Spiritual Emphasis Week Highlights
“I am a precious person who deserves respect!”
These powerful words were spoken throughout the week as Steve Thomas, a Mennonite Martial artist and pastor from Goshen, Indiana, presented 3 keynote addresses to Rockway faculty, staff and students during Spiritual Emphasis Week. Thomas’ first chapel, “There’s another way,” focused on his personal story of being bullied throughout his elementary and high school years and discovering the Jesus way of dealing with disrespect, aggression and violence.
His second presentation, “Is bullying really that bad?” addressed the serious problem of bullying, its impact on all those involved, and the parts we play to either perpetuate the problem or transform the problem. The series culminated with a challenge for us as a school to live peaceably with all, relating in love, living in respect and creating a community of inclusion.
Students were encouraged on the last day to come forward to an open microphone and offer a question, a joy, a challenge, or words of thanks to Steve. Several students accepted the challenge and relayed a question, shared a personal story, all alongside expressing deep words of gratitude for Thomas’ presence in our community.
I encourage you to talk to your son and/or daughter about the week. May we all see one another as God’s beloved children as we work, play and study!
Tags: peace, spirituality
