Good Shepherd Episcopal Indian Church, Stafford: “Be with the Buddies” Program

“Be with the Buddies” is an idea that emerged from intentional efforts by the Good Shepherd Episcopal Indian Church, Stafford to create opportunities for children from the community to come together and spend time together. The church shares space with All Saints Episcopal Church, Stafford.

The intent was to help children adjust to the “new normal” and reposition themselves from isolation and loneliness caused by the pandemic. All Saints Episcopal opened its doors for children and parents to be together every Saturday afternoon for a few hours and create new friendships.

The joyful noises of the children and their renewed energy to be with their buddies fueled both parents and volunteers of Good Shepherd.

The volunteers organized fun-filled activities for the children so they can learn and support one another in group settings. As a few weeks went by, there was a consistent increase in the number of participants and the enthusiasm of the parents to bring their children every Saturday afternoon.

Good Shepherd volunteers spent time together in exploring possibilities of making it as an ongoing program that would help in the holistic development of the children in their growth. As a result of collective thoughts and prayers, “Be with the Buddies” has taken the shape of learning music and even learning to play keyboard.

This program is supported by the diocese and led by the congregation of Good Shepherd. Ashik Ittoop John, a certified musician from the Trinity School of Music, London, is the instructor and director of the program. After wrapping up the first year of learning and performing, congregants noticed how the Buddies program has positively impacted the growth of the congregation.

“Be with the Buddies” is an idea that emerged from intentional efforts by the Good Shepherd Episcopal Indian Church, Stafford to create opportunities for children from the community to come together and spend time together. The church shares space with All Saints Episcopal Church, Stafford.

The intent was to help children adjust to the “new normal” and reposition themselves from isolation and loneliness caused by the pandemic. All Saints Episcopal opened its doors for children and parents to be together every Saturday afternoon for a few hours and create new friendships.

The joyful noises of the children and their renewed energy to be with their buddies fueled both parents and volunteers of Good Shepherd.

The volunteers organized fun-filled activities for the children so they can learn and support one another in group settings. As a few weeks went by, there was a consistent increase in the number of participants and the enthusiasm of the parents to bring their children every Saturday afternoon.

Good Shepherd volunteers spent time together in exploring possibilities of making it as an ongoing program that would help in the holistic development of the children in their growth. As a result of collective thoughts and prayers, “Be with the Buddies” has taken the shape of learning music and even learning to play keyboard.

This program is supported by the diocese and led by the congregation of Good Shepherd. Ashik Ittoop John, a certified musician from the Trinity School of Music, London, is the instructor and director of the program. After wrapping up the first year of learning and performing, congregants noticed how the Buddies program has positively impacted the growth of the congregation.

The Buddies program created a wider impact in the Indian community at large. News about the program reached beyond the children. Adult members of the community developed an intense interest in the program, the congregation and the diocese. Many started to attend the worship service regularly. Volunteers offered them pastoral support in hopes that they may find a spiritual home in Good Shepherd. While “Be with the Buddies” started as a kids program, it has grown to be an outreach program to reach families, which is intentional and consistent.