See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19

The Mission Future for schools in the Southeastern District is filled with potential new beginnings for Open Arms Child Development programs, elementary and high schools. We anticipate beginning at least 6 new school ministries in the near future. This means the ongoing opportunity to reach into our communities with the Gospel of Jesus is astounding! Remember these new mission starts in your prayers and chapels. If you are interested in helping to support a new school ministry, let me know. It would be great to have classrooms of children praying for the start of something new!

The Top Ten Reasons Why Congregations Start Lutheran Schools

1. Strengthen the congregation
2. Nurture the children's faith
3. Help parents fulfill their role as Christian parents
4. Strengthen their communities
5. Provide a safe, caring place for children
6. Help children see all of their lives from the perspective of God's Word
7. Demonstrate the high value the congregation places on children
8. Enhance the public relations of the congregation
9. Seek out the lost
10. Fulfill the congregation's responsibility for the Christian education of its children Applications for Genesis services may be obtained from your regional LCMS District office.

Demographics Study

LCEF will prepare a demographics study that will assist in understanding the community and potential number of students in the targeted age. A free study can be requested through the LCEF offices at the Southeastern District. Contact Cindy Haupt

Child Development Centers

When a congregation or mission team envisions supporting and serving the families of the surrounding communities they may consider an  Early Childhood Center that provides full day-care for infants and children up to age 5.  The Southeastern District provides team support in this effort. Steve Heemann, LCEF Vice President; Rev. Glen Lucas, Mission Executive; Bill Nau, consultant; Deaconess Sally Hiller, Schools executive; and the Regional Mission and Ministry Facilitator work together to assist in the study and development of a Center.

Schools Less than 5 years:

1999
Open Arms Child Development Center, Ashburn VA
King of Glory Early Childhood, Williamsburg VA
Holy Lamb Preschool, Myrtle Beach SC

2000
St. John's, Elementary, Dover DE
Faith Lutheran Child Development Center, Eldersburg MD
Little Lambs Preschool, Sunderland MD
St. John Lutheran Preschool, Conover NC

2001
Resurrection Child Development Center, Newport News VA
Cross of Christ Early Childhood, Greensboro NC
Open Arms Child Development Center, Charlotte NC
Little Lambs Preschool, Seneca NC

2002
Little Ones Early Childhood Center, Rehoboth Beach DE
Martini Preschool, Baltimore MD
Resurrection Elementary School, Cary NC

2003
Messiah Early Childhood, Germantown MD

2004
Harford Lutheran, BelAir MD
Advent Elementary, Forest Hills MD

Genesis Project: helps LCMS congregations start Lutheran schools, which include early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school programs.

For more information and questions on starting a school contact the District School Exec., Sally J. Hiller at sjhiller@se.lcms.org