Our nation is in turmoil as we hear daily about racial unrest, riots, anti-Semitism, gender issues, and more. Of course COVID has disrupted all of our national life and presented new dilemmas we’ve never faced.
After two very unusual school years, stay at home orders, and online learning, many of our children got back into the classroom just before summer vacation. There they not only dealt with social distancing and masks, but bullying, depression, and other issues many of us rarely experienced.
We are grateful for our teachers who have worked tirelessly to provide the best possible educational experience for our children during these turbulent times. Having spent 17 years as a public school educator, I know that most local teachers do what they do because they genuinely love kids and feel called to make a difference. May God continue to guide them as they fulfill their calling.
Is there anything the average citizen in Shenandoah County can do to help our children cope with the multitude of challenges they face today and encourage teachers at the same time? There is. Although it is apparent that our problems are beyond human ability to solve, they are not beyond God’s.
In 1929, Christian leaders in the Shenandoah Valley initiated Weekday Religious Education to help school students learn Biblical principles and apply them in everyday life. Today in Virginia, students in over 100 public schools receive released time to attend Bible classes where trained and caring teachers share much needed good news and pray with and for their students. Similar programs are offered in Georgia, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, California, and other states where localities understand the value of this training.
Although some have questioned the legality of these programs, the United States Supreme Court ruled in the Zorach v. Clauson case that since such a program in New York City was initiated by parents, met off school property, and was funded entirely by non-school entities, it did meet the legal test and was declared fully constitutional.
Public School personnel may not encourage nor discourage enrollment and student participation is only allowed with parental permission. No child is forced or allowed to participate against their parent’s wishes.
Several churches in Shenandoah County are joining together to ask our School Board members to allow released time for religious instruction according to the legal guidelines. In addition to their approval, transportation and teaching locations will also be needed. Venues near 2 of the 3 campuses have already been identified and we are also exploring transportation options. Each local WRE organization provides insurance to cover contingencies as well.
Although high school options are available, most WRE programs operate in elementary schools with some offering instruction in kindergarten through fifth grade. Curriculum is readily available from the state Weekday Religious Education Association and is non-denominational. It includes Old Testament lessons as well as instruction about Jesus’ life, ministry, death, and resurrection. While this is no substitute for what parents should provide, it is a great supplement and also reaches students whose parents may not do so.
This instruction is a win/win for students and schools as it reinforces Standards of Learning with lessons in history, geography, math, language arts, and more. Additionally, it is a perfect avenue by which each school’s character education can be reinforced and enhanced as students learn Biblical values. Such programs encourage development of the whole child including their emotional and spiritual health.
With the goal of beginning this instruction this fall, an informational meeting will be held at Antioch Church of the Brethren at 23502 Senedo Road in Woodstock on Tuesday, June 1, at 7:00pm. Attendees will learn more about the vision as well as specifics and will be encouraged to ask questions and provide comments.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them.” Please pray for God’s favor and provision in this endeavor and come out to support this effort to reach a huge local mission field right here in our own county.
Blessings, George