Mission Service Activity of the Month

August 2021: Fill a Backpack with School Supplies

Millions of children live in extreme poverty in the U.S. They also may arrive on the first day of school without the supplies they need to learn. Working with your local food pantry or school, your group can help fill the needs of these children. Standard school backpacks generally contain: 

  • 1 backpack
  • 2–4 spiral notebooks
  • 2–5 pencils
  • 2 ballpoint pens
  • 1 package crayons (24 count)
  • 1 ruler
  • 2 glue sticks
  • 1 pair of scissors
  • 1 eraser
  • 1 package colored pencils (12 count)
  • 1 pencil sharpener

Orphan Grain Train School Kits and Lutheran World Relief School Kits also assist children within our country and around the world.

Gospel Focus

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another” (John 15:16–17).

Devotion as You Plan:

You have all heard the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Eating apples can give us energy and help keep our bodies healthy. Apples are a good fruit. God tells us to be like trees that bear good fruit. But what exactly does that mean?

Materials needed: Two baskets – one labeled “Good Fruit” and one “Bad Fruit.” The ten Bible verses listed below, written out, and cut apart; or print each verse on an apple shaped paper or tape verses to real apples. The verses should be sorted into the baskets. 

People needed: Leader and two volunteers will be needed to assist in “picking” the apples from each basket. One will read the “Bad Fruit” verses and the other the “Good Fruit” verses.

An Apple a Day

Prayer as You Plan and Prepare

Dear Lord, we are aware of the opportunities to serve children in need with school supplies. Make us brave to act and gracious to serve them, their families, and their teachers. Bless our efforts and may they be to Your glory. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.


The Gospel Outreach Committee would love to hear about, and share, your mission service activities! Please contact the Vice President of Gospel Outreach here. Thank you!

View past Mission Service Activities