students has been observed. Often teachers show up to teach and have no students, despite the assurance of concerned parents that this time change was their desire. Several possible adjustments are currently under consideration, but will probably not be in place until early February 2008 after further examination of the problem has been made.

 

Attendance in the Sheepfold and Vineyard atriums is steady and consistent, barring the not-unexpected absences due to illness and occasional family obligations. There are 7 to 9 children in the Sheepfold each Sunday and a similar number in the Vineyard, often posing a space challenge, but one we all work together to master.

 

The Church School staff has tried several new curriculums for the older children at the request of parents and teachers. Living the Good News is currently being used. The Sheepfold and Vineyard follow the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and, once our newest catechists have completed training and assumed leadership in the Sheepfold, it is hoped that creation of the 9-to-12 year old atrium materials by parish volunteers may begin, with the dream to expand the Catechesis to the next level in Fall 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Heartfelt thanks are extended to each of the catechists and teachers for their faithful commitment of time and talent on behalf of the children of our parish. There is no way to express the depth of thanks which go to Mariann Gabel who is so loved by the children she has taught and worked with that they continue to make a point of visiting her when home from college and even after graduation! You have no idea how many lives you have touched and guided in Jesus’ name, Mariann. Bless you!

 

Special thanks are offered to the parents who faithfully bring their children each week and offer to help in so many ways. Your children learn what is important in life from watching what you do. When you bring them to Church, you show them how important God is in your life. May we all continue to grow closer to this amazing God who loves us so very much.

 

Susan Drake and Lisa Luckritz will retire as Christian Education Directors with the end of this school year, though they will continue to serve as catechists in the Sheepfold, Vineyard and (God willing) 9-12 Atrium-to-come.  For 16 years (actually 20 or more in Sue’s case; 16 since we became Co-Directors), we have juggled working full-time with raising our children, caring for our immediate and extended families, serving in various other parish ministries, and trying to do our very best for the children of our parish. We have seen such growth in the program and are proud of our contribution to that growth, but we feel it is time to invite some new faces into the Christian Ed Director position. Would you be interested?

 

Disclaimer: Some of the dates listed above for our teachers may not be quite accurate and if so, our apologies. Contact Lisa or Sue and the errors will be corrected. This report was written late at night in an attempt to meet the Annual Report deadline.