I am writing this at the middle point of two Christian Education Weeks at NACE. Last week we welcomed well over 1000 visitors through our doors and hallways at Covenant to see what Christian Education is all about. Now we're ready to do the same at John Knox! Student work is on display, songs and acting practices taking place, our classrooms are a little more 'open', and the regular 'busy' of school life is even busier!!
These weeks place us in contact with all kinds of people. Some are our dedicated founders - those who worked to establish our schools. Some are family supporters, excited to see how Christian Schools are working in the lives of their children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. Still others are new to Christian Education - just beginning to see what happens at John Knox and Covenant, and by extension, at Christian Schools rooted in the richness of the gospel woven through every moment of the day.
One of the lessons that I'm continuing to learn is that we are always on stage. Some of the most rewarding conversations that I've had over the past days, weeks, and months are with those who have recently discovered Christian Schools and the unique blessing that we enjoy. One of those was last week with a grandparent who shared with me that she just wished that she had known about Christian Schools when her own children were school aged. She is now excited to support the decision that her children have made to become a part of the Christian Education Community, and sharing that with anyone she meets.
I, and I think we, need to remember that there are opportunities every day, and especially in our own Christian Communities. The good news of God's grace is relevant always, and applicable at all times. There are always those who are struggling with their faith, those who are new to the message of the gospel, and those who are discovering Christ's work in the world for the first time.
Christian Education doesn't stop at grade 8, at grade 12, at post-secondary studies, or ever. Our faith is never at a state of completion or arrival. It is always growing, always stretching, always renewing not only so that we can share the good news, but because we are presented with the opportunity to do so!!
"But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God." - Acts 20:24
These weeks place us in contact with all kinds of people. Some are our dedicated founders - those who worked to establish our schools. Some are family supporters, excited to see how Christian Schools are working in the lives of their children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. Still others are new to Christian Education - just beginning to see what happens at John Knox and Covenant, and by extension, at Christian Schools rooted in the richness of the gospel woven through every moment of the day.
One of the lessons that I'm continuing to learn is that we are always on stage. Some of the most rewarding conversations that I've had over the past days, weeks, and months are with those who have recently discovered Christian Schools and the unique blessing that we enjoy. One of those was last week with a grandparent who shared with me that she just wished that she had known about Christian Schools when her own children were school aged. She is now excited to support the decision that her children have made to become a part of the Christian Education Community, and sharing that with anyone she meets.
I, and I think we, need to remember that there are opportunities every day, and especially in our own Christian Communities. The good news of God's grace is relevant always, and applicable at all times. There are always those who are struggling with their faith, those who are new to the message of the gospel, and those who are discovering Christ's work in the world for the first time.
Christian Education doesn't stop at grade 8, at grade 12, at post-secondary studies, or ever. Our faith is never at a state of completion or arrival. It is always growing, always stretching, always renewing not only so that we can share the good news, but because we are presented with the opportunity to do so!!
"But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God." - Acts 20:24
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Some of you will have caught our 'Niagara Christian Schools' broadcast that we are undertaking with the help of Scott Street Church in St. Catharines and in partnership with Smithville Christian High, Beacon Christian, and Dunnville Christian Schools. These programs are broadcasting on WDCX 99.5 FM on Sundays at 12:45 on a show entitled 'Voices of Niagara'. The first three episodes have highlighted the group of schools, and then Covenant and John Knox individually. The voices of teachers, parents, and students all attest to how God is working through our schools. If you missed them, we have downloadable recordings available online at:
Episode #1 (all five schools): https://goo.gl/
Episode #2 (Covenant): https://goo.gl/
Episode #3 (John Knox): https://goo.gl/xg8yaz
Episodes #4-6 will highlight the other three schools over the next few weeks.
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