Wow! Talk about an anointed prayer meeting! The prayer vigil held at Floyd Medical Center last night for the Thompson family was amazing. I honestly left feeling guilty for the phenomenal blessing that I received. So much for me going to pray for and support the Thompsons!
Todd Thompson (aka Johnny Appleseed) may as well have stood up and preached a sermon. He spoke honestly and freely, sharing their struggles, yet boldly speaking forth the promises of God. His voice was full of life, love, and victory. His confidence in the goodness of the God we serve was truly inspiring. He sang a song of praise and worship to the Father, inviting us all to join with him in glorifying God. I could have stayed all night listening to Todd sing the same refrain over and over.
We broke into small groups and prayed, and then all gathered around Bethany, Laura, and Todd to intercede corporately. Mr. Getchell began, loudly and boldly calling forth God’s word, which does not return to Him void. Needless to say, there was not a dry eye in the house.
I am certainly counting my blessings this morning; one of which is being a part of the UCS body. What an awesome God we serve, and what an honor to partner with and stand alongside families like the Thompsons. I am so blessed that my family’s life has been touched and changed for all eternity by the Spirit of the Living God that is indeed alive and moving in Mrs. Thompson. How I desire for her to touch the lives of hundreds more 1st graders and their families.
My family began our relationship with Unity with my oldest in Mrs. T’s first grade class. Hannah and I both cried a lot that year – the adjustment was hard on both of us. If it hadn’t been for Mrs. Thompson’s sweet spirit loving Hannah (and her mom!), we may not still be here. And then I think about how much Hannah has grown over the past three years, how that seed of love and encouragement that Mrs.T planted has blossomed! And that’s just one story! (Check out http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/angelathompson to hear the more stories of the many lives touched)
I think I know who I will have as our speaker for next year’s benefit dinner – our very own miraculously healed Mrs. Angie Thompson!
Jennifer Eddins
Special Events Coordinator
Friday, September 19, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Angela Thompson's Blog
If you would like to keep up-to-date on Mrs. Thompson's condition, please click the link below to read posts from the family. You can also leave an encouraging word for the family or make a donation. Please continue to keep Mrs. Thompson and her entire family in your prayers.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/angelathompson
Page Thomas
Communications Coordinator
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/angelathompson
Page Thomas
Communications Coordinator
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Powerful First PTSO Meeting
I stayed late at work today to attend the first PTSO meeting of the year. The highlight of the evening was going to be the Chili Cook Off supper prior to the meting. I was looking forward to the opportunity to visit and fellowship with the faculty and families. It was to be the single bright spot in my “business as usual” day.
Well, nothing could have been further from the truth. Yes, the chili cook of was a smashing success and tons of people came to enjoy one another’s company. But the story does not end there! Throughout the entire evening, the Lord presented me with precious snapshots of what makes Unity Christian School a diamond in the rough, a gleaming testament of the power of Christ’s love in action.
The PTSO leaders gave sacrificially of their time to make sure that everything was ready for the meal and when it was over, they quietly remained behind to help make sure that the room was left better than it was found. Their positions are entirely voluntary and still they serve because they want to do whatever they can in supporting the faculty in their ministry of teaching – and is it ever a ministry!
Parents are such an incalculable asset at UCS because of the extra mile they will go to provide their children with a loving, Christ-centered learning environment. It struck me tonight when one of the officers encouraged other parents to pray about how they might be part of the plan to fulfill the improvements and hopes they have for the school. Anyone can want things to be better or different, but it’s a devoted few that will take those desires and turn them into an action plan for completion.
God has blessed Unity with its first middle school football team this year and it has generated a feeling of excitement and anticipation amongst the students and families unlike anything I’ve seen while I’ve been at UCS. But beyond the thrill of new uniforms and new cheers emanates a growing school spirit that is anchored in the Christ-honoring leadership provided by godly coaches. As we watched the team’s video and listened to Casting Crown’s “All Because of Jesus” soundtrack playing in the background, I was reminded of what a beautiful and radically different message is being lived out in every facet of Unity Christian. Where else in our community are children going to truly learn that their efforts in the classroom and actions on the field can glorify our Savior just as boldly as the praise they sing on Sunday? Amidst the spiritual warfare that is being waged against our youth, I cannot imagine trying to raise a child without such Christian brothers and sisters as my partners!
As the meeting continued so did God’s work to soften my heart to hear Him. After winning a prize drawing, one staff member refused to accept it and asked that another name be drawn so that one of the teachers could receive what was (in this individual’s mind) more rightful theirs. How blessed I am to work in such a selfless and supportive environment. As one teacher put it following the meeting, whatever decreases an employee of UCS may have to take in financial compensation he gets back many times over through the professional support and personal affirmation given so freely and liberally here at Unity. We are a tight-knit family of faith and it impacts the way we do our jobs and the attitude with which we do it.
The best example of what I saw tonight comes not surprisingly and perhaps most fittingly from one of Unity’s first graders. He had been downstairs with the other children but was missing mom so one of the workers brought him to her. After some brief consoling, he began to recover and dry his eyes. It’s what happens next that made a big impression on me. Turning around to survey the room, he caught a glimpse of his Kindergarten teacher and with a spark of excitement in his eye immediately began making his way to greet her. The two hugged and shared a private exchange of whispers with smiles all around. Whatever had been upsetting before was completely washed away by the familiar loving kindness of his former teacher. Later in the evening when it was time to go home, he and his mom walked passed his new first grade teacher who had won a drawing prize earlier. As the pupil approached his new teacher of ten days, he exclaimed with joy in his voice, “I’m so glad YOU won the prize!” I wish each of you could have heard the pride and happiness in that small voice. What a testament to the powerful bond that teachers and students share at UCS!
I came away tonight with so much more than I had anticipated! You might think that after working at UCS for over three years that I’d be used to the wonderful and unexpected ways God continues to work in the school and its family, but it’s not so. I must constantly remind myself that the Holy Spirit is and will continue to be as creative with the hearts and souls of others as he is with my own. As Mr. Getchell always says, “We might not know how the Lord will provide but we can know that He will provide.”
Page Thomas
Communications Coordinator
Well, nothing could have been further from the truth. Yes, the chili cook of was a smashing success and tons of people came to enjoy one another’s company. But the story does not end there! Throughout the entire evening, the Lord presented me with precious snapshots of what makes Unity Christian School a diamond in the rough, a gleaming testament of the power of Christ’s love in action.
The PTSO leaders gave sacrificially of their time to make sure that everything was ready for the meal and when it was over, they quietly remained behind to help make sure that the room was left better than it was found. Their positions are entirely voluntary and still they serve because they want to do whatever they can in supporting the faculty in their ministry of teaching – and is it ever a ministry!
Parents are such an incalculable asset at UCS because of the extra mile they will go to provide their children with a loving, Christ-centered learning environment. It struck me tonight when one of the officers encouraged other parents to pray about how they might be part of the plan to fulfill the improvements and hopes they have for the school. Anyone can want things to be better or different, but it’s a devoted few that will take those desires and turn them into an action plan for completion.
God has blessed Unity with its first middle school football team this year and it has generated a feeling of excitement and anticipation amongst the students and families unlike anything I’ve seen while I’ve been at UCS. But beyond the thrill of new uniforms and new cheers emanates a growing school spirit that is anchored in the Christ-honoring leadership provided by godly coaches. As we watched the team’s video and listened to Casting Crown’s “All Because of Jesus” soundtrack playing in the background, I was reminded of what a beautiful and radically different message is being lived out in every facet of Unity Christian. Where else in our community are children going to truly learn that their efforts in the classroom and actions on the field can glorify our Savior just as boldly as the praise they sing on Sunday? Amidst the spiritual warfare that is being waged against our youth, I cannot imagine trying to raise a child without such Christian brothers and sisters as my partners!
As the meeting continued so did God’s work to soften my heart to hear Him. After winning a prize drawing, one staff member refused to accept it and asked that another name be drawn so that one of the teachers could receive what was (in this individual’s mind) more rightful theirs. How blessed I am to work in such a selfless and supportive environment. As one teacher put it following the meeting, whatever decreases an employee of UCS may have to take in financial compensation he gets back many times over through the professional support and personal affirmation given so freely and liberally here at Unity. We are a tight-knit family of faith and it impacts the way we do our jobs and the attitude with which we do it.
