Devotions and Donuts, a Student-Led Ministry

Freshman Religion teacher Corinne Gardino is always looking for innovative ways to help her students have a deeper connection with their faith. So, when she was approached by students last year asking for a Bible Study, she responded with Devotions and Donuts.

Devotions and Donuts is a morning devotional time run by the students. 9^th-12^th graders meet before school, twice a month, on the second and fourth Wednesday mornings.  “Students volunteer to lead the devotions for their friends,” explained Mrs. Gardino.  “The meetings are attended by all four grade levels, and it is a wonderful way for students to connect across grades. Last year we had between 15-25 students at the meetings, but our first gathering this year was attended by 35 students!”

Sophomore Margaret Hayden volunteered to lead a Devotion this fall. She shared, “Sometimes it can be hard to recognize the truth in God's word coming from an adult. However, when a classmate delivers His message, it is far more relatable, and I can really picture what they say in my life. Even though it's a small commitment to arrive at school a little earlier, I find it necessary to hear God's word in a way that I can apply it to my life.”

Mrs. Gardino believes that having the meetings student-led is the key to the success of Devotions and Donuts. “It is a beautiful ministry that allows students to uplift and support each other. The devotions open with prayer, then the leaders present Bible verse and quotes and their thoughts on the chosen topics. They also ask questions of the group and allow time for discussions,” she said.

Sophomore Ann Carter Petro recently led a devotion, and she shared, “I chose to present a devotion because I want to share my experiences with other people in hopes of encouraging students to not feel lonely on their faith journey, and I enjoy the connections you grow while presenting. I get to experience the different points of view people have in their faith life. It is comforting to know that other people struggle to understand their relationship with God too.”

Another Devotions leader, Sophomore Claire Wetick, finds growing the program very rewarding: “Being someone who presents encourages others to step up and do the same.” She emphasized why Devotions & Donuts is so unique: “It is special to see peers that you either know well, or don't know at all, give their testimonies and provide a sense of strength to everyone attending. Because attendance is completely voluntary, it is a choice that we all make when we show up, and supporting the presenters is a joy to do.”

Mrs. Gardino experiences such joy when she sees the enthusiasm the girls have sharing - especially so early in the morning.  “Students have told me it is a wonderful way to begin their day!” Junior Mary Wilhite (also a presenter) agrees: “I love attending Devotions and Donuts, for one reason, it sets my Wednesdays off in the right direction. I get to learn more about my faith, and I love the sense of community. Devotions and Donuts is one of the highlights of my week.”