"Voluntarism is dying". This quote departs from the lips of many in leadership positions within non-profit sector organizations. Perhaps it is more difficult to find people to do specific tasks, or perhaps leaders just grumpily pine for a day gone by where people just freely gave of their time and knew how to commit, or maybe we find ourselves increasingly busy with life and there are more avenues to give of our time and less time in which to do it...... I'm not sure.
As I write this, large quantities of apples, pie crust and crumble, boxes piled high all await dozens of people who will cheerfully give of their time to make apple pies for our annual fundraiser. Others gave of their time these past two weeks to serve on a committee to get our Family Fun Fest going, or on the board of directors to chart our path forward. Volunteers spend time with kids who need some extra assistance in their learning, or to assess reading skills for a teacher who can then tailor instruction to the class needs. Volunteers build things, like decks. They fill holes, cut grass and landscape, run wires and install fixtures, they paint and organize golf tournaments, coach sports teams and build parade floats, they sort items in a store for reclaimed construction materials.
It's clear that NACE is a community of dedicated people passionate about the work we do. A volunteer who can see that peeling an apple, or attending a meeting translates into lights on in classrooms, financial assistance for those who need it, or the lesson that cuts to the heart of a child and convicts them that God loves them and they have a specific purpose for His glory in the world.... that is a cheerful giver. The blessing of doing that shoulder to shoulder spreads our vision as a community and deepens our commitment to Christ in Education. It connects us in Christ.
As you read this, please do two things: 1) thank God for the many people in our midst who cheerfully give of their time to keep our schools running effectively and affordably, and 2) consider the upcoming tasks that never seem to end or present themselves, and decide what you might be able to do to connect yourself to others in Christ. Some are inspiring and some are mundane, but all of them connect us to the heart of what we do: teach kids to Live for Jesus, Learn for Life, and Serve with Gladness.
2 Corinthians 9: 6-7 " The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Friday, November 17, 2017
Collaboration
A buzz word in education right now is '21st-century skills'. Any learning plan that is launched by an educational institution seems to include this as a necessary element. I'm not sure how long we'll talk about these as '21st-century' items, but the list often shifts away from the need to learn 'stuff' and de-emphasizes cramming in content.
It's no secret that the workplace is changing, and our students need to know how to access and work with technology. The other large area of identifiable skills surround social and emotional skill sets and being able to work well with others; to collaborate. Increasingly, we and our students need to be able to work together on a project towards a shared goal. Being able to work on one's own is important, but fewer and fewer scenarios demand this type of work anymore. Teamwork is essential to life. It's why it was an important inclusion in our Community Character traits that push us toward being 'Connected in Christ'. Chris Breitenberg writes a beautiful article on how collaboration is central to the gospel of Christ and how the future of the church depends on it. I commend the article to you! https://goo.gl/dG3Zqa
As we prepare for upcoming strategic planning, I'm asking people in our community 'What does it look like when we do our best work?' As the NACE board answered these questions, it struck me at how many times they referenced community events and tasks where groups of people came together and accomplished something in service to our schools. There's something that is innately joyful about serving alongside one another to 'get something done'. Indeed, I believe there is something Holy about this time together - dedicated to the furtherance of the good news through education. As we gather together to work, we build relationship, we build the church, and we build something bigger than all of us - a present and a future of God's kingdom!!
Our event organizers know this inherently and are inviting you to collaborate with them. A Family Fun Fest runs because people pitch in for a great cause. Pies get made, peaches get peeled, committees function and get work done..... Beautiful things happen when we collaborate and work together.
I look forward to seeing all of you at our Family Fun Fest on Saturday, November 11, all pitching in joyfully to build up our schools in service to the God we serve!!
Remembering
November is a time when we collectively as a country stop, stay silent and remember the dedication and sacrifice of others in times of conflict around the world. Schools are amazing places to ensure that we learn about the significance of peacekeeping around the world and our responsibility to be agents of peace.
As Christian Schools and communities, we are blessed beyond measure as we process the events in our world that have and continue to show pain and suffering in the face of injustice, wrongdoing, and evil. We know that as agents of peace, we ultimately serve the Prince of Peace, the King of Kings.
This past week, we were learned through the participation of veterans, interaction with local Legions, the preparation of band pieces, dramatic vignettes, and art projects that helped us ask questions and delve into the meaning of sacrifice and justice and how to respond to the problem of evil in the world. In a Christian school, we are able to process together with students and in community, singing and remembering together that we have a 'Saviour, who is mighty to save'.
