A Bright Beginning -- A Lower School Reflection

Below is the weekly chaplain's newsletter called 'Table Talk' that I write for the Holy Innocents' Lower School.

Dear Golden Bears and Parents,

Holy Innocents’ has never been brighter. The first week of school ushered in a host of new faces that are reflecting the goodness of God and lighting up the Lower School. We’re blessed with new students, new parents, new teachers and staff, and terrific a new Head of School.

If you’re a new member of the Holy Innocents’ family, it’s likely you’re coming from a school that neither identifies as Episcopal nor has a chaplain. If this is the case, allow me, the Lower School Chaplain, to briefly explain a few things that might be helpful.

Because we’re a faith-based school, Holy Innocents’ is committed to the spiritual lives of the students. My role as the chaplain is to develop faith in God, respect for self and others, and a sense of service in each student.  In the tradition of national Episcopal schools, we welcome people from all faiths and backgrounds, knowing that our differences elevate and glorify one another.  

One central way we grow in faith is through our weekly chapel service on Thursday mornings at 8:30 AM. During chapel, we come together as an entire school to share in God's love and grow closer to one another through worship, prayer, and a lesson.

Along with leading our chapel services, I teach each homeroom a course called F.I.S.H. (short for Faith In Service & Humanity). F.I.S.H combines spiritual development, religion studies, and service learning, and will be tied to the service projects and fundraisers we engage in throughout the year.

Almost every week, I send out an email to parents that I call ‘Table Talk.’ The purpose of this is to let you know what’s going on in the spiritual life of the school and tell you what the children are learning about in chapel or in FISH. Most Table Talks include three talking-points that I encourage each parent or guardian to talk about with your children when you’re sitting at the dinner table, in the car, or in a good space to have a conversation. These talking-points can also be found in back of the weekly chapel programs, which I encourage students to take home. 

I’ve been praying for new and returning students, parents, and staff all summer, and it’s a practice I’ll continue throughout the year. If there’s ever a reason for joy, concern, prayer, or questioning, I always make time for students, parents, and staff.

With Love and Prayers,

Chaplain Timothy

P.S.

Learn more about the Chaplain Program at HIES in the latest issue of the Torchbearer. 

Also, this year I’m taking the my chaplaincy on to social media, so for regular updates, photos, prayers, and glimpses of what's going on in the spiritual life of the school, you’re welcome check out the following:

Facebook:

facebook.com/episcopalschoolchaplain                        

Instagram:

http://instagram.com/episcopalschoolchaplain

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/EpiscopalChap