Dear Friends in Christ,

How did you become the person you are today? When did it happen?

While many of us might name milestones from adulthood or even adolescence, the truth is that our characters are shaped by the formative experiences of childhood. Some of those events might only be dim memories. But we became ourselves because of the kindnesses and challenges we encountered when we were still sleeping with stuffed animals and losing teeth.

On Tuesday, Grace Episcopal School begins a new year. 105 children will meet the teachers who will help shape their characters.

If you only come to the building on Sunday, it can be easy to forget about the school. But Grace School is one of the primary ministries of our parish.

Why does character formation in childhood matter? Elementary school is where you learn what happens when you hurt someone’s feelings. It’s where you learn to recognize a bully and what to do about it. It’s where you realize that sometimes you need to raise your voice, and other times you need to do a better job of listening. It’s where you learn to be kind—not only to the people you like, but also to the people who just happen to be sitting next to you.

And—if you are at a Christian school, like Grace—you learn that the source of reconciliation, bravery, service, and compassion is Jesus Christ.

Grace School is clear in its Episcopal identity, and its governance documents rely heavily on the baptismal covenant. Students learn, by word and example, what it means to respect the dignity of every human being. Our world needs more people who understand and show this respect.

I hope you will offer a prayer for Grace students and the future they represent.

Yours in Christ,
Anne+