×
×
homepage logo

Pancakes and Portraits for all

By Staff | Aug 2, 2013

A new area church introduced itself to the Shepherdstown community Sunday, with an event held to raise funds for local firefighters.

“Pancakes and Portraits,” were available for free or a small donation, to all who showed up at the Shepherdstown Train Station’s doorsteps Sunday morning.

2nd act, Foursquare Church Pastor, Rob Davis explained why.

“The equipment they’re using is outdated or expired,” he said of the Shepherdstown Volunteer Fire Department’s Junior Firefighter program.

“We’ve been looking for local organizations to partner with,” he said.

When the pastor, who has been running 2nd Act out of the Ram’s Den in Shepherd University’s Student Center for the last year, became aware of the fire department’s youth program, he said the church was called to support it.

“We want to help them get new, better equipment,” he said

As Davis explained, 2nd Act is an off shoot of “The Bridge,” another Foursquare Church in Ranson.

Shepherdstown’s 25 member church is made up of a “50-50 mix,” of both Shepherd University students and local community members.

Davis said among the church’s mission is to build relationships in its local community through service.

The morning-long event Sunday offered breakfast and professional style photo sessions with Shepherd University photography students and recent photo graduates.

Ali Spurr, a 2nd Act member and Shepherd University student said the event was designed to appeal to community members who might not otherwise be able to afford professional portraits.

“We just thought it would be really good for families,” Spurr said.

In addition, Spurr said the event benefited the student photographers as well, who gained first-hand professional experience.

“We wanted to give them the opportunity to get their name out there and get some business,” she said.

According to Pastor Davis, the church plans to continue youth-centered outreach among its many long-range goals.

He said the church is in talks with Shepherdstown Middle School about a possible clothing and coat drive, as well as a possible tutoring program.

Recently, the church launched its first youth group, led by university students and members he said.

“We’re jumping to wherever the community has needs.”

Following the “Portraits and Pancakes” event, Davis said the church is hoping to hold its first vacation bible school for children this month, though it may be postponed until next summer depending on interest.

The pastor said he’s hoping the community learns about 2nd Act’s more “casual” or “accessible” atmosphere through its community events.

“It’s about relationships,” he said.

To find out more information about 2nd Act, its web site at visit www.2ndactchurch.org. or email Pastor Davis at rob@2ndactchurch.org.