Quarterly Magazine
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A Letter from the Desk of Rev. James
The Session Expression
Fine Arts Stays Busy Ringing & Singing
Listen LaGrange Makes Impact
Kairos Kids Exploring Ways to Worship
Church Garden Growing Fast
Campus Task Force Assesses Needs
Celebrating Our Graduates
Janis Kish Celebrates Retirment
Education Task Force Taking Bold Steps of Faith
Childcare Receives 100% Rating
A Look Back at the Spring with FPC Montessori
News from the pews
Looking Back, Looking Ahead — A Vision for All
Aside from being an incredibly busy time, the end of each school year is also an opportunity to take stock. To reflect upon what has been and to consider what will be. Our Class of 2025 graduates are doing exactly that — learning from the past, discerning what the future holds. Yet it is not only they who are doing this work; here at First Presbyterian Church (FPC) LaGrange, we are in the midst of determining where God is leading us.
We are looking back and looking ahead.
At the November 2022 Session meeting, the Vision Team identified (and Session approved) three areas of strategic emphasis for future programmatic and missional growth:
worship and the arts; children and youth; community formation.
At that meeting, the Session also created two groups to consider how best to steward our space at 120 Broad Street (Campus Task Force) and how to move our educational ministries forward (Education Task Force). The point of this work was to fulfill the vision set forth by the Vision Team and Session: that all may know God’s love.
Since that time, these two groups have been working faithfully to uncover precisely what that vision looks like. What does it really and truly mean to be a church where all people may know the love of God? Furthermore, how does that vision affect our practices? What are we called to expand upon? What are we called to tweak or overhaul? What are we called to inaugurate? How do we draw upon our strengths to participate in the work God is doing ahead of us and in our midst — not for the sole purpose of growing a membership, but for the purposes of proclaiming that all people are deeply and profoundly loved?
This isn’t new work; the truth is the Church of Jesus Christ in Acts did this very same thing. They wrestled with how to put flesh on a ministry that was really and truly open to all people — both Jews and Gentiles. The Church has always been called upon to consider just how to minister to the people of God in whatever time and place it has been situated.
This is our task: to look back upon what we have done and to look ahead to where God is beckoning us forth. It is why the Aspen Group is walking with us to draft a master plan for our space and place in downtown LaGrange where all feel welcome. It is why the Campus Task Force is seeking ways to increase the number of community gathering spaces within our church where all can convene.
It is why the Education Task Force is proposing new ways to support our teachers (via the Groundspring initiative) and looking hard at how to increase accessibility for all children in our schools. It is why the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee is striving day and night to find someone who can be a resource upon whom all youth and their families can lean.
That all may know God’s love — that is the vision. A place where all can belong, grow, and serve in the name of Jesus Christ — that is the mission. To understand what that really and truly looks like? It means we have to look back and look ahead.
Rev. James Goodlet
The session expression
Session-Adopted Strategic Plan
In November 2022, the Session approved recommendations from the Vision Team, whose work spanned a three period from 2019–2022. One responsibility of the Vision Team was to flesh out the church’s mission, vision, and value statements, listed below:
Mission: To foster community where all belong, grow, and serve in the name of Jesus Christ.
Vision: To embrace the grace of Jesus Christ that all may know God’s love.
Abridged: That all may know God’s love.
Values: Love all. Serve all. Connect all. Proclaim Good News. Show up.
After clarifying and adopting these statements, the Vision Team recommended three principle strategies – three emphasis points – for the church’s ministry moving forward.
Strategies
To emphasize and build upon worship and the arts as a core part of our mission and outreach.
To expand our ministry to children and youth within the church and community.
To serve as a hub for community spiritual formation.
Upon the Session’s endorsement of these recommendations, the next step was to enact them. Included among those actions was establishing a five-year strategic plan, which was put into effect January 1, 2024. For that strategic plan, councils and committees of the church were tasked to set five-year goals for their work that were in alignment with the church’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
Many of those goals were growth-related (e.g. growing our youth and children’s ministries; growing our small group and Christian educational offerings); some were connected to staffing (e.g. additional nursery workers; more scholarship singers).
There are goals meant to establish new initiatives (e.g. a new missions center; an ecologicallyminded Green Team); there are goals that are spatially driven (e.g. creating a community garden; adding bathrooms to all childcare classrooms).
