TEXAS MESSENGER - The Texas District of the Lutheran Church ...

School
ministry
Lutheran educators ministering to families
by Dr. Bill Hinz, Director of School Ministry
During the 2012 Early Childhood Conference more
than 850 participants gathered together to learn more
about ministering to families. This year’s conference
theme was “Holding Hands, Touching Hearts”
which was hosted Jan. 26-28 by the LCMS Texas
District and the Texas District Early Childhood Council
at the Omni Hotel in Houston.
The early childhood educators had many learning
opportunities. This year’s keynote speaker was Ron
L. Deal, author, speaker, therapist, remarriage and
blended family expert and author/coauthor of The
Smart Stepfamily, The Smart Stepmom, The Smart
Stepdad and The Remarriage Checkup.
The opening speaker for the pre-conference sectional
was led by Deanna Pearl, M.Ed., who currently
is a national educational presenter/speaker. Pearl is
a former teacher (special education and mainstream),
who previously served as direct care staff member at a
children’s home and as an elementary school principal.
HONORED—
Kelly Brymer
(center)
chosen as
Early Childhood
Educator
of the Year
is shown with
LCMS Texas
District School
Ministry
Administrative
Asistant Lee
Gaines, (left)
and LCMS
Texas District
Director of
School Ministry Dr. Bill Hinz (right).
In addition to these speakers, there also were a
variety of sectionals available.
Each year as part of the conference program, we
have the opportunity to recognize individuals for their
outstanding service to children and their families. On
Jan. 28, Concordia University Texas Director of Non-
Traditional Teacher Certification Dr. Gert Keiper
presented the plaque for the 2011 Early Childhood
Educator of the Year to Kelly Brymer, St. Paul
Lutheran Church and School, Thorndale.
The finalists for the Early Childhood Educator
of the Year included Glenda Mouton, Gloria Dei,
Houston, and Kathy Lippe, Crown of Life, San
Antonio. Congratulations to these educators and a
special thank you to all of our early childhood educators
for their service to the Lord in helping shape the
lives of children as they share the love and forgiveness
of Jesus with children and their families.
As with all our educators, no matter what grade
level they teach, we embrace and live out this year’s
conference to “Love each other deeply. When God’s
people are in need, be ready to help them.” May God
be with each of us as we share His love and forgiveness
with children of all ages.
Pictured with
Dr. Bill Hinz and
Kelly Brymer
(to his left) are
Early Childhood
Educator
finalists Glenda
Mouton (left)
and Kathy Lippe
(right).
SHARING— Early
Childhood Educator of
the Year Kelly Brymer,
addressed conference
attendees.
Mark your calendars
Mark your calendars for Jan. 10-13, 2013, and
make note of the special date for the 2013 Early
Childhood Conference to be held at the Embassy
Suites in San Marcos. We invite you to join us as
we are “Seeking Jesus in the Jungle.”
L TEXAS district