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At Edmonton Christian High School (ECHS), our goal is to live out our discipleship habits, which we call Throughlines, that form us as Christ’s followers and help transform the world around us. On September 19th, this mission came to life in a remarkable way as our entire student body gathered for an Interactive-Chapel that truly embodied faith in action. This event wasn’t just about service; it was about playing our role in God’s story by living out our Throughlines.

In just 90 minutes, all 285 ECHS students and 15 staff and volunteers worked together to pack 1,000 brown bags—each one filled with care, compassion, and love. These bags will be sent to two incredible organizations that serve the most vulnerable in our community: 500 snack bags will go to the Tegler Youth Centre, and 100 breakfast bags, along with 400 lunch bags, will be delivered to The Mustard Seed, which supports Edmonton’s homeless community.

An Extraordinary Team Effort

The event was organized into 12 stations spread throughout the school, where students rotated through activities ranging from filling bags with food, making sandwiches, and baking cookies to decorating bags and writing personalized notes of encouragement. Each station buzzed with energy as students reflected on how small acts of kindness, like packing a lunch, could play a vital role in someone’s day—and perhaps even their life.

One particularly special aspect of the day was the handwritten notes of encouragement placed in each bag. Our students took time to craft thoughtful messages for the 1,000 individuals who will receive these bags. These notes weren’t just words on paper; they were heartfelt reminders that the recipients are seen, valued, and loved by God. Each note added a personal touch to the meals, offering hope and strength to those facing difficult circumstances.

By preparing meals and writing notes, they were servant working like Christ, showing empathy and compassion to those in need. In caring for the vulnerable, they were justice seekers, pursuing wholeness where there is brokenness. Through organizing supplies and packing efficiently, they practiced order discovering, marveling at how God’s design invites us to bring structure to our world.

How It All Came Together

This monumental effort would not have been possible without the generous contributions from our community. $4,400 was collected to cover the costs of the items needed to pack the bags, and the outpouring of support from donors ensured we had everything from sandwich supplies to juice boxes and granola bars. Thanks to these donations, our students could focus on the work of loving their neighbours, knowing they had the resources to make a tangible difference.

The impact of this FLEx will reach far beyond the walls of our school. By partnering with The Mustard Seed and Tegler Youth Centre, ECHS is joining hands with inner-city ministries that are dedicated to uplifting preteens, teens, and the homeless in Edmonton. Our students are playing their role in God’s story by demonstrating what it means to live out Christ’s command to “love your neighbour as yourself.”

During their time in the reflection and devotion portion of the FLEx, they paused to give thanks, write notes, and pray for those they were serving, lifting their actions as worship to God.

The Power of Faith in Action

As our students packed those brown bags, they were learning one of life’s most important lessons: that faith is not only something we talk about but something we do. As servant-workers, they follow in the footsteps of Jesus, who calls us to care for the hungry, the weary, and the broken-hearted. This event was not just a service project; it was a Formational Learning Experience (FLEx), reminding us all that when we come together in the name of Christ, we can make a profound difference in our community. This FLEx also allowed students to see the image of God in every person they were serving, demonstrating what it means to be image reflectors—recognizing and honouring the inherent worth and dignity of all people. As they served, they also became community builders, fostering a spirit of togetherness both within our school and in our city.

At ECHS, we are committed to nurturing students who understand their role in God’s story and are willing to step out in faith to love their neighbours. The impact of this FLEx will undoubtedly ripple through the lives of our students, the recipients of these meals, and the greater community.

Thank you to everyone who supported this initiative—your donations, time, and prayers made it all possible. Together, we are living out the values of compassion and neighbourly love, and we’re excited to continue finding ways to serve God’s kingdom right here in Edmonton.

THANK YOU DONORS:

Duchess Bakeshop
Ben’s Meats
Costco Business Centre
Costco 149th Street
WholeSale Club
Wholesale Marketplace
Cobbs Bakery 142nd Street
Save on Foods Mayfield
Superstore West End
Thiessen Foundation
+ Private Monetary Donations