The point of the plan is to serve as a compass for each council and committee in their ministry leading up to the church’s 200 year anniversary in 2029. Some of these goals may or may not be accomplished; regardless, the hope is that the strategic plan moves us all into the future.
If you would like a copy of the strategic plan, please contact the church office.
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Forward Together: 2025 Goals and Session Highlights
Each year, the Session asks each council and committee for a list of goals indicating movement toward the long-term plan. During the March meeting of each year, Session receives those goals as a way of holding councils and committees accountable. Then, each July, those groups report progress toward their annual goals to the Session.
At its March 2025 meeting, the Session received those goals, some of which include (but are not limited to) the following:
Finance — To complete memoranda of understanding (MOU) and rental agreements between FPC, Montessori, and Childcare in conversation with the House and Grounds Council, FPC Montessori Board, and FPC Childcare Board by June 30, 2025.
Generosity — To continue to increase our giving units from 130 pledging units to 135 pledging units and increase Conine Society attendees to 100 people.
Formation — To organize a reverse Trick-or-Treat event where all age groups collaborate to create treat bags and distribute them to members of our church community.
Children — To facilitate the introduction of the Children’s Library to children and families.
Student — To increase middle and high school participation by 10%.
Childcare — To conduct a feasibility study on adding turfing to the playground.
Montessori — To explore adding an infant classroom to the program.
House and Grounds — To work with the Campus Task Force as we move forward with building changes by encouraging the Task Force to research and consider energy saving building materials, such as lighting and cooling and heating systems, to reduce future costs and to reduce our carbon footprint.
Mission — To advocate for a Director of Community Missions staff person.
Worship — To launch First Arts Academy with weekly music classes for Childcare and to increase arts events at FPC to 25 events per year.
Diaconate — To host congregational workshops on grief response, end of life decisions/advanced directives, bystander CPR class, and/or caregiver support.
Hospitality — To increase awareness of our Digital presence on Social Media, using Facebook, Instagram or other appropriate media.
Social — To hold at least one event annually hosted by the Social Committee.
In addition to its primary agenda,the Session has recently discussed several other important matters,including:
The Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (APNC) has kept Session informed about candidates they are interviewing. Thus far,one person has visited in-person,and they are anticipating further visits down the road. They have been approved to look at both ordained and non-ordained candidates.
The Campus Task Force has spoken with Session about meetings with the Aspen Group and about adjacent properties that either are for sale or may be considered for purchase in the future. Any acquisition would ultimately have to be approved by Session and the congregation.
The Education Task Force received approval to initiate its grant-funded Groundspring initiative. Currently,Groundspring is in a pilot,2-year phase.
New AEDs — four of them — have been purchased and placed around the building as the previous machines were out of date. Look for them outside the sanctuary (by the entry ramp), outside the small dining room,on the third floor breezeway,and in the Eric Brown Building.
The Mother’s Day offering was approved,which raised nearly $1400 for children and youth ministries.
Guest preachers have been approved to lead worship on Sunday mornings. Those include John Hardie,Jim Harrelson,and Tyler Brock. We are grateful for their leadership.
Finance and Trust Management have informed the Session that,in spite of a rocky economic climate,FPC is in great shape financially through the spring season.
If you would like a copy of the 2025 council/committee goals,please contact the church office.
For further information about the Session, currently serving.
Ringing, Singing, and Everything in Between
By: Andrew Harry
It has been a busy spring for First Arts and all of the church musicians In preparation for Holy Week, the choirs of First Presbyterian Church, St. Mark's Episcopal Church, and St. Peter's Catholic Church presented Heather Sorenson's Requiem, with 81 musicians in the sanctuary for two powerful performances.
Many of our church musicians are planning to perform this same piece in April of 2026 at none other than Carnegie Hall.
Additionally, the handbell choir led a beautiful Tenebrae Service on Maundy Thursday, making use of the new handchimes that were purchased this spring.
First Arts has also hosted a number of performances this season, including the Sons of Lafayette, the Choral Society of West Georgia Chamber Singers, the LSPA voice studio of Jonathan Pilkington, and string orchestra students from Callaway High School and Gardner Newman Middle School.
Before our musicians take a well-earned summer break, we are preparing a special service of music on June 15 in celebration of Trinity Sunday.
