WOODSFIELD — Switzerland of Ohio Ministry Action, a nonprofit collaboration of Monroe County churches that work together in Christian Ministry to build relationships of connectedness by feeding, clothing, and healing in order to build the body of Christ, will hold a Blessing of the Schools at 1 p.m. Sunday in the county.

As many churches are struggling to connect to the youth in their community it was suggested that the churches take a Sunday and go to them. Organizers believe sponsoring a Blessing of the Schools for the Switzerland of Ohio School District is a good first step, followed up with information to the youth about a student-led, nationwide prayer movement called “See you at the Pole” held at the schools around the flagpole on Sept. 28 before school begins.

Those interested in attending the Blessing of the Schools can gather at the school they attend or the office in which they work throughout the district at 1 p.m. Sunday for a short prayer service written around the county’s schools, buses, children, teachers, other faculty and parents. There will be a different church family at the 16 locations throughout the district to lead the service, including MACO Workshop, St. Sylvester’s Academy and Covenant Christian Academy, all of Woodsfield.

In addition to outreach ministries like Blessing of the Schools, the Passion Walk on Good Friday, National Day of Prayer service and SOMA Gospel Sing that kicks off the Monroe County Fair each year, SOMA has a Thrift Store that is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily at 109 Main St. and MANNA Food Pantry open on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and is housed at St. Paul’s UCC both in Woodsfield. They also partner with other programs like Tri-County Help Center, GMN Tri-County CAC, Monroe County Suicide Prevention Coalition, Hope Alliance, Empowering C.A.R.E. and other government agencies such as Buckeye Hills Regional Council and Monroe County department of Job and Family Services.

You can follow the ministry of SOMA on Facebook or attend meetings on the last Thursday every other month with the next meeting set for 10 a.m. Oct. 27 at First United Methodist Church in Woodsfield. All church leaders of the county are welcome to participate.