September 13 Home Communicator –The elementary students and staff went on a hike to look for Living Water last Friday in chapel. It was an imaginary hike, of course, although there were a few students who were on their feet and ready to go!
Mrs. Spotts’ class and Ms. Staal teamed up to teach us about our theme this year: Growing in God’s Garden. The focus of this chapel was on water–both earthly water and Living Water. Mrs. Spotts and her class illustrated how valuable earthly water is for us and then Ms. Staal shared some pictures and stories from her recent trip to Israel and explained that earthly water is important, but knowing that God is our Living Water is so much better. After chapel, the students reflected on what they learned. Here is a sample of that reflection from a 2nd grader:
Chapels are such an important part of each week at school. They are a highlight for both students and staff. Each class takes a turn leading the rest of us in worship and sharing things they’ve learned about God in their classrooms. Hearing the voices of hundreds of kids singing praises to our Creator is an incredible experience. What a blessing it is to be able to gather for worship during the school day! If you are ever able to stop by on Friday mornings at 10:00 to join us for chapel in the elementary school, we’d love to have you.
In closing, I’ll leave you with a story from one of our staff members on the first day of school:
“This morning I was on the playground before school taking some photos when a 2nd grade student came to me, nearly in tears. She was missing her mom. I talked and asked her questions – about who her teacher is this year and that there will be so many fun things she would talk about and things she would do in class today – not much help to her anxiety – then I mentioned that we will have chapel today – and she stopped me – “What – we have chapel today? I didn’t know that!” And her whole demeanor changed!”
Friends, the Holy Spirit is working in the hearts of our students. I cannot wait to see how God uses each chapel this school year to nurture the faith of these precious children!
Growing together, Tricia Kiepert, Elementary Principal
