At-Home Rhythm

My daily prayer, friends, is that you are able to find and establish a new rhythm to this at-home learning routine. Last week felt like digital drowning, didn't it? I may not have the answers but I sure do want to listen, support and cheerlead you in all ways even as we put the final touches on this second week of learning. Together may we enjoy a weekend break soon and embark on week three. I don't know what you're finding but, it's a strange feeling when I wake up each morning. If feels like I need a moment or two to realize all of this new normal is real. I hope you have been able to find moments to enjoy the sunshine and find evidence of renewed life returning to our region of the earth! Despite this encroaching illness LIFE-GIVING, GOD-APPOINTED forces are stronger and will prevail. This too shall pass. In the meantime, exceptional work providing "normalcy" and "consistency" for your families!

Still Together! 

Classroom Buddies

A parent recently shared with me that her fifth grade child sent a letter to her classroom buddy! What a sweet idea to continue celebrating our buddy relationships even remotely! If this is something you would be interested in, let me know how I can support you in this effort! Stamps? Email? I can help!

Share Out

Remember back in the olden days when we used to have in-person staff meetings? Sometimes we would have a staff member share a good idea or something special happening in their classroom which others might benefit from. Jodi's turn. Check out this sweet idea Jodi is implementing with her class! Each day, she highlights a student for the rest of the class to pray over for that day! This is such a beautiful effort! Thank you to EACH of you for creating special moments and experiences for your learners!

Today let’s lift up Mila in prayer.  I wonder how her little brother is sleeping lately?  Mila has prayed about him quite a bit in the past month.  In your prayer journal, please thank God for Mila, and also pray for her protection.

Staffing

You saw the internal openings pushed out with postings for our elementaries. This, understandably, comes with some question marks. The admin team is meeting and communicating every day to follow God's bidding in putting the right people in the right positions. If you are interested in any of these vacancies, please send a note of your interest to Tim or me. We'll make note of this and begin conversations with internal candidates soon. We hope finalize the process to get those answers to you ASAP! I'm hoping by the end of next week we can have a pretty solid picture of our 20-21 team!

I am excited to share with you a few positions that are filled already!

• 2nd grade Spanish Immersion: Andrea Cantu (and the crowd goes wild!!!) 
• 2nd grade Forest School: Angie Smith (can I get a loud AMEN!!!) 
• 2nd grade Teaching Assistant: Charity Render (WOOT WOOT!!!)

All of these announcements will be rolled out to the parent community at a later time. Just want to keep you in the know as I am able! Thank you for your patience throughout this staffing process!

Prayer

Finally, a prayer together over each of you, over our families, over our country and over the people of our world:

For all who have contracted coronavirus,

     We pray for care and healing.

For those who are particularly vulnerable,
     We pray for safety and protection.

For all who experience fear or anxiety,
     We pray for peace of mind and spirit.

For affected families who are facing difficult decisions between food on the table or safety,
     We pray for policies that recognize their plight.

For those who do not have adequate health insurance,
     We pray that no family will face financial burdens alone.

For those who are afraid to access care due to immigration status,
     We pray for recognition of the God-given dignity of all.

For our brothers and sisters around the world,
     We pray for shared solidarity.

For public officials and decision makers,
     We pray for wisdom and guidance.

Father, during this time may your Church be a sign of hope, comfort and love to all. 

     Grant peace.
     Grant comfort.
     Grant healing.
     Be with us, Lord.

Amen.