God is awesome! But then again most of you already knew that. Nevertheless, we often take Him and His lovingkindness for granted. This week’s column is a reminder of His goodness and that He’s still in the miracle business!
As many readers remember, Weekday Religious Education in Shenandoah County lay dormant for over 30 years until God breathed new life into it during COVID-19! What restarted with 22 fourth graders in March of 2022 grew this past school year into 12 classes of 167 children in four grades!
Second through fifth graders in each county elementary school are again eligible to enroll in this free opportunity to learn more about God and His Word. The US Supreme Court has ruled that released time for public school students is legal provided that instruction is held off school property, that each student has parental permission, and that no tax money is used for it. Shenandoah County Weekday Religious Education Association (SCWREA) abides by all these requirements and is pleased to offer Bible instruction for all public, private, and homeschool students in Shenandoah County.
Our children face, and will face, many difficult challenges. They will need to know how to pray and Whom to pray to. They will need to know where to find answers for life’s problems. Bible Break can help parents and churches establish a firm spiritual foundation for each student that teachers are not legally permitted to provide.
If you are a parent of a 2nd-5th grader, go to www.Biblebreak.org to register your child. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends and neighbors can spread the word to parents about this golden opportunity to introduce children to Jesus and help them know and understand His love for them. Instruction is basic and does not favor any denomination or congregation and there is no cost for students or families whatsoever.
This ministry is blessed to have the cooperation of Shenandoah Caverns and The Yellow Barn, Strasburg Presbyterian Church, and Redemption Hill Nazarene Church which all serve as host sites for classes. SCWREA also has school buses and professional drivers to transport students back and forth. Trained teachers and aides instruct students and pray and sing with them during classes. SCWREA is grateful for the unanimous support of the current School Board and looks forward to future cooperation. With school board elections approaching, all candidates are encouraged to support Bible Break.
SCWREA is also blessed to have the financial support of Holtzman Oil and The Wholesome Butcher as grade level sponsors and another generous donor just pledged money to purchase Bibles for every student this year! Many other local businesses, churches, and individual givers also support this ministry and still others are faithful in praying and/or volunteering their time. If you are interested in becoming a grade level sponsor or helping out in any way, please contact me at the email below or our Executive Director, Kathy Rivers, at 540-975-3335. If you’d like to make a donation, you can do it online at the Bible Break website above or mail it to SCWREA, PO Box 634, Woodstock, VA 22664.
On October 4, SCWREA will hold its second annual Bible Break Banquet to raise awareness and funds for this ministry. It will be at the Woodstock Moose Lodge and table sponsors are needed to underwrite costs and invite 7 guests to join them at the event. The meal will be served by Rutz Catering and there will be both silent and live auctions. Many exquisite pieces made by valley craftsmen will be available for bid as well as original artwork, photography, and high-quality items. To sponsor a table, donate items, or get questions answered, contact Kathy Rivers or me.
As students and teachers get back into the swing of the school year next week, praise God for the miracles and blessings of Bible Break and pray for our students to grow in their relationships with Jesus! Blessings, George