For Our Teachers (Bulletin Article for August 5)

The 9th Avenue congregation is blessed to have so many teachers. In preschool through 4th grade, we have approximately 38 different instructors. In our classes for 5th-12th grades, we have around 18. In our adult classes, around 16 different men and women lead students through God’s Word. While some “overlap,” that means that, in the course of a year, about 82 members of the 9th Avenue family are directly involved in teaching. Many also teach in our Vacation Bible School, but some of our VBS teachers are in addition to that number! It is hard to think of another congregation of our size (or even larger) where so many take an active part in teaching.

Because they give of their time and effort, and because they are so good at what they do, the 9th Avenue church, led by her elders, is always looking for ways to encourage, instruct and promote our teachers. Our young people often make little “thank you’s” for our teachers as a token of their appreciation. Some of our young people do this on their own, and many are involved in service projects where this is done.

In the coming days, there will be two events for our teachers that are meant to help them continue to instruct in a great way. We hope all teachers who are interested will take advantage of these.

First, on Saturday, August 11, we will have a Teacher’s Workshop right here at 9th Avenue. This workshop is specifically designed for ladies who teach (or would like to teach) in preschool and elementary grade classes. Two good Christian ladies, Dwina Willis and Becky Welch, will be here to instruct our teachers. Both of these ladies are terrific teachers, and are excited about coming. In addition to our instructors, the Bible Bookstore from Freed-Hardeman University will have a display of books and aids for sale. The day will begin at 8:30 with registration, coffee and cinnamon rolls, and will conclude with lunch at 11:45. The day promises to be filled with tips and techniques to make every good classroom even better!

Then, on Tuesday, August 14, we will have our annual Teacher Appreciation Dinner at Seafood Hydeaway. This dinner is given in honor or all our teachers, both our Bible School and Vacation Bible School, by our elders. If you have not done so already, please fill out a menu preference form and return it. The dinner will be at 6:30.

Those who teach the Bible deserve such events, and I’m thankful that the 9th Avenue elders see fit to provide these good things. We love our teachers!