Intentional Mission, Intentional Community

This past Thursday evening, parents, teachers and staff joined together to discuss the 2024-2025 school year. The resonating word: Intentional. Whether you are an introvert or extrovert or gifted in a certain area or not, we all have a role to intentionally play. 

In Matthew 28:19, Jesus gave his disciples this commandment: “therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” We all have a role to play in this Great Commission we’ve been created for. 

Our children are our greatest mission. They are our disciples! We need to be present and available for them. While our time and focus at home with our children is extremely important, our involvement in their education is too. When we seek out opportunities and ways to serve at school, our children receive an unmatched level of education with enriched, supported programming. It takes a village creating experiences that will last a lifetime! When we serve, we also step into a community that quickly becomes family.

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another,” Hebrews 10:24-25. Engaging in this mission for our kids and school is never out of obligation or guilt. Because of what Jesus has done for us on the cross, and because we know he loves us and is with us always, we are compelled to be ambassadors to live on mission this way. It may be uncomfortable to step out of our comfort zones when we volunteer and serve, but because of the Gospel and the Great Commission, we pursue living for Him.

At St. Ann’s, we strive to model Jesus’s examples of intentional mission and intentional community. Things like service, sharing a meal together, showing up for others and being present. It’s modeled without complexity. Just hold space for other people to be seen and heard and cared for. Invite them to coffee, for a walk, for a play date, for a back yard bbq…or a meal in your messy fun-filled house! Volunteer at school together. The bottom line, meet new families and welcome them into our school community.

When everyone shares and uses their gifts for the greater good of our school, our community  thrives. “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10. As we step out, God will transform us individually to be more compassionate, generous and loving. In turn, our school culture will reflect these attributes.

Take a step of faith, follow through with an opportunity He’s given you to serve our children at school - everyone’s unique gifts are needed! Let’s be an intentional people of community that’s on mission together. 

Prayer - Heavenly Father, we want to grow in relationship with one another just as Jesus modeled with his disciples and followers. We want to be intentional about caring for our school community of children, teachers, staff and parents. Lord, please use us in this community at St. Ann School to bring glory to yourself. In Jesus name, amen.