Thank you teachers!
“Rabbi. Teacher.” These were some of the more common ways in which Jesus was addressed by the people of His time, a role so valued and important 2,000+ years ago is still so valuable now.
This week schools of every variety (home, public, charter, private) celebrate “Teacher Appreciation Week.” There really isn’t an appropriate way to thank teachers for all they do for kids, what they sacrifice in the way of time, energy, resources, and how much of themselves they open up to the minds and souls within their charge. It is a noble undertaking. I give thanks to all who have devoted their time and hearts to education.
That being said, I am honored and excited to celebrate the teachers in the lives of our children at All Saints’ this coming Sunday, May 11. These are adults who volunteer their time, effort, and energy to help shape the spiritual lives of our most precious investments – our children.
When I began my role at All Saints’ in August of 2022, we had a “one-room schoolhouse” model of Christian Formation. Since then, we’ve grown into a place that offers four different classrooms and a nursery every single Sunday for kids ages 4-12th grade to deepen their faith and understanding of the Bible and how it informs our beliefs. This is no small task! Safe Church protocols not only keep our kids safe, but also teaches them what should feel safe, and requires that there be two adults per classroom. This means each Sunday we require 10 different adults to show up and be present for the kids we’ve promised to raise up in Jesus.
I am honored by the commitment made by nineteen of our parishioners who have given their time in a monthly rotation to staff our Christian education. It is because of these volunteers that our program is thriving and continues to grow. These volunteers learn who our young people are, answer their questions, and challenge them with more questions. They show up and provide a predictable and reliable presence that our kids can depend on and trust to show them love, interest, and to share a community of Christ.
Our teachers, in all realms of society, are doing God’s work. I am honored to present a small token of appreciation to them this Sunday and invite you to say prayers of thanksgiving and gratitude for the teachers of All Saints’, and the teachers in the other areas of your lives.
Thank you, Rachel, Gary, Fran, Ruth, Alice, Kim, Mary Beth, Zach, Guy, Hilary, Katy, Nate, Kiera, Mason, and Cynthia for your service to All Saints’ this programming year.
If you’re interested in volunteering one Sunday a month to be part of our amazing community of young saints, I encourage you to speak with one of these individuals to see what a rewarding experience it is for all.
Ms. Tiffany