On Friday, October 4, Concordia Lutheran High School students and staff gathered for chapel in the morning before heading out into the community for our annual school-wide Service Day. Here are some notable details about this year's service:
Wonderful weather - While we have made the best of some wet days in recent years, it sure was nice to have sunshine. Extreme temperatures of hot or cold can also be challenging for outdoor groups, yet Friday was the ideal temperature - cool but not cold - for hard work. Praise God for the great weather!
Many new sites - Each Koinonia* group chooses its work site for Service Day. Some locations are close to 'home' (Zollner Stadium) while others are a bit of a trek (Camp Lutherhaven and Oak Farm Montessori, Avilla). This year students chose quite a few new work sites, which are listed below.
*Koinonia, our small group ministry, has 64 groups this year. Each group consists of about 12 students, balanced by grade level and gender, and an adult mentor.
| Cancer Services |
| Canterbury Nursing and Rehabilitation |
| CHFB The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Produce Preservation Center |
| Emanuel Lutheran Church and Central Lutheran School |
| Fairington Apartments |
| Forgotten Children Worldwide |
| Neighborlink - painting fire hydrants |
| New Haven Adams Township Fire Department |
| Oak River Apartments Learning Center |
| Pathway Community Church |
Learning through service - Much learning takes place around Service Day. Student leaders learn how to build consensus within the group as they strive to identify a need within the community. Planning to meet a need is also a learning process that requires good communication, patience and perseverance (e.g. phone tag). It is not uncommon for the actual day of service to have a change in plans; hopefully the group learns to adapt. This week we will reflect on service, a vital step in the service learning process. What is different this year is an intentional effort to expand our understanding of service from what some view as a day on the calendar, to a broader lifestyle of living. Students are helping make this change of mindset through weekly announcements. Additionally, we hope to learn more through individualized reflections.
As the Concordia family expands its understanding of service, know that this is done with Christ at the center. God meets our greatest need through His service to us in Jesus. May you be inspired by His love to ask, "What help does my neighbor need?"
In His service,
Mark Dolde
Koinonia Coordinator
If you want to see photos from this year's event, please click here.