This worship service will feature two large choral works and two handbell choir pieces—an inspiring way to close out an incredible season of music at First Presbyterian Church.
pilgrimage t0 Scotland 2025
Listen LaGrange Strikes a Chord: A
day of Music, Community, and Impact
By: Jenna Eady
This year’s Listen LaGrange was an afternoon to remember. Hosted at Pure Life House of Music, the event brought nearly 100 people together to enjoy an inspiring lineup of live music, community connection, and a shared commitment to fighting poverty in our area.
Lewis and Broad, a podcast ministry of FPC, raised almost $11,000 for Circles of Troup County, a nonprofit that walks alongside families as they work to overcome poverty. From the stage to the raffle table, every element of the day came together to support this life-changing work.
We’re incredibly grateful to Pure Life House of Music not only for hosting us but also for managing the musicians and creating a welcoming, professional environment for everyone who performed and attended.
A huge thank you goes out to all of our sponsors and raffle donors who made this event possible — your generosity helped us amplify our impact and make the day extra special for attendees. We couldn’t have done it without you.
And while the music may have faded for now, Lewis and Broad will be back this summer with season eight of the podcast, continuing to share the stories of the people, places, and organizations making a difference in LaGrange and beyond.
Thank you for listening. Thank you for giving. We can’t wait to see you again next year.
Kairos Kids Season of Worship,
Mission and Discipleship
By: Margaret Goodlet
First Presbyterian Church’s children’s ministry, Kairos Kids, has had a season full of faith, learning, and joyful community. Each Wednesday night, children gathered to explore the ways we worship God—through our gifts, presence, service, and prayers.
During Lent, the children participated in a special Lenten workshop, where they received materials to make paper chains at home with their families.
Each link in the chain contained a word to help guide them through the season of reflection. The church’s three-year-olds took home mason jars, filling them with beans whenever they performed an act of kindness for a neighbor—a tangible reminder of the call to love as Jesus loves us.
A favorite evening for many was Mission Wednesday, where children created cards and placemats for the church’s Thursday lunch guests. Older children, grades first through fifth, packed snack sacks to be handed out during the lunch ministry.
That evening also included a group reading of the book Saturday at the Food Pantry, helping children better understand the realities of food insecurity.
On March 23, the Kairos Kids led a memorable Children’s Sabbath service, with more than 40 children participating. The worship centered on the story of Noah’s Ark, focusing on God’s covenant promises and the promises we make in return. It was a special morning that reminded the congregation of the deep spiritual wisdom found in our youngest members.
Holy Week began with more than 30 children participating in the annual Palm Parade, joyfully waving palms as they entered the sanctuary on Palm Sunday. After worship, families gathered for a time of fellowship and celebration with brunch and an Easter Egg Hunt, hosted by the Children’s Ministry Team.
The congregation of First Presbyterian Church continues to play a vital role in nurturing the faith of the next generation. Through Kairos Kids, the children of FPC are being formed in worship, service, and love—laying strong spiritual foundations that will last a lifetime.
Quite Contrary? Not Us — See How Our Garden Grows
By: Deb Sargent
The House and Grounds team has welcomed spring with a busy season of preparation and planting. Winter debris has been cleared, weeds have been sprayed, and our kitchen garden is now in the ground.
This garden will provide fresh vegetables for our Thursday Lunch Program and offer hands-on learning opportunities for children in our Montessori and Childcare programs. It is a meaningful way to connect food, education, and creation care in one shared space.
To learn more or to volunteer in the garden, please contact Deb Sargent at (706) 333-8647.
Additional maintenance projects have also been completed. The boiler is now certified, thanks to the installation of a flow switch and an emergency shutoff valve, ensuring both safety and functionality.
A task force has been appointed to analyze the costs of church programming for Montessori and Childcare. Members of this task force include Kip Johnson, Scott Landa, Susan Cashwell, and Bill Hines.
As we prepare for the summer months, work has begun on the front area of the church to establish a pollinator garden. This garden will feature native plants, chosen for their ability to withstand hot, dry weather and for their low maintenance needs.
While the tasks of upkeep and maintenance may often go unnoticed, they are essential to the daily life and ministry of the church. We are grateful for all those who contribute their time and effort to these ongoing responsibilities.
Special thanks to the Green Team,who continue to collect and deliver our recycling to Amwaste.