As we pause for a moment of silence this weekend to remember those who served and sacrificed for our freedom, may we be reminded of God's continued work of restoration in the world. The words of Saint Francis are an apt reminder of this paradox and call:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Friday, October 20, 2017
Complaining or Communicating?
As we learn some of our community character traits this year, connected in Christ, there are times when we will notice that there is an intersection of a few of them resulting in new discoveries.
Last week I wrote about compassion, how vital it is, but how difficult it can be as well. In light of how our contemporary society works, compassion for those with whom we have a problem or issue is counter-cultural. Our culture tells us that when we disagree or have an issue with someone, the proper way to go about it is to either a) put up a public and vocal protest about it (social media makes this even easier than ever before), or b) to 'suck it up' and move on.
Honesty and Integrity, as well as collaboration, are other traits we are looking to deliberately focus on and develop in our students and in our community. A few times a year, I hear the phrase: "We didn't want to be the complainers....." or "I would have told you about this sooner, but I didn't want to bother you...." I know the principals hear this as well.
If we have an issue with someone, one of the easiest things we can do is discuss it with close friends. While this can be healthy, we need to watch closely that our discussions remain guarded to protect everyone. If there is something bothering you, as soon as possible, take it up with those involved. Problems are dealt with appropriately, quickly, and the right information can come to light.
Proper handling of conflict or issues is an act of compassion, an act of collaboration, and an act of integrity. While it may seem odd to suggest that complaining or stating that something isn't right is compassionate, the alternative is far worse. If we allow conflict or issues to fester or spread without being dealt with, they can become toxic, fodder for gossip, and destructive to anyone involved as well as to our community.
Attached to today's newsletter is NACE's dispute reconciliation policy. This policy applies and involves everyone in our community - employees, parents, supporters, and board members. Please review it so that you know how to issues should they arise, but also so that you can encourage others to deal with them appropriately. 'Have you talked to _____________ about this?' should be a quick reminder to one another to resolve problems. Matthew 18 provides sound advice from scripture not only to settle disputes but also to proactively protect the Christian community from itself as we know we all fall short at times. Speaking the truth in love is a habit that goes a long way to developing character and a growing healthy community of learning that is connected in Christ.
Last week I wrote about compassion, how vital it is, but how difficult it can be as well. In light of how our contemporary society works, compassion for those with whom we have a problem or issue is counter-cultural. Our culture tells us that when we disagree or have an issue with someone, the proper way to go about it is to either a) put up a public and vocal protest about it (social media makes this even easier than ever before), or b) to 'suck it up' and move on.
Honesty and Integrity, as well as collaboration, are other traits we are looking to deliberately focus on and develop in our students and in our community. A few times a year, I hear the phrase: "We didn't want to be the complainers....." or "I would have told you about this sooner, but I didn't want to bother you...." I know the principals hear this as well.
If we have an issue with someone, one of the easiest things we can do is discuss it with close friends. While this can be healthy, we need to watch closely that our discussions remain guarded to protect everyone. If there is something bothering you, as soon as possible, take it up with those involved. Problems are dealt with appropriately, quickly, and the right information can come to light.
Proper handling of conflict or issues is an act of compassion, an act of collaboration, and an act of integrity. While it may seem odd to suggest that complaining or stating that something isn't right is compassionate, the alternative is far worse. If we allow conflict or issues to fester or spread without being dealt with, they can become toxic, fodder for gossip, and destructive to anyone involved as well as to our community.
Attached to today's newsletter is NACE's dispute reconciliation policy. This policy applies and involves everyone in our community - employees, parents, supporters, and board members. Please review it so that you know how to issues should they arise, but also so that you can encourage others to deal with them appropriately. 'Have you talked to _____________ about this?' should be a quick reminder to one another to resolve problems. Matthew 18 provides sound advice from scripture not only to settle disputes but also to proactively protect the Christian community from itself as we know we all fall short at times. Speaking the truth in love is a habit that goes a long way to developing character and a growing healthy community of learning that is connected in Christ.
Compassion
Compassion seems simple. On the surface, compassion is a trait in which we feel sorry for someone and try to help. This wouldn't be wrong, but there is so much beyond a simple empathetic posture that is embodied in a character trait of compassion.
As we move through some of our 'Connected in Christ' character traits, they align well with how we understand the course of God's redemptive hand in history (some of you will know this as the creation-fall-redemption framework). God's creation gives us reason to be curious and to delight in his work. Our story takes a turn, however.... because of humanity's decision to disobey and to move away from God, we live in broken relationship with Him and with the world. There is hurt, there is pain, there is suffering. In fact, scripture describes the world as 'groaning' under the weight of our sin (Romans 8:12)
This calls for a response. God showed His compassion by designing a rescue plan for us and for his world. He calls us to exhibit also this compassion for creation, and for one another.
