Newsletter
 Mar. 16, 2016
Fifteen minutes could save you 15% with Geico . . .

Or, it could set you on a course to save children in your community from the devastating effects of the summer slide.

First, click on the button below and plug in your location to learn where meals will be offered to children in your area this summer:

 

What did you find? Any surprises? Were there more sites providing meals to children and youth in your neighborhood than you expected--or fewer?

I found schools, churches, and apartment complexes near my home. More than a few choices. But it's not that way across Texas. In some areas, summer meals are provided only through schools hosting summer school--for just a few weeks.

More sites are needed. Motivated to make a difference? Contact the Texas Hunger Initiative to learn how.

What's for Lunch? is a Literacy Connexus initiative to provide access to books for children participating in summer meals programs. We encourage churches to partner with those who are providing meals to make sure children don't lose ground due to the summer reading slide.  
"Book Nook at Brook" Elementary School  
summer meals program in Waco

Go back to the map showing meals offered this summer in your vicinity. Contact one or more sites to see whether added enrichment is offered. Studies show that if summer meals programs offer any  extra activity (reading, sports, music, crafts), attendance increases. Our dream is to make sure children have the nutrition they need physically in summer meals programs, and the educational support provided by access to books.

We want to help you make that happen this summer in programs near your church or in other areas you might choose.

What about those areas of our state where there are not enough sites for summer meals? How might churches go about providing access to books? On a recent trip to some rural parts of Texas--where summer meals are too scarce--I worked with several churches that will be partnering with libraries, public housing authorities, and community centers to provide access to books. Still a lack of meals, but at least steps in the direction of addressing the needs of children at risk this summer.

Baylor Students
Baylor Students sorting books in Eagle Pass over spring break for kids to read this summer
 
Our mission is to help churches help people with literacy needs. We are here to help you provide access to books for children this summer. It will make a difference. Let's stop the slide . . .
 
Lester Meriwether, Executive Director 
Micah 6:8 Conference . . .
March 31 - April 1, 2016 
San Antonio 

A conference for everyone, focusing on equipping attendees to impact their communities for the Kingdom.
 
Featured speaker Jen Hatmaker is a New York Times best-selling author, mother, and justice advocate. Last year she and her family starred on HGTV's My Big Family Renovation.

Workshops include:
  • Biblical Justice and the Problem of Everyday Violence
  • Responding to Same Sex Issues with Truth and Grace
  • Christians and Public Schools - Together for the Common Good
  • And many more . . .

West Texas Literacy Symposium . . .
March 19, 2016 
Lubbock 

This free training event will be far out--far out west, that is! Great things are happening in Lubbock and this is an opportunity to learn and share with the best.

Panhandle Literacy Symposium . . .
April 9, 2016 
Amarillo 

Free and and open to anyone working with Adult Literacy. Workshops include:
  • Using the Bible to Teach Literacy
  • Teaching ESL
  • Working with Refugees
  • High School Equivalency
  • Recruiting and Maintaining Volunteers
  • And more
Lester Meriwether, Executive Director 
Offices at Henderson Hall - Agape Baptist Church
3954 Southwest Blvd., Fort Worth, TX  76116
 
Mailing/shipping address:
3020 S. Cherry Lane, #123168
Fort Worth, TX  76121
817-696-9898 www.literacyconnexus.org
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Pam Moore, Editor     
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Trivia Challenge
1. The word sardonic derives from the island of Sardinia. In ancient times, an herb peculiar to this island was reputed to cause death by:

a) laughter

b) heart complication

c) crying

d) gut pain


2. Li, Wang, and Zhang are the most common surnames in China (and in the world). The phrase three Zhang, four Li means just anybody. About 85% of the Chinese population shares just 5% of existing family names. This equates to about how many common surnames in that country?

a) 75

b) 1,000

c) 750

d) 100


3. The old Arabian word zarf has been revived in recent times, relating to coffee to go. Added to the online American Heritage Dictionary last year, it refers to:

a) a coffee cup lid

b) the cardboard sleeve placed around the cup

c) the plastic stick for stirring

d) the hole in the lid through which the coffee is sipped


 
 
Problem accessing  the answers? Reply to this email and we'll shoot them your way.  
These instructional links may help: