God put the word “restore” on Mary Cole’s heart. The preschool aid was praying with a group of teachers and staff, asking God to reveal a theme for Living Stones. “Restore” felt right for the 2021-2022 school year, a year where families and staff are still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We felt like we needed to be reminded that God is restoring all areas of our lives,” said Shelli Fynewever, worship coordinator for LSA. “God promises that he will use all things, including our present brokenness.”
The group expanded on the restoration theme. “Rebuild” was added to remind us that God invites us into the work of rebuilding and reconciling. And “revive” is an essential part of our life in Christ. We want to live with joy as we seek God’s heart and his kingdom.
“Restore, Rebuild, Revive: Living with Deep Hope” is the theme for the year. In class, in worship, and through everyday interactions, staff nurture the spiritual growth of students, grounding them in God’s promises. Songs, scripture memorization, and even discipline practices all reinforce the theme.
“We want to keep scripture and Christ at the center of everything we do,” said Aaron Winkle, Head of School. “The theme reminds us that our call is to live out our faith with the assurance that God is with us and making all things new.”
