Long ago our congregation made a commitment to our Child Development Center.  Over the almost sixty years of serving both congregation and community we have seen a lot changes.  At one time there was a kindergarten here.  Spanish was once taught within our walls.  An after-school program shepherded children in our gymn after we picked them up from University Park Elementary School.

Such commitment is vital for the future of our pre-school.  Over ten years ago, we did a study, asking the question: should CDC remain as a ministry of our congregation, or should we allow them to incorporate, become a separate entity, and rent space from us?   After months of study, prayer, and discernment, we came to the conclusion that CDC should remain a ministry of Christ Lutheran Church.  Three things would guide us into the future.  First, we would be very clear that we are a Christian pre-school.  We would talk about Jesus.  Second, we are a Lutheran pre-school.   That’s our heritage and tradition, and so we will use Lutheran curriculum.  And third, any and all children, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background would be welcomed here.

Recently, our pre-school director Cori Berg and I attended a conference in Chicago for ELCA congregations that have a school as a part of their ministry.  About 75 congregations were represented.   There were keynote speakers, worship leaders, and a plethora of workshops to attend during this four day conference.

There was much to learn, of course,  not the least of which was that no two schools are alike!   Some have a pre-school along with daycare.  Others serve children through the eighth grade,  one even through high school. 

Holy  Family Lutheran Church is one of those congregations that offers a school for children from infants through grade 8.   What makes Holy Family unique is that it sits in the heart of the Cabrini Green area of Chicago, an area that at one time was blighted with housing so bad as well as gang violence and drug trafficking, that eventually hundreds of apartments were torn down.  450 children attend Holy Family School.  A multi-million dollar building was recently completed because the members of Holy Family were committed to making this the best school in all of Chicago.  It’s working too, because their graduates are attending some of the best high schools in the Windy City.

Long ago our congregation made a commitment to our Child Development Center.  Over the almost sixty years of serving both congregation and community we have seen a lot changes.  At one time there was a kindergarten here.  Spanish was once taught within our walls.  An after-school program shepherded children in our gymn after we picked them up from University Park Elementary School.

Such commitment is vital for the future of our pre-school.  Over ten years ago, we did a study, asking the question: should CDC remain as a ministry of our congregation, or should we allow them to incorporate, become a separate entity, and rent space from us?   After months of study, prayer, and discernment, we came to the conclusion that CDC should remain a ministry of Christ Lutheran Church.  Three things would guide us into the future.  First, we would be very clear that we are a Christian pre-school.  We would talk about Jesus.  Second, we are a Lutheran pre-school.   That’s our heritage and tradition, and so we will use Lutheran curriculum.  And third, any and all children, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background would be welcomed here.

As a result of those decisions, we have had children from all over the world at our pre-school: China, India, Pakistan, Africa, South and Central America.  We have welcomed children who are Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, and of no religious faith whatsoever.  In fact, one evening, a long time ago, a father called our then-director Chris Deller and asked, “My son’s not going to come home talking about Jesus is he?”  To which Chris replied, “We hope so!”  And they stayed.

And now we have built a fabulous building for them to use.  But not just use.  A building in which to grow.  A building which is holy ground, because within these walls God is praised, Jesus is named, the Holy Spirit does its work in and through a committed staff of over 20 teachers and administrators. 

We’re not Holy Family Lutheran Church in Cabrini Green.  That’s not our mission.  But we give thanks to God for them—and for us—that both places might always provide environments that are safe and secure, so that these little ones who come here—and there—day in and day out will know the love that Jesus has for them. 

I invite you to drop by the school to see what’s going on.  But it might be a good idea to call ahead first and speak with our director Cori Berg.  After all, she may well be giving a tour,  talking with a parent or teacher, or chasing a little one down the hall.  And,  until you drop by, remember our school—and all the schools of the ELCA—in your prayers: the pre-schools and day schools, the colleges and seminaries.  Much good is going on there.  Praise God!

Pastor Bill