Here are some excerpts from thank you notes sent to St. Andrew's from students at Montclaire Elementary School. Montclaire used our FLC this Spring for their choir concert. 

—…if it wasn't for you we would have been really squished up… I am so grateful and I was wondering if our class can come and visit again. 
—Thank you …for letting us use all your equipment for free. 
—…thank you for all that work that you did
—One of our opportunities was that a lot more people got to see our play. I am so grateful for your kindness because we all got to have a great time. 
—Thank you for letting us practice in your church which is way better than doing it on the stage in the cafeteria. 
—Thanks for the lights, chairs, and mikes. 
—God bless you guys. 
—I am really happy that you let us sing and even more you let us bring parents. Thank you. 
—Thank you very much for letting us rock on your stage. 
—I will always remember what you did for us. 
—…you are full of generosity. 
—…thank you for taking your time out to set up the chairs and making sure that the microphone worked. 
—You were very generous and kind. 

By Dan Hester

Montclaire Elementary School uses the Family Life Center from time to time to hold school programs. Their school building does not have the capacity to hold a large group of students and their families. Most recently, MES held their graduation in our facility.

A few months ago the music program held a concert here. The picture shown here was taken at a rehearsal. I asked Montclaire's music teacher, Jessica Dawalt, to share some of her thoughts on what using our building means to their program. The show was for two grade levels and involved 150 students. Without the space our FLC provided, the program would have been limited in the number of performers, the number of people who could attend, as well as simple visibility and enjoyment.

Ms. Dawalt wrote:

"Our students loved being at the church. Comments came forth about the size of the room, the beautiful stage lighting, having side rooms to enter the stage from, and they loved having a sound system. The head set mics for our 3 actors were a hit. What a blessing for them to see and use the latest technology. This certainly aligns with the 21st century skills the state of NC desires for our students" Ms. Dawalt finished her letter by saying, "Not only impacting their education, Montclaire students have received the message from their community that they are valuable, loved, and celebrated for their hard work and achievements."

I wanted to share this experience with the congregation. This kind of ministry happens as a result of the generosity of St. Andrew's members. The next time you think that our budget merely keeps the lights on, remember the pride these elementary students felt, and how it was facilitated by the body of Christ at St. Andrew's UMC.