Building a Stronger Community

All human beings are created in the image of God which means that we are a reflection of our Creator. As a relational God, He designed us to be connected to others through meaningful relationships. The events of the past two years have strained that with quarantines, isolation, social distancing, and societal strife. Through the spring of 2021 and the relaxation of COVID-related restrictions, there was a growing chorus of thankfulness for the opportunities to be back together. A common message that I heard from families is how much they missed the community that SCS provides and, from new families, how hard it had been to get connected. We were living through the realization that our situation was in conflict with God’s design even though the steps taken were with safety and security as top priorities.  

This year’s school theme is “Building a Stronger Community.” We debated whether to use Paul’s exhortation to the Ephesians or the Romans and landed on Romans 12:9-12 as the verses we will focus on. We will keep these verses central to our work for the next few years. In them, Paul writes to the Christians in Rome, sharing the evidence of a true Christian – markers we desire to see in ourselves and each other as we strive to build lasting relationships within the community of Stillwater. The school theme also serves as a rallying cry through which we remind and encourage each other to live well in Christian community. 

Theme verses: “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” ~ Romans 12:9-12

May God use these verses to encourage and guide us as we partner with Him to build a stronger community at Stillwater Christian School.