Gratitude and praise is rising up in SouthWest Grand Rapids during the month of Thanksgiving!
The Potter’s House Elementary and Middle School did a Week of Gratitude and Prayer to kick off the month of November. Each day teachers led their students in a Thankful Theme through class devotions, writing prompts, and grateful games. At the same time, a team of 6th and 7th grade students gave up their recess time to set up a space for students and staff to enter God’s gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. In two days Thankful Trees grew out of the floor and leafed out with thanksgiving, the cross of Christ was filled with vibrant declarations of freedom, and letters of encouragement were written, drawn, and given away.
“We’re not just fighting the enemy this week, we’re building a throne for Jesus in our school through praise and thanksgiving.”
~ Middle School Discipleship Coordinator
A kindergarten student watching the trees being created said, “It looks like the burning bush from the Moses story!” For those who took time to turn and look, these fun creative stations became holy ground and a place of encounter with the living God. One of the 2nd/3rd grade teachers said “My kiddos are so excited to go to the prayer space this afternoon!”
The following week, a 6th grade boy from the prayer team said “My favorite part of this week was working together as a team on the thankful trees.” A 6th grade girl from the team said her highlight was “writing encouraging suggestions for what God says about us on the You Say mirror.”
As the week ended and the month comes to a close, the staff are still focusing on the power of praise and gratitude. On Monday before Thanksgiving break, the school’s staff were commissioned by a K/1 teacher to go into four different rooms around the building and praise Jesus for that room and what He’s provided! Even the students on the prayer team are thinking ahead to what can be done for the National Day of Prayer in the Spring.
Click the link to learn more about The Potter’s House