Dear friends: September 9
Dear friends,
There is something especially meaningful about this time of year at the Early Education Center (EEC) as we watch our students transition into new classrooms and see just how much they have grown. They walk through the doors a little bigger, more confident, more independent, and even more curious about the world around them. At the same time, we had the joy of welcoming fifteen new children and their families who are just beginning their journeys at the EEC. On Monday, August 24, we celebrated these transitions with the warmth and hospitality that makes First Pres so special. Church members, pastors, and members of leadership welcomed families with warm smiles, helped little ones find their way to new classrooms, and shared in the excitement and blessings of a new beginning. It was a wonderful way to come together as a church community and set the tone for the year ahead.
Relationships and consistency are truly at the heart of the EEC. We are blessed with many longtime teachers who have spent years, even decades, loving generations of children and families. This year, we are especially excited to celebrate Mr. Daniel Connor’s 30th anniversary teaching at First Pres! Perhaps the best testament to his impact is that he is now teaching the children of some of the preschoolers he once taught. It is a beautiful reflection of the lasting relationships our teachers build and the trust families place in the EEC from one generation to the next.
I am incredibly thankful for our dedicated staff and for the continued work and support of our EEC Committee, church leadership, and congregation. Your prayers, encouragement, presence, and investment in this ministry help us create a community where every child and parent knows they are seen, valued, and loved. As we begin another school year, we are grateful for new friends and families, memories already made, the new ones just beginning, and the privilege of nurturing the next generation together.
Alyssa Martin
Director, Early Education Center