Patsy Lucille Blankenship

CONGREGATIONAL MEMBERSHIP:

Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Goodyear, AZ

LIFE EXPERIENCES:

I have done many things that prepare me for service, including manna bags. Manna bags are bags for the homeless that include everyday essential items such as food, water, socks, toothbrushes, and toothpaste, as well as information about local shelters. At our church, we also put in $3-$4 dollars so whoever gets the bag can get a coffee. They are small enough to fit in your car and are a blessing to the homeless living in the community. At my church, I also am an assisting minister when they need one. I love doing this because it helps me feel closer to god and serving our lord almighty. Outreach is a stellar regular activity at our church. Outreach in a church is the practice of extending ministry beyond its walls to serve the local community, meet practical needs, and share the gospel. It involves active engagement, such as food pantries or community events, aimed at building relationships and showing compassion and love to the unchurched. I also do the readings at church, which helps me share the word of god our King of kings, and proclaim the gospel. Communion at our church is very special to my heart. I have been doing it since I was six. It primarily refers to Holy Communion involving bread and wine to remember Christ's sacrifice, or a group sharing common faith. Since being confirmed, I have been a regular helper in Sunday school, leading faith-centered activities, and engaging youth in conversations about our lord. This easter I led the 2026 CELC easter egg hunt, having to fill over 800 eggs. Easter isn't just about eggs and candy, but our god resurrecting.At the new dawn animal sanctuary our church are regular volunteers helping with whatever needed. At my school, Freeman Fine Arts Academy, I am a part of Nation Honor Junior Society (NJHS), where serving our community is our main goal. We have done a soup can drive and sponsored multiple dances and esteemed events. I also help teachers with whatever they need on a regular basis and do Read Better Be Better (RBBB), which helps kids to improve their reading level and skills. Outside of school, I volunteer at the library every Wednesday for 2 hours and participate in Global Youth Service Day (GYSD), where we plant trees and pick up trash to improve our community. Fun fact: I was also a part of the Stanford Middle School Scholars Program (SMSSP), which is a tuition-free, online academic program for 6th and 7th-grade students from low-income households, primarily focusing on those residing in the U.S. It prepares participants for rigorous high school curricula through a 3-week summer course led by Stanford Online High School instructors. The program also includes weekly online meetings from mid-August through December to support academic skills and explore high school options. Another Fun Fact: I also went to state Honor choir which is a huge honor and concert hosted by the ACDA( Arizona Choral Directors Association).