We appreciate the commitment of the Cashwells, the Hines,Sherry Polk,Judy Lawrence,and Jill Henderson.
Spring forward
campus task force assesses needs
By: Steve Pelham
The Campus Task Force, consisting of Megan Hudson, Brian Patton, Steve Pelham, David Selbie, Tracy Wood, and Ricky Wolfe, has been charged by the Session to ensure our facilities are best positioned to fulfill our vision statement: that all may know God’s love. We also have been directed to take into account the strategic priorities recommended by the Vision Team and approved by the Session: Worship and the Arts, Children amd Youth, and Community Formation.
As a group, we have been looking at current programs and committees and what they are using, needing, and growing towards. We are also cognizant that, in a post-covid world, lifestyle changes have affected congregational and community use of our facilities.
Recently, we turned to the Aspen Group to help us determine how much space we have, how it is being used, and what a re-purposed, re-configured campus might look like. As a national design/build firm exclusively serving churches, Aspen's work is informed by their partner and church research leader, Barna Group.
Over the last five weeks, Aspen has visited with members of every council and committee, the Diaconate, Session, staff, and a host of congregation members of all ages. Together with members of the Campus Task Force, Aspen has listened and prodded and recorded.
Additionally, the Campus Task Force has been monitoring and chatting with various property owners across Lewis Street (adjacent to our parking lot). We want to be prepared should one of those parcels become available. Any potential purchase on that block must be approved by the Session and congregation. Any development would also be in alignment with our strategic plan.
What’s next? Aspen will work with the task force and congregation to propose a long-term facility plan for our campus. Aspen will also evaluate which potential projects should be prioritized and what a phased approach to the master plan might entail. The congregation and the Session will be kept abreast of all that we learn along the way.
In closing, we are actively assessing our spatial needs — not only for the upcoming years, but for the next five to twnety years. By God’s lead, the corner of Lewis and Broad Streets will continue to be a place in downtown LaGrange and Troup County where all may know God’s love.
Should you have questions, the Campus Task Force members are glad to visit with you anytime.
celebrating our graduates
First Presbyterian Church proudly celebrates the accomplishments of our 2025 graduates. Each one has reached an important milestone, and we give thanks for the dedication, perseverance, and faith that brought them to this moment.
We especially want to recognize our high school graduates Hardy Johnson, Grady Westmoreland, David Barrientos, and Stella Cain who have grown up in our youth ministry. Their presence, energy, and leadership have blessed our congregation, and we are excited to see where God leads them next.
We also honor our college and postgraduate degree recipients, whose achievements span a variety of fields from business and counseling to education and ministry:
Kathy Johnson – Troy University
Pearson Knight – University of Georgia
Brayden Pierce – Point University
Hannah McCoy – Georgia Tech
Katherine Frost – University of Georgia, MBA from Terry College of Business
Sarah Holle – LaGrange College, MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Leighton Parker – LaGrange College, MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Stevie Nix – LaGrange College, M.Ed. in Higher Education
Kathryn Sellman Adams – University of California, San Francisco, Clinical Fellowship in Geriatric Medicine
David Barrientos |
Lagrange high school
David,a respectful and thoughtful young man,wowed us at Parents Night Out with his care for the younger kids. At Montreat,David shines as a dependable helper and a natural friend-maker,always ready to lend a hand or a smile. David is headed to GA Southern University to pursue a degree in International Affairs.
David,
You were a kind, sweet, and funny little kid We are very proud of the humble, honest, and thoughtful young man you have become We wish you the best in this new stage in your life We will always be here for you!
Your family: Dad, Mom, and Karen
Stella Cain | Lagrange high school
Stella,the cheerleader of the group,beams with the brightest smile and a heart full of kindness. Having grown up in this church,Stella radiates warmth,authenticity,and a genuine love for all who know her. Stella is headed to the Ole Miss to pursue a degree in Applied Health Studies.
