UPDATE: In a heartwarming gesture for educators, Greg Byrd, the founder of the soon-to-open Navigation Church, delivered 2,400 bagels to all Lynn Public Schools on Wednesday morning. The event, dubbed “Love Your Teacher,” was executed with the help of over two dozen volunteers and aimed to uplift teachers ahead of their professional development day.
Byrd, who moved to Lynn with his family in 2024, coordinated the delivery, which took place by 8:30 a.m. Volunteers distributed the bagels, sourced from local bakery One Mighty Mill, where owner Tony Rosenfeld generously contributed to the effort. Elected officials also joined in, donating cream cheese to accompany the bagels.
“This is about community,” Byrd stated. “If you’re doing something good, people want to be a part of it. It’s cool to see the community come together.” The event not only provided delicious breakfast options but also fostered a sense of unity among educators and local supporters.
Byrd’s journey to founding Navigation Church began with a personal calling he felt while working in a warehouse in Pennsylvania. With his wife pregnant with their third child, he attended a men’s retreat that solidified his decision to pursue a more impactful life. He began driving to Wakefield for services at Restoration Church in 2023, leading him to sell their home and move to Lynn without a backup plan. “I had financial success, but this is about people having eternal success,” Byrd explained.
The new church, set to open in September 2024, aims to provide hope and support to the community. “We seek to provide hope for those on the journey,” Byrd said. “I think the greatest hope is found in Christ.”
As Byrd prepares to build a team and secure a location for Navigation Church, the impact of his actions is already being felt in Lynn. The bagel delivery event not only fed educators but also ignited community spirit and engagement.
This uplifting initiative highlights the power of local efforts in fostering connectivity and support within communities. Keep an eye on Byrd’s progress as he embarks on this inspiring mission to uplift Lynn.
