By: Zeta Lamberson
Every fall new things happen. School starts back up after a summer break with new teachers, new classrooms, new companions on the journey. New teams are formed in sports leagues. New bands and orchestras are assembled. New teachers, youth leaders, and committee chairs are recruited in churches. Curriculum is chosen, ordered, and prepared.
For some such change creates anxiety. For others it brings excitement and anticipation. But one thing is true for all—new experiences bring opportunities to grow and change.
I have a granddaughter who will start kindergarten this fall. Her first year in a public school setting. A new environment. A new community. New teachers and new things to learn. New routines and schedules. I can’t wait to watch how God does new things in her life through these experiences. For one thing is certain: she will grow and change through her experiences, and so will all those around her!
As we look to what lies ahead for this new school year as church professionals, we are challenged through the power of the Holy Spirit to be those who are providing ways for growth and change to happen in our faith communities. And to do that we need help. We need support. We need ideas on how to do a new thing!
That’s why APCE exists as an organization: to provide a network of people who are passionate about educational ministry—people who can offer support, ideas, and companionship as we model, teach, and share the story of Jesus Christ.
In this issue you’ll find help to connect, enrich, empower, and sustain from those who will be providing leadership at the Annual Event in Chicago in January. The plans have been made. The ground is fertile. God’s New Thing is ready to happen in Chicago on January 27-30, 2016!
Renew your membership now and make plans to join us as we experience God’s New Thing: See It! Hear It! Live It! The conference promises to provide opportunities for us to grow and change in exciting new ways as individuals, as churches, and as an organization!
Zeta Lamberson is pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Marietta, Georgia, and President of APCE