Students and teachers deal with this on a regular basis in their classrooms. On some level, it is easy to have compassion for the person who is seeking help and wanting to be assisted. It makes us feel good to help. What is it like to have compassion for the person who doesn't want or feel they need it? How about the person we don't know or feel threatened by? So much of our world right now lives in a tension of fear and negativity because we don't take the time to identify with and understand one another. It's easier to label what we don't know or understand as 'wrong' or 'harmful' or even 'unchristian' when in fact we haven't taken the time to understand their story.
Compassion is a response to pain and suffering and conflict. We may have caused it, or we may see it unfold in front of us. The next time your kids (or you!) see hurt or pain in the world.... ask them 'How can we be compassionate here?' Sometimes it will be obvious. Sometimes the answer may be "I think I just need to better understand who that person is and what they are dealing with...."
We live in a broken and fallen world, but God is active in it around us and through us. How can we complete this learning target: "I can show compassion by _____________."
I look forward to hearing more stories of surprise from our students, teachers, and you about how compassion is being expressed within and beyond our learning community.
Friday, September 15, 2017
Curiosity
Sometimes curiosity gets a bad rap. Apparently, it killed the cat, or so they say..... It can get us into trouble, especially as children. How many times were we as children reminded to 'mind our own business' when we pried into our parents' world? How many times were we told not to worry about things we questioned about or cautioned against exploring parts of the world that are dangerous? Certainly, curiosity can lead to dark and dangerous places from which we need to adequately protect our children. But what is that seemingly insatiable need to explore and know more that is built into us and into each child? It is a gift from God that He created us with - a pre-existing condition that prepares us to fulfill His blessing and command: "Then God blessed them and said, "Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it..." " (Genesis 1:28a)
In an article she wrote for Chrisitan Parenting, Sharon Miller reminds us that our task "...is to raise children who want God. When our kids inherit a holy curiosity, they will never stop exploring their infinite Creator and never stop asking for more of him." It's why our Community Character traits begin with curiosity. It is that posture of excitement and desire for more that sets us up as people who seek God and to fill His creation. It is central to our task not only as guardians and rulers of creation, it is also central to our need to know God more and to connect with Him. In order to be a student, we need to be curious; and God, knowing that, built it right in!
In an article she wrote for Chrisitan Parenting, Sharon Miller reminds us that our task "...is to raise children who want God. When our kids inherit a holy curiosity, they will never stop exploring their infinite Creator and never stop asking for more of him." It's why our Community Character traits begin with curiosity. It is that posture of excitement and desire for more that sets us up as people who seek God and to fill His creation. It is central to our task not only as guardians and rulers of creation, it is also central to our need to know God more and to connect with Him. In order to be a student, we need to be curious; and God, knowing that, built it right in!
It also reminds us that we don't need to answer every question that our kids or students ask with a factual answer. Sometimes they need to wonder, to exercise their curiosity, to search for wonders in creation, to search for God. The next time your child asks 'Why?' (and perhaps it will be the 100th time that day!), thank God for planting curiosity in each of us, and pray that we as a school community can celebrate that need to know, desire to learn, and thirst for God in our students!
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
Connected in Christ
Why do you send your kids to a Christian School? Why is Christian Education important? What do you hope for in Christian Education?
These important questions revealed some important data which included a number of things that we would all expect: We knew that the foundational world-and-life view that keeping Christ at the centre of all we study was important. We also knew that we all desire a safe and loving place for our students where we know that they will be cared for as children of God and image bearers of Him.
One other item surfaced loud and clear at that time: You had a deep desire to see your children live out their Christian faith in a real and tangible way - not just as head knowledge, but as heart and hands knowledge as evidenced by character and service.
As a teaching staff, we dove deep into this concept to uncover what character traits we could intentionally develop over the long term that would not only encourage deeper learning and academic excellence but ones that would model Christ and discover His story in our lives.
You will hear more about these six character traits over the coming months and years. We don't intend just to 'teach' them to our kids. We intend to make them central to who we are and how we do things as an entire learning community - entering with Curiosity, and responding in Joy. Working with Compassion, Collaboration, Integrity, and Perseverance in all that we do.
In living and working together, we are connected together, to God's world, and in Christ.
Blessings to all of you as we enter into a new year of living, learning and serving together to God's glory!
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