We joyfully celebrate Stella Newman Cain as she graduates from Lagrange High School We have watched her grow into a kind, strong, and faithful young woman, and we are so proud of all that she has accomplished. This milestone is just the beginning of the journey God has planned for her As she steps into the next chapter, we pray she continues to walk in faith, seek His guidance, and let His light shine through her in all she does
“I can do all things through him who gives me strength” -Philippians 4:13 With loveMom, Dad, Judson, Gardner & Lucas
Hardy Johnson | Lagrange academy
Hardy,our favorite redhead,has become a tech wizard this year, mastering the soundboard and faithfully serving as our Sunday morning sound technician. As our only LaGrange Academy grad,she treasures our one-on-one "Biscuits and Blessings" time at Chick-fil-A and deeply loves her church community. Hardy is headed to the University of Alabama with plans to study political science and communication.
“But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint ” - Isaiah 40:31
Love, Mama, Daddy, and Gunner
Grady Westmoreland | Lagrange high school
Grady is our all-star athlete who I can always count on to volunteer for Sunday mornings. Whether he’s collecting Fourth Sunday offerings or greeting folks at the door with a Granger heart,Grady leads with strength and kindness.
We are so thankful for our church community and how much it has meant in Grady’s life From early days at child care, when we would drive around the block to try to catch a glimpse of him in the Bye-Bye Buggy, to many, many tiny acorns from the playground squirreled away in tiny pockets, to finally asking Mrs Amy for the recipe for her chicken and rice because that’s all he wanted to eat. (Having children 14 months apart, we thanked God for FPC Child Care some Monday mornings! Easy to do with all of those sweet ladies loving on them!) Countless maps and counting games at Montessori Many Sunday school teachers who loved and nurtured him and recognized his strengths at an early age. We are so thankful for the First Pres family to be in Grady’s life to help mold and shape him Grady, we are very proud of all you have accomplished in your life and hope you remember the church community that helped you along the way We can’t wait to see you thrive in Athens
Love— Mom, Dad, Mary Maddox
laughter, late-nights, lasting memories
By: Leighton Parker
This spring has been full of laughter, growth, and connection for our youth group. From late-night lock-ins to early-morning Biscuits and Blessings, we've shared moments that have strengthened our bonds and deepened our faith.
Together, we journeyed through the New Testament, exploring the life and teachings of Jesus and discovering how his story continues to shape our own. We hosted two successful Parents’ Night Out fundraisers, offering a fun evening for children and a well-deserved break for parents—all while raising support for our youth activities and trips. At our lock-ins, we kept the tradition alive by playing countless rounds of sardines, a game that never fails to bring squeals of laughter and fun. We also spent countless hours playing four square and shared more candy salad than we’d like to admit.
One of the highlights of our season was Youth Sunday, a worship service planned and led entirely by our youth. It was a joy to witness their leadership, creativity, and unique spiritual gifts shine as they shared their hearts with the congregation.
We’ve welcomed new friends, reconnected with old ones, and even enjoyed the surprise of a few snow days.
As we look ahead, we’re excited for a summer full of opportunities to grow, serve, and experience God in new ways. Fifteen of our high schoolers will be heading to Montreat in June for a week of worship, small groups, and Montreat fun. Our middle schoolers will get their own Montreat experience at Middle School Montreat later in the summer. Our youth will also be serving and volunteering at both Vacation Bible School and Camp Viola, offering their time, energy, and love to younger children in our church and community. We can’t wait to see how God moves in and through these upcoming adventures.
And before the summer officially began, we had the joy of honoring five incredible graduating seniors during Grad Sunday. We’re so proud of them and excited to celebrate their journeys as they step into the next chapter with courage and faith.
Thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and prayers. We’re so grateful to be part of a church that continues to invests in its youth.
in Grateful Bloom for Janis
Twenty-five years ago, the idea for a dedicated group to prepare floral arrangements for worship at First Presbyterian Church of LaGrange took root—and it all began with Janis Kish.
Janis was relatively new to the church at the time, having married longtime member George Kish the year prior. Newly retired from an impactful career as Director of Nursing at West Georgia Medical Center (now Wellstar West Georgia), and following more than a decade as the owner of the Flower Market, a local floral shop, Janis brought her passion and expertise to a new kind of calling: glorifying God through the beauty of flowers.
Her love of plants and arranging stems from her childhood, where she learned at the feet of her mother, who not only gardened but also arranged flowers for her own church. Janis continued that tradition, sharing her knowledge freely with garden clubs and curious customers alike during her years in the floral business. In fact, she and George often spent early Sunday mornings delivering arrangements to multiple churches in the area before attending their own worship service.
