NEW BERN, N.C. — While many schools spend the first week of the year settling into classrooms, students at The Epiphany School of Global Studies begin by stepping into the community.
On Thursday, August 20, every Epiphany student will participate in Faith in Action, the school's annual day of service and one of the signature experiences of Odyssey Week, the first three days of the academic year designed to immerse students in Epiphany's commitment to faith, scholarship, and global citizenship.
Rather than spending the morning behind a desk, students will serve alongside dozens of local nonprofits, churches, museums, civic organizations, parks, senior living communities, and community partners throughout New Bern. From organizing donations and beautifying community spaces to assisting local organizations with hands-on projects, students will experience firsthand what it means to make a difference close to home.
Younger students in kindergarten through fourth grade will complete service projects on campus that directly benefit local organizations, while students in grades five through twelve will travel throughout the community to volunteer at service sites including RCS, The Filling Station, Bank of the Arts, and many others.
"The first three days of the school year at Epiphany are known as Odyssey Week, a unique experience that immerses students in the school's commitment to being a community of faith and scholarship," said Jessica Longshore, Director of Spiritual Life. "The second day,
Faith in Action, gives students the opportunity to put their faith into practice through service. Whether landscaping, organizing donations, preparing facilities, assisting with community projects, or encouraging those they serve, students experience firsthand what it means to love their neighbors through meaningful acts of service. More than a day of service, Faith in Action reflects our mission by giving students the opportunity to love God and serve their neighbors."
Community service is woven throughout the Epiphany experience, and Faith in Action sets the tone for the year ahead by reminding students that learning extends well beyond the classroom. Beginning the school year through service reinforces the school's belief that education is about both academic excellence and meaningful engagement with the community.
"An integral part of the Epiphany curriculum is our community service experiences," Longshore said. "These experiences not only embody what it means to be global citizens, they also empower students to look for ways to make a meaningful difference in the world around them. We want our students to become servant leaders who seize every opportunity to serve others. Beginning the school year with Faith in Action reflects our belief that serving our community is an essential expression of that commitment"
Faith in Action also provides students the opportunity to build lasting relationships with local organizations while giving community partners meaningful support. Each service site offers students a unique perspective on the needs, strengths, and opportunities that exist throughout eastern North Carolina, reinforcing the importance of compassion, collaboration, and civic engagement.
Members of the media are invited to cover Faith in Action on the morning of Thursday, August 20. With students serving across numerous locations throughout New Bern, the event offers a variety of compelling visual opportunities and stories highlighting the partnership between local organizations and the next generation of community leaders.
For additional information, a schedule of service locations, or to arrange interviews with students, faculty, or community partners, please contact both:
Jessica Longshore
Director of Spiritual Life
JLongshore@EpiphanyGlobalSchool.org
Matt McCotter
Director of Marketing
MMcCotter@EpiphanyGlobalSchool.org
The Epiphany School of Global Studies
-
Jessica Longshore Director of Spiritual Life
- July 30, 2026
- JLongshore@EpiphanyGlobalSchool.org
