The 40th year of Bethesda Lutheran School began on Monday, August 19. After everyone was made to feel acquainted in their classrooms and with their teachers, Pastor Jake led us in a chapel service, reminding us that God is our friend and that Jesus loves us. We are all here to worship God and to learn more about him. Twenty-nine children were in attendance along with their teachers and office staff.
New to our staff this year is Darlene Jackson, a retired teacher who is teaching the 4-5 year old preschool children. Our new child care assistant is Sayer Lockhart, a graduate of Hot Springs High School. She will be helping with child care from 12:00-5:30pm daily along with Jean Brooks, a seasoned child care teacher who moved here from Alaska. Linda Johnson is joining the office staff as helper with billing and records. Returning staff members are Lynn Michelle Mason, church and school administrative assistant; Justine Gricius, ELC Director and preschool teacher; Marianne Allen, K-3 teacher; and Dr. Ken Palmreuter, principal. Faithful regular K-3 classroom volunteers are Paulene Staben, Susan Decker, and Doris Belitz.
Nine children are enrolled in the primary school: Kindergarten – 3, First grade – 2, Second grade – 1, and Third grade – 3. Twenty preschool children are enrolled, making two classrooms of ten each. Eighteen children are enrolled in our before and after school Child Care program on Monday through Thursday, and six are currently enrolled in our Friday child care and enrichment. Four of the primary school children are members of Bethesda, and the parents of three preschool children are Bethesda members.
What a wonderful ministry Bethesda Lutheran Church is providing for these children and their families! They will learn God’s Word every day. They will pray and worship God daily. They will learn from memory I Thessalonians 5:16-18:
“Rejoice Always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
I Thessalonians 5:16-18
And they will grow in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.
Thank you, members of Bethesda, for your prayers and financial support of this important ministry to the children and families of our church and community.
Signed, Dr. Ken Palmreuter, Principal