The Out of the Past photo in Monday’s Northern Virginia Daily brought back good memories for many readers. The picture of Shenandoah County Weekday Religious Education teachers from 1971 reminded many of us of great life lessons from women who knew and loved Jesus!
As I reflect on that part of my educational experience, I’m grateful not only for these godly ladies, but for the many people who made WRE possible. There was an executive board that organized this work as well as individuals and churches who gave financially to make it happen. They believed these sacrifices were worth it for the training of children.
Thankfully, there are still people who believe this. A new effort has been launched to reinstate Weekday Religious Education into county elementary schools just as is currently done in many other school divisions in Virginia and across the country. The Supreme Court has declared the constitutionality of such programs provided they occur off school property, do not involve public school money or staff, and that participants have parental permission.
At a time when our nation is reeling from violence, drug addiction, racism, polarization, youth suicides, and more, WRE is an idea whose time has returned. If there was ever a time we needed Jesus’ teachings to love and tolerate those with differing views as well as examples of how to stand with integrity, honesty, and courage, it’s now.
For children whose parents allow participation, what a blessing to learn that they were created by a loving God who has a plan and purpose for them. Children need to know they are fashioned in God’s image and that God can and will help them with struggles at home, school, and throughout their lives no matter how difficult it becomes.
Since several county churches partnered with schools during the pandemic to help children with their education, it is only fitting that this partnership continue. WRE is not a substitute for Christian training in the home or church but it is a great supplement.
Although most Americans have heard of the Good Samaritan, many have no idea where he originated or why. Many of our common metaphors come directly from the Bible and much of western civilization is built on Judeo-Christian values that are often omitted from curriculum.
Informational meetings to share the vision as well as details of reestablishing Weekday Religious Education in Shenandoah County will be held next week. The first will be hosted at Antioch Church of the Brethren at 23502 Senedo Road, Woodstock on Monday, October 18. On Tuesday, the Strasburg Presbyterian Church at 325 South Holliday Street will host the second. The third will be held on Thursday, October 21 at Windhaven Church at 3606 Turkey Knob Road, Mt Jackson. All meetings begin at 7pm and are open to everyone.
In order for WRE to become a reality, our School Board has to allow it and since three seats are up for election it is important to know where candidates stand on this important issue. All candidates have been invited to these meetings so attendees can visit with them and learn of their positions.
Just as many people were needed to make WRE function fifty years ago, the same is true today. Volunteers and donors will be necessary to ensure success of this program. For more information, readers can visit the Shenandoah County website, www.weekdayreligiouseducation.com or locate us on Facebook where you can find answers to frequently asked questions. A list of supporting churches is posted on our website as well as places for parents to pre-enroll their children and volunteers to sign up.
As a product of Shenandoah County Public Schools, I am thankful that my parents had the option of enrolling me in WRE and that they took it. And I pray that our community will join together to provide that same option for students in the near future.
Blessings, George