The best example of what I saw tonight comes not surprisingly and perhaps most fittingly from one of Unity’s first graders. He had been downstairs with the other children but was missing mom so one of the workers brought him to her. After some brief consoling, he began to recover and dry his eyes. It’s what happens next that made a big impression on me. Turning around to survey the room, he caught a glimpse of his Kindergarten teacher and with a spark of excitement in his eye immediately began making his way to greet her. The two hugged and shared a private exchange of whispers with smiles all around. Whatever had been upsetting before was completely washed away by the familiar loving kindness of his former teacher. Later in the evening when it was time to go home, he and his mom walked passed his new first grade teacher who had won a drawing prize earlier. As the pupil approached his new teacher of ten days, he exclaimed with joy in his voice, “I’m so glad YOU won the prize!” I wish each of you could have heard the pride and happiness in that small voice. What a testament to the powerful bond that teachers and students share at UCS!
I came away tonight with so much more than I had anticipated! You might think that after working at UCS for over three years that I’d be used to the wonderful and unexpected ways God continues to work in the school and its family, but it’s not so. I must constantly remind myself that the Holy Spirit is and will continue to be as creative with the hearts and souls of others as he is with my own. As Mr. Getchell always says, “We might not know how the Lord will provide but we can know that He will provide.”
Page Thomas
Communications Coordinator
Monday, May 5, 2008
National Day of Prayer
One of the great things about Unity Christian School is that a very detailed operating constitution has been established. The operating constitution includes the school mission and vision statements, Christian education philosophy, core values and operating principles. You may be asking how the UCS operating constitution relates to an essay on the National Day of Prayer. The reason is at UCS, prayer is a core value.
When the National Day of Prayer comes around each year it gives us a reason to celebrate school-wide prayer during a school day that is already marked with prayers of students, teachers, administrators, parents, and countless other UCS prayer warriors. Each and every day is opened with prayer and devotion in home room. Additionally, faculty and staff have daily prayer and devotion and the administrative team has devotion and prayer every Thursday morning from 8:30-9:30. In fact, UCS would not be what it was today if it wasn’t for the fervent prayers of all those who love and support the school.
During the National Day of Prayer students, faculty, and administration led the school in a moment of prayer at the beginning of each hour of the school day. The following schedule outlines the specific area of prayer each hour:
8:00am - Praise to the Lord for His Blessings and Goodness
9:00am - Prayer for classmates and all schools located in Rome/Floyd County
10:00am - Prayer for faculty, staff, and administration
11:00am - Prayer for state/local officials, safety personnel (Sheriff, Police, EMS, Firemen)
12:00pm - Prayer for President Bush, Congress and Federal Employees
1:00pm - Prayer for leaders of other countries
2:00pm - Prayer for missionaries in the USA and foreign countries
3:00pm - Prayer for military personnel
What a blessing it is to live in a country where the open prayer to God is a freedom enjoyed by all.
Glenn Getchell,
Headmaster
When the National Day of Prayer comes around each year it gives us a reason to celebrate school-wide prayer during a school day that is already marked with prayers of students, teachers, administrators, parents, and countless other UCS prayer warriors. Each and every day is opened with prayer and devotion in home room. Additionally, faculty and staff have daily prayer and devotion and the administrative team has devotion and prayer every Thursday morning from 8:30-9:30. In fact, UCS would not be what it was today if it wasn’t for the fervent prayers of all those who love and support the school.
During the National Day of Prayer students, faculty, and administration led the school in a moment of prayer at the beginning of each hour of the school day. The following schedule outlines the specific area of prayer each hour:
8:00am - Praise to the Lord for His Blessings and Goodness
9:00am - Prayer for classmates and all schools located in Rome/Floyd County
10:00am - Prayer for faculty, staff, and administration
11:00am - Prayer for state/local officials, safety personnel (Sheriff, Police, EMS, Firemen)
12:00pm - Prayer for President Bush, Congress and Federal Employees
1:00pm - Prayer for leaders of other countries
2:00pm - Prayer for missionaries in the USA and foreign countries
3:00pm - Prayer for military personnel
What a blessing it is to live in a country where the open prayer to God is a freedom enjoyed by all.
