Redeemer Lutheran kids involved in study, service

By Kristie Linden, Staff writer
August 28, 2002

Gail, the principal at Redeemer Lutheran in Oakmont, met her students at the door this morning to greet them and welcome
them back to school.

Several other principals across the Twin Boros also welcomed their students back today, but Gail's morning ritual is a little
more involved. She joins the students and staff in an "all-school" devotion which includes prayer, study and songs.

The kids say the Pledge of Allegiance to American and Christian flags and separate into their classes to start the school day.

"We're all excited to have another chance to serve the community and children we have in our school," says Judye Abernathy,
Redeemer's second and third grade teacher.

Judye is in her fourth year at Redeemer and says she is looking forward to watching the children develop

"I like to watch as they continue to grow in their relationship with the Lord," says Judye. "And I also like to watch as they grow
academically and personally."

Last year, the school started a new music program and introduced a computer lab. Instead of instituting other new programs,
the staff is going to use this year to make improvements to the music and computer programs.

The kids have two music classes each week, one is a music history/theory and vocals class, and the other is instrumental.
First through third graders learn the recorder and keyboard while fourth through sixth graders learn guitar and hand bells.

This year those musical talents will be on display during the weekly chapel service. Each Wednesday, at 8:30 a.m., the church
holds a traditional service for its students, and the public is welcome to attend.

The kids can sing together as a class, play their instruments or participate in other ways. Gail says she would love it if more
community members joined the school's service each week to allow students to be more involved.

Already the students take turns visiting Beverly Health Care Center each Tuesday. Gail says it isn't enough to teach
servant-hood, but the staff and students must practice it together.

Gail and her fellow teachers provide a different type of education from that given by public - or even other parochial - schools
can give.

Redeemer Lutheran is a Lutheran Church Missouri Synod school, which means the teachers teach religion strictly from that
denomination's point of view. The Bible is not for interpretation, it interprets itself in other passages, says Gail.

Redeemer's teachers have learned how to integrate that faith throughout the school day, in every subject.

That doesn't mean they use only Christian textbooks; instead they've learned how to intertwine Christianity with secular
subjects.

Some subjects, like the science curriculum, are taught from Christian-based textbooks. State education requirements are still
covered, but there is an added Christian element throughout the text.

"The biggest difference is that we teach an absolute truth," says Gail. "Our rules never change because the rules are based in
Biblical principale, which is inerrant. In the public system rules may change because circumstances change.

"Our rules do not change because God's word doesn't change."

Like public schools, Redeemer Lutheran is supported by an entity larger than itself. The Lutheran school system is the second
largest parochial system in the United States (second to Catholic schools).

The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod supports the school, as well as trains its teachers, with its full resources.

"The training is not just in book learning," says Gail. "It's a part of how we live. It's a part of our ministry."

Redeemer specifically is supported financially by its parish, which also provides the classroom space in the church's building.

Though the Lutheran faith is taught exclusively at Redeemer, less than half its students are Lutheran. Gail says some of her
students don't come to the school for a religious education.

Some parents like the small class sizes and safety of a parochial school. That's fine with Gail, as long as parents understand
Lutheran faith will be taught to their children.

"Public schools can meet academic, social and emotional needs, but we believe they cannot meet the children's spiritual
needs," says Gail. "The majority of our parents see us as an extension of their home and church teachings.

"That makes it easier to meet each child's needs."

Judye agrees and says the support from the Oakmont community and from the parents of her students give Redeemer a
caring atmosphere.

"Teaching at Redeemer gives me a chance to know that my job goes beyond the school year," says Judye.

"I get to help give them a strong foundation in their faith, which will help them throughout their lives."

ŠOakmont Advance Leader Star 2002