Back to School

Back to School

As another school year begins, our congregation has an important opportunity to support students, teachers, and families with prayer, encouragement, and practical help.

Many of us remember the old rhyme, “No more pencils, no more books, no more teachers’ dirty looks,” or Alice Cooper’s playful version in “School’s Out,” but by late summer the focus turns again to the blessing and responsibility of education.

All humor aside, we know how important a good education is for every individual, for our whole society, and for the furtherance of the Gospel.

Benjamin Franklin wrote in his 1749 treatise, “Proposals Relating to the Education of Youth in Pennsylvania,” that “the good Education of Youth has been esteemed by wise Men in all Ages, as the surest Foundation of the Happiness both of private Families and of Commonwealths...”

Dr. Martin Luther was also a strong proponent of public education, emphasizing that schools help form faithful, capable men and women for service in the home, church, and wider community (“To the Councilmen of All Cities in Germany that they Establish and Maintain Christian Schools,” 1524, AE, vol. 45, pp. 367-8).

Today, as much as ever, it is important to support and encourage good public education in our community, from kindergarten through the university level. Most teachers are well-educated, intelligent individuals who have dedicated their lives to the intellectual development of our youth. Their salaries, especially in less affluent districts, are not extravagant, and in many cases, they spend their own money on supplies for their students because funds are often tight. In addition, many dedicated teachers work well beyond typical nine-to-five days to make sure their students receive more than just a mediocre education.

Our Christian Education Committee here at First English is acutely aware of the importance of a good education and a good educational environment for the students in our area. That is why we are collecting hygiene products for the Fairbanks School District, including soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hand wipes, shampoo, and other basic supplies. Please place donations in the boxes in the Gathering Space as you enter the building. These simple gifts help students come to school feeling fresh, clean, and ready to learn.

Around the first of the year, our Christian Education Committee plans to hold another drive for pencils, paper, and other essential school supplies, which will be delivered to the Richwood School District for students in need. Please watch for January announcements and consider giving as you are able. God has called us as a congregation to be a blessing to our community, and even if our donations make a difference in the life of one student, the effort is well worth it. Only eternity will tell!

Most of all, we are here to educate everyone, young and old, about the greatest good news ever told: that God so loved the world He gave His only Son as a free gift to every human being, and that this Son of God gave Himself up for us on the Cross to deliver us from death, hell, and the power of evil. The great good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection is not only preached from the pulpit but also taught in our classrooms. We offer classes for all ages, preschool through adult, where we teach the whole Bible, Old Testament and New, prophecy and fulfillment, Law and Gospel. As Paul writes to Timothy, “From childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God [inspired by God] and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

God bless the public schools as they train up the next generation of adults and leaders in our community and beyond. Pray for all teachers and administrators in our schools. May God also bless the Sunday School teachers and Bible study leaders at First English Lutheran Church, so that we all may be shining witnesses of God’s truth to everyone we encounter!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Kurt