Glenn Getchell,
Headmaster
Thursday, May 1, 2008
UCS Claims Another Spelling Bee Championship
Unity Christian School eighth grader Wendy Bristow claimed UCS' second independent school spelling bee championship in just over two months Thursday morning when she won a competition featuring middle schoolers from UCS, Darlington School, St. Mary's School and Berry College Middle School. In addition to Wendy's first-place finish, her eighth-grade classmate, Jasmine Paxton, finished third.
On February 26, UCS third grader Abigail Sorrow won a spelling bee featuring students from UCS, Darlington, St. Mary's and Excel Christian (Cartersville). Abigail won that event despite competing against fourth and fifth graders.
Congratulations to Wendy and Jasmine, as well all the other competitors from UCS and the other schools, for their performance at this morning's spelling bee.
To see the Rome News-Tribune's coverage of the event, click here.
On February 26, UCS third grader Abigail Sorrow won a spelling bee featuring students from UCS, Darlington, St. Mary's and Excel Christian (Cartersville). Abigail won that event despite competing against fourth and fifth graders.
Congratulations to Wendy and Jasmine, as well all the other competitors from UCS and the other schools, for their performance at this morning's spelling bee.
To see the Rome News-Tribune's coverage of the event, click here.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Update from Argentina
Twenty eight members of the Unity Christian School family are in Argentina this week as UCS celebrates Missions Emphasis Week. While others at UCS are learning about missions and serving in the community, these 28 people have gone to Argentina to share their faith through a dramatic dance performance entitled Spellbound. The following email message was sent to Mr. Getchell and Mr. Davis by Mr. Jolly, a teaching pastor at Three Rivers Church and a member of the UCS faculty who is a member of the traveling party.
Hello,
It’s evening, and Mr. Poston and I are preparing to leave for a speaking engagement in a Gypsy church out in the rural areas. It’s getting late, and we are all tired, but we have had two very good days of work.
The students have been in front of hundreds of kids at every level and have sowed the Gospel message well. I am proud of their attitude and discernment. They have displayed to me that they know the Gospel and care about it being communicated well. They have given effort both physically and emotionally to make that happen. UCS should be proud of them.
All are physically well, but a bit tired. After a good night’s sleep they will do the rounds again tomorrow culminating in a service at a final church where our translator Michael works and attends.
Pray for physical strength. Pray for patience in the heat. Pray for the Holy Spirit to make Christ known and lift the veil of unbelief from their eyes.
Mitch Jolly
Teaching Pastor
Three RiversCommunityChurch
Hello,
It’s evening, and Mr. Poston and I are preparing to leave for a speaking engagement in a Gypsy church out in the rural areas. It’s getting late, and we are all tired, but we have had two very good days of work.
The students have been in front of hundreds of kids at every level and have sowed the Gospel message well. I am proud of their attitude and discernment. They have displayed to me that they know the Gospel and care about it being communicated well. They have given effort both physically and emotionally to make that happen. UCS should be proud of them.
All are physically well, but a bit tired. After a good night’s sleep they will do the rounds again tomorrow culminating in a service at a final church where our translator Michael works and attends.
Pray for physical strength. Pray for patience in the heat. Pray for the Holy Spirit to make Christ known and lift the veil of unbelief from their eyes.
Mitch Jolly
Teaching Pastor
Three RiversCommunityChurch
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Steel Drum Band Shares Joy of Christ, Music in Bainbridge
Unity Christian School's steel drum band made a trip to Bainbridge, Georgia last week. The group, directed by Mr. Bill King, made an excellent impression during its trip, sharing much more than music with their new fans in South Georgia. The band also had the opportunity to share their joy that comes from following Christ. Congratulations on a great trip, Mr. King.
See the following links to see articles about the group's trip to Bainbridge. One article also includes a video.
Steel Drum Band To Perform Thursday
Unity Christian Steel Drums Entertain (includes video)
Calypso Sounds Fill The Air
See the following links to see articles about the group's trip to Bainbridge. One article also includes a video.
Steel Drum Band To Perform Thursday
Unity Christian Steel Drums Entertain (includes video)
Calypso Sounds Fill The Air
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