Where Faith and Learning Go Hand in Hand

Christi Lines, Principal
St. Paul’s Lutheran School, Waverly, IA

    A new school year begins. The building shines, students are eager to get back to class, and teachers are excited to lead a new group of young people. So what makes life different at Lutheran schools and early childhood centers than it is at thousands of other schools across the nation?

     To answer, focus on mission. Lutheran schools are committed to providing quality education in an environment where Christian faith is taught, learned, and lived. The principal, staff, teachers, parents, pastors, and board members live that mission in the everyday life of the school. It is the foundation of everything we do and are, from the decisions of the principal or administrator, to the secretary who answers the phone, to the teachers in conversation in the lounge, to the parents chatting in the parking lot, and most importantly, to the children in the classrooms. Children are surrounded with God’s love, and taught to follow Jesus in the world. From the opening worship on the first day of school until the final wave good-bye on the last day of school, faith and learning go hand in hand.

     As a new school year begins, be proud of your mission. Share your ministry in action Invite visitors to the school—parents, grandparents, members of the congregation, the local media, your community dignitaries. Encourage each of them to volunteer. Invite each of them to pray for the students, teachers, and families. Seek opportunities to serve others. Tell your story of faith and learning, and share God’s blessings in this new school year!

Christi Lines serves in a unique capacity as principal of both St. Paul’s Lutheran School and a local public elementary school in Waverly, Iowa.  It is a dual role that is working well in that community.  Christi also serves as an ELEA National Board Member from Network 6 and may be reached at Christi.Lines@stpaulswaverly.org.
 

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