Lord will use the event, not only to raise money for a good and practical cause, but also to build bridges from the church to the community.
The race begins at 9 am at Germantown Elementary School. The cost is $20 for adults, $10 for kids and $55 for families. Registrants get a race t-shirt. Weems Creek members will provide pastries, and water at water stations to keep runners hydrated.
Visit the race site for more information and to register.