Armington Mail

After School Program Fills Community Needs

Busy parents looking for a faith based after school program need look no further than New Castle Bible Church. Located on Dee-Mac road, between Mackinaw and Deer Creek, the church has opened its doors to school aged children who are in need of a safe place to hang out after school. The Mail spoke with Program Director Melanie Burge to find out a little more.

Melanie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and has years experience teaching in both public and private schools before becoming a stay at home mother. She is also no stranger to leadership roles in local churches, having served in several churches before finding her way to Mackinaw and New Castle Bible Church. Melanie began making plans for the program when she was hired for her current position in May of 2021. Speaking of the 2021/2022 school year, Melanie tells me “We have had a great year with 38 students enrolled and 26 families. Daily we have free play time, a snack and daily devotional time, homework help, and organized gametime. The program also offers free tutoring for those who are signed up.”

Pastor Kevin Sauder was willing to chime in, telling The Mail, “This is great story about God working through a local church who is listening to the needs of those in the area to start a God honoring program that serves the community well.”

While the after school program is currently winding down for the summer, the New Castle Bible Church will revive their program to coincide with the start of the 2022/2023 school year in the fall. Anyone who is interested is encouraged to reach out to church officials by calling New Castle Bible Church at 309-447-6486.