Every staff member at BCCS has a God-given call to serve Him and others, and that calling relates to their teaching each day. Therefore, each teacher has crafted a deep hope which guides their daily work as educators. We also know each student has been called to serve God and others, so they too are invited to consider and articulate personal hopes. The following stories explain how fifth graders and eighth graders walked through the process of writing their own deep hopes this fall.
In fifth grade, teachers printed their own deep hopes, examples of student deep hopes, and some business mission statements. Students compared hopes for a heart journey with business-related mission statements. The fifth graders then took the opportunity to revise their deep hope from fourth grade or create a new hope since they’ve had a year’s growth in maturity. Finally, teachers met with students one on one to talk through what their hopes mean for their personal walk with God. Students practiced curious thinking and were excited to make changes. They will revisit their deep hopes throughout the year to both reflect on progress and set goals.
Our eighth graders spent time at an overnight retreat in September. Students puzzled through team-building challenges and outdoor adventures, but also spent time reflecting on their identity in Christ. Because middle school is a crucial time for forming identity, students explored what the world says and contrasted that message to how God defines us. Students considered spiritual disciplines and the fruits of the Spirit. Finally, the eighth graders revamped or rewrote their deep hopes, their guiding statement about how they desire to grow as a Christian.
Creating a deep hope is a rich process for our students, and articulating personal hopes for a faith walk reflects an ongoing journey rather than a destination. Deep hopes challenge us to LIVE THE STORY!