It’s the middle of the school year, and I’m always amazed at the dedication of the Church School teachers. We all know how hard it is to get up some mornings, especially when it’s raining or snowing. Yet every week, these teachers come with a plan to teach the youth of St. Paul’s. They are amazing. They find creative ways to bring the Bible stories to life. Some use music; others use crafts or games. Every class is different; every teacher is different. Despite the differences, all are working for the same goal of helping the children learn about God’s love.

The fifth grade class has begun to meet with the clergy as they begin their “Emmaus” classes. The purpose of these classes is for the children to look at their relationship with God and the Church “with new eyes”, as the disciples saw Jesus “with new eyes” on the road to Emmaus. They’ll look at Communion, the service, and their relationship with God and the Church in a new light. Through these classes, we hope they develop the beginnings of a mature relationship with God. This relationship will continue to grow through the middle school classes and in the confirmation class in tenth grade.

I thank all the teachers for their dedication of time and talents that they give to the youth of St. Paul’s. These children are our future. We have been blessed with them, and we have been blessed with such wonderfully caring teachers. The following was given to me a few years ago, and I would like to pass these words along to the teachers, parents, coaches, and all who have anything to do with the youth of the community.

A hundred years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove, but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.