Dear Friends

 

Greetings in the name of Jesus!  As we enter the month of May, we know that most of our programs and ministries will take a much-deserved break for the summer. This might be a complete lay off until Fall like the Tuesday evening Bible Study, which concluded in March or Junior Church, which breaks beginning Memorial Day weekend.  Other ministries like the Youth Group or the Thursday morning Bible Study will meet occasionally over the summer months.  There are other ministries like worship and outreach ministries that just keep going!

 

One of our ministries that is beginning to wind down for the summer is our Day School.  Some of you may be surprised to hear it referred to as one of our ministries but that is exactly what it is! The school’s board is comprised of church members and attenders except for its director.  The school is housed in our building with staff salaries, supplies, and other expenses funded by student tuition and faithful support from donations and fundraisers.

 

When we think about education and church, Sunday School often comes to mind.  Historically, before the public school system existed, Christian education was more about academics than relating biblical stories and spiritual truth.  A Christian Pre School and kindergarten such as ours falls in line with our heritage.  It provides early education and socialization for children and is a blessing to their families.  Recently, I spoke to a grandfather who came to pick up his grandson after school.  He expressed his gratitude for the impact our Preschool had on the lives of his family.

 

Our school does more than build a foundation for future education.  It provides a Christian environment for the children and community for their families.  Our kindergarten has bible lessons as part of their curriculum.  The daily specials after lunch feature classes such as music, bible and art.  During the Fall, our kindergarteners learned about the fruit of the Spirit.  I overheard a lesson on St. Patrick’s Day using a three-leaf clover as symbols for each person of the Trinity.

 

In the time I have been the pastor here, I have seen our families participate in the school.  I have watched school families become part of our church because of this ministry combined with other ministries such as Vacation Bible School.  We are blessed to be able to minister to our families and reach out into our community through the many ministries of our church. 

 

Thank you for all you do to support Bakerstown United Methodist Church!  I hope that you will join me in praying for all our ministries whether they are active year-round or taking a much- deserved rest to recharge.

 

Blessings,

Pastor Keith