Feature

Lutheran Education Under God’s Grace

New safety procedures enable Grace Chapel Lutheran School to continue providing a Christ-centered education to children in Bellefontaine Neighbors, Mo.

Story by Megan K. Mertz | Photography by Erik M. Lunsford | Fall 2020

On a recent September day, seventh-graders at Grace Chapel Lutheran School in Bellefontaine Neighbors, Mo., studied the parts of a plant cell, while kindergarteners practiced sight words down the hall.

Click through for a gallery of photographs from Grace Chapel Lutheran School.

Seventh-grade teacher Stacy Lloyd instructs students on a science project.

Students play together in the gym.

A poster board outside the Pre-K classes.

Third-grade teacher Rebecca Little monitors a classroom activity.

The Rev. Eric Stacy, associate pastor at Grace Lutheran Chapel, leads chapel for the students in the sanctuary.

Eighth-grade teacher Emmi Forbes conducts class for both in-person students and students attending virtually.

Students play outside during recess.

Students head to class following chapel.

It was a normal school day — or as normal as it can be when everyone in the building is wearing masks and some students attend class via videoconferencing. Of Grace Chapel’s 120 elementary-age students, 40 students’ families opted for virtual learning in Fall 2020.

“It’s been pretty challenging. It definitely takes a lot of extra time, a lot of extra planning,” fourth-grade teacher Daneen Hanson said of prepping for both sets of students while also navigating the inevitable technology issues that have arisen.

Yet, Grace Chapel’s teachers and staff members have met these challenges head-on and are providing the best Lutheran education possible while adhering to rigorous new procedures, including daily health screenings, constant mask usage and lunch delivery directly to kids in their classrooms. “We’re trying to keep each class self-contained, including bathroom breaks, recess and lunch,” said Principal Eric Brofford.

Teachers also have to remind students — especially the younger ones — to wear their masks properly and stand patiently in the designated spots along the hallway. “Social distancing and no sharing is hard … of course the kids gravitate toward each other,” Hanson said. “They want to play, and they want to be with each other.”

Despite these challenges, Brofford said the school didn’t even consider going all virtual. “School is a safe place for our students, a place where they feel comfortable,” and a place where God’s Word is shared even amid a pandemic.

Learn More

lcms.org/schoolministry

Pray with Us

O God, our heavenly Father, You love children and delight when they call upon Your name. Bless those who teach, that they would instruct those in their care according to Your will. We especially thank You for teachers, principals and school staff, who have labored during this pandemic to ensure children can continue to receive instruction. Guide those who make decisions as they find new ways to fulfill their vocations to teach the young. Bless the students as they learn in new and unfamiliar circumstances. May nothing hinder the clear teaching of Your Son, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.

Share Jesus with the World

Your generosity today makes possible your Synod’s witness and mercy efforts both at home and abroad.

Donate

Are you looking to direct your gifts for work that’s more specific?
Visit the LCMS online ministry and mission catalog to find those opportunities most meaningful to you!

Don’t see what you’re looking for?
Contact LCMS Mission Advancement at 888-930-4438 or mission.advancement@lcms.org to talk about all the options available.

Megan K. Mertz

Managing editor of Lutherans Engage the World and chief copy editor for LCMS Communications.