Script’Morium Ministries SERVES Up FREE Resources for Educators
“When home education is seen in its proper place, seen as a gift, a blessing, an act of stewardship, and when it’s embraced in humility, it’s a lovely thing.”
Dawn Gregg
It’s May! Time to celebrate!
We love our holidays here at It’s Only Homeschooling and May is no exception.
International Harry Potter Day (May 2nd), Star Wars Day (May the 4th Be With YOU), Cinco de Mayo, Teacher Appreciation Week (May 7th-13th), Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 14th), National Do Something Good For Your Neighbor Day (May 16th), National Rescue A Dog Day (May 20th), Talk Like Yoda Day (May 21st), and Memorial Day (May 29th) are only a few of the celebrations we enjoy.
From the quirky to the quintessential, by far a favorite in our home is Homeschool Awareness Month.
In tribute to Homeschool Awareness Month, we are delighted to showcase an outreach organization that has been supporting homeschoolers by providing FREE curricula and educational support for over a decade. We are honored to shine our May Salt & Light SERVE Spotlight on Script’Morium.
A Name Like No Other
Scriptorium, literally “a place for writing”, is commonly used to refer to a room in medieval European monasteries devoted to the writing, copying, and illumninating of maunscripts commonly handled by monastic scribes. Because our ministry is much more than writing, and encompasses all educational support, we modified it to say “More” within the name, hence: Script’MORium!
Script’Morium | Sparks Academy (okbookshack.org)
Long before it was Script’Morium Ministries, LLC, this ministry began as The Book Samaritan. Founded by a Christian mother and daughter duo in a home in Oklahoma, this faith-based, recycled homeschool supply resource center supported homeschool families nationwide. Working in a “distribution center” format, The Book Samaritan housed shelves of stored books and supplies available for redistribution via an application process. Materials were dispensed through local pick-ups and mail-out requests.
Unfortunately, in the late 2010s, this beloved ministry closed its doors. But not for long. Sustained by the support of local sponsors, the Oklahoma community mounted a “rescue” operation of sorts. The Book Samaritan was re-envisioned as The Book Shack and continued to operate in borrowed and rented spaces. The Book Shack served the homeschool community for several years through the support of a team of volunteers and was assisted by monetary donations. Unfortunately, these efforts, too, experienced struggle and The Book Shack eventually closed its doors.
Rebranding and Revival
When God closes one door, he always opens another. Such was the case with this beautiful ministry.
There is no obstacle on earth too big for the Lord. A homeschool family who had supported the OK Book Shack for years hated to see the legacy die. They felt called to continue the Lord’s work. Devra Waterman and her husband saw a need in the homeschooling community and decided to do something about it.
After prayerful consideration, these homeschooling parents of six knew what they had to do. Using their own funds, they secured a new storefront for the ministry. After a year in storage, items were loaded up and transported to a new home. The new digs are situated on the property of the Revive Free Will Baptist Church in Tecumseh, Oklahoma. A location closer to the Waterman’s home.
A limited liability company was established. Volunteers were recruited to staff the shop. Script’Morium was born.
Paying It Forward
Working on a “pay-it-forward” concept, Script’Morium is committed to its vision of “providing all educators with educational resources for free.” Fueled by “good faith” contributions, the ministry relies on community patronage and support to thrive.
Need Resources?
Could you use a little help obtaining homeschool supplies? While items are completely FREE to all who have a need, operating hours are a bit trickier. The Watermans are a busy homeschooling family.
Hours of Operation
First & Third Thursdays of the month – 11am-2pm
Wednesday evenings – 6-8pm
Fourth Fridays – 6-9pm
Third Saturdays – 10am-2pm
At the time of this article, business hours are a bit sporadic. Updated operating times are, however, posted on the ministry’s Facebook page. Follow their social media for ongoing updates.
If you are interested in requesting more information about availability or would like to schedule a visit to the Script’Morium, please contact Devra.
Note: If you cannot visit The Script’Morium in person and require the ministry to mail educational items to you. However, mail fees are the responsibility of the recipient.
How You Can Help
At Script’Morium, all donations are given freely so they can, in turn, be redistributed freely. If stock runs low, or conversely, if overflow is not distributed in a timely manner, the ministry cannot continue to operate. Here are some ways you can help:
Donate Items. You can donate NEW or gently used curricula, educational materials, books, or school supplies.
Financial Support. The Watermans view the operation of The Script’Morium as a ministry, tithing their time and personal finances to keep things running. While monetary donations are welcome, it is preferred financial contributions be given to Revive Free Will Baptist Church, in Tecumseh, OK. The building that houses Script’Morium Ministries is located on the church’s property.
Share Your Expertise. Script’Morium is looking to grow and expand. In order to get the word out about their outreach, the Watermans purchased a domain name with the hopes of moving all of the ministry’s operations to its own home on a new website separate from its current home at www.okbookshack.com. Devra shared the ministry could greatly benefit from shared expertise in website development. If would like to share your skills, reach out to: scriptmorium@gmail.com
Social Media Shout-Outs. Follow and like its Facebook page so you can be updated with the latest happenings. Share about the shop on social media. Encourage patronage. Get the word out!
Tithe Your Time. Volunteers are needed and welcome to help keep this beautiful ministry running smoothly. Plunder like a pirate through the treasure trove of supplies while helping sort, organize, and shelve the stock. Who knows what booty you will find to help broaden your family’s learning adventures? Maybe you have a high schooler who needs to complete community hours? Or an Eagle Scout who would like to complete a building project to earn a badge? The Script’Morium is happy to sign off on your hours and is greatly appreciative of the support. Get creative in your efforts!
Visit the Shop. And take home materials! At the time of this blog post, Script’Morium is experiencing an “embarrassment of riches” of sorts. They are bursting at the seams with inventory! While these servants of the Lord are certainly not complaining, in order for them to continue moving forward in their ministry they need to get inventory out of their shop and into the hands and homes of educators. You do not have to be a homeschool family to benefit from this ministry, ALL educators are welcome!
Want to Know More About Script’Morium Ministries?
Be sure to join our next Podcast episode to learn more about Script’Morium Ministries. In this Salt & Light SERVE Spotlight episode, we will speak to Devra Waterman about her family’s mission field in education. Listen in as we learn how Script’Morium Ministries came to be and where it’s going next.
You can listen here on our website, our YouTube channel, at Podbean, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or Samsung.
Who knows? You might run into Devra on the homeschool public speaking circuit this summer. She will attend a homeschool symposium, The Home Education Expo: Freedom to Answer the Call in June. The event takes place June 24th from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. CST at Randall University.
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Blessings,
Kimberly
IOH Mom
This website is not a professional counseling website and nothing here should be construed as professional counseling advice. Although Kimberly Bennett, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor, she is not your counselor, and no counselor-client relationship is established unless she has signed an agreement with you. All information provided through this website is for informational and educational purposes only.This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure statement. Thanks for visiting!
