Godsome Helpers

From Cathy Russell

It was sooooo hot in the gymn, even with the back doors open and all the lights off.  I was sewating in my clerical collar, but it was going to be well worth it.  Prince Charles School was gathered together for a last assembly before the summer break.  Every month schools across Ontario celebrate an element of good character like helpfulness, patience, a sense of humour, etc  Students and teachers who display the chosen trait are nominated to receive an award at the monthly gathering.  When a name is announced, the individual comes forward to receive a handshake, and a small token of appreciation amid loud applause and cheers. 

Because it was June, Prince Charles included end of the year staff changes in this celebration- the principal, a few teachers and the custodian are all moving on.  And then they got to the part I was waiting for- recognising the volunteers from the community.

The four individuals pictured here are all active members of St. Matthews.  They also help with school fundraisers, with the breakfast club, as classroom assistants and as reading buddies.  Many of the other volunteers named had a church connection as well.  I am convicned that this is not a coincidence, not because church people are "better" than other people, but because the message of Jesus was and is to be about loving God and loving neighbour in deeds as well as words- our whole lives. If we are doing our job, our folks should have absorbed this message and be attempting to live it out.

I was so proud to see the caring and dedication of these four honoured by the children and staff of Prince Charles, so touched to hear the assembly's heartfelt applause and cheers, to see the warm hugs offered to these generous and gracious folks, so impressed at see how a school takes the time to reinforce good character and service to others as well as reading writing and 'rithmatic. 

When the apostle Paul wrote about good character in his letter to the Galatians,  he used the language of the Fruit of the Spirit. The fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  May these fruits, through the grace of God ripen in all of us, making life sweeter for us and for others.