I was listening to an Advent podcast this morning and as the host spoke about the image of God the potter, and we the clay, I was reminded again of the epic nature of seeing ourselves in this way. Our theology of vocation is indeed a gift. All of the many blessings we have each received as individuals and as communities are gifts from God so that we in turn can be a blessing to many.
Research suggests that Service Learning when it happens in tandem with a deep commitment to seeing the world in this way is most effective, having a long-lasting impact. We all know that as Lutheran communities our commitment to service has been with us from the beginning.
But as we grow in understanding of how transformation happens in learners and in communities, it is becoming ever clearer that the way in which service happens is also critical.
If Service Learning is on your agenda for 2021, then I highly recommend engagement with the Service Learning & Community Engagement subjects being facilitated by Jodie Hoff & Dr Meg Noack. Research based, and highly practical, these subjects through ALC are excellent opportunities for teams from our schools to grapple with what enables Service Learning initiatives to fly.
As I said recently at a school council meeting, Service Learning is a contemporary pedagogical approach which sits squarely with the core tenets of Lutheran Education and with goals of contemporary learning. Don’t miss out!
Stephanie Maher
Director – Identity & Formation