When George finally convinced Janis to sell the flower shop and enjoy a well-earned rest, she channeled her energy and creativity into organizing what would become the Chancel Guild at FPC. From the very beginning, the purpose was clear: every arrangement would be offered to the glory of God.
Over the past 25 years, Janis has led the Chancel Guild with humility and grace, training countless individuals to create meaningful, beautiful arrangements for worship. The numbers speak for themselves:
25 years of faithful Sunday and special event arrangements
1,872 arrangements created for First Presbyterian Church
22,000 roses, 26,000 spider mums, and 28,000 lilies used
Countless wildflowers gathered from roadside fields
One tire blown while chasing blooming trees
As the church celebrates this remarkable milestone, we extend our deepest gratitude to Janis Kish for her vision, talent, and unwavering dedication to this ministry. Through her work, she has not only adorned our sanctuary with beauty but also nurtured a spirit of worship and wonder in all who have witnessed her gift.
Thank you, Janis, for helping us see God's glory—one flower at a time.
APNC Update: Spring Steps Forward
By: Sara Peterson
As we enter our fourth season together as your APNC and reflect on the activities that kept us hopping this spring, we can’t help but feel grateful. We very much appreciate the prayers, encouragement, support, and patience offered to us throughout the search for FPC’s Associate Pastor for Youth and Families. It’s not over yet – so please keep the prayers coming. We continue to have faith that as we move step by step towards the right candidate, that same candidate is making their way towards us.
Early in the spring, we worked steadily to build our pool of quality candidates through attending a call fair at Columbia, networking with seminary and Presbytery contacts, and posting the position on various job boards. We also continuously monitored matches as they appeared on the Church Leadership Connection (CLC), the national internet-based matching and referral system of the Presbyterian Church (USA), reviewing candidates and inviting them to apply when appropriate.
Thanks to the magic of technology, in March and April we conducted numerous preliminary interviews with candidates from near and far. This process allowed us to determine whether a candidate possesses the energy, enthusiasm, and various other qualities that are critical for this position.
The strongest candidates were then invited to participate in in-depth interviews; for these sessions, we utilized questions submitted through the congregational survey last October.
May has been particularly exciting for the APNC as we begin to organize onsite visits for our most promising candidates. The committee finally meets the candidates in person, as does James, and shows off our beautiful building, neighborhood, and the community as a whole. During these two-day visits, ample opportunity is available for casual conversation, and for serious discussion, as both parties prayerfully discern next steps.
We pray for God’s guidance as we spend time with candidates in the coming weeks.
bold steps of faith ahead
By: Todd Simpson
The Education Task Force, consisting of Kim Crawford, Susan Cashwell, Debbie Hutchinson, David Sellman, James Hobbs, Lacy Tumambing, and Margaret Goodlet, continues to move forward with the work of evaluating opportunities to enhance our ministry to children and families. One of the clearest insights from our work has been the urgent and growing need for high-quality, accessible childcare in our community. This challenge has shaped our vision, pushing us to see our Childcare and Montessori programs not just as services, but as missional opportunities—ways to reflect God’s love and meet real needs within our community.
Our vision is to facilitate high-quality, accessible childcare and learning environments that equip children and families with the knowledge, skills, and resources to be successful while experiencing the power of God’s Love.
But to realize this vision, we’ll need to address several potential barriers:
The scarcity of physical space for growth
The high costs many families face
The ongoing challenge of recruiting and retaining loving, qualified caregivers
We are actively collaborating with the Campus Task Force to address these issues—and praying for God’s guidance every step of the way. While we don’t yet have all the answers, we do know the journey will be guided by our core values: Love all. Serve all. Connect all. We also know it will require bold steps of faith.
One such step is Groundspring—a new and innovative initiative that provides rent-free housing for two of our current childcare staff. Funded by local grants and created in partnership with DASH, Groundspring is only the second initiative of its kind in the country, and the first ever in a church-based setting. Inspired by a successful model in New Haven, CT, this program is a tangible expression of our belief that our caregivers deserve to thrive both at work and at home.
Groundspring removes one of the largest financial burdens for childcare workers—housing— so they can focus on their calling and grow toward their personal and professional goals. It’s one small but meaningful way we are living out our mission.
As we continue our work, we are committed to building a plan that not only strengthens our programs for children and families but also supports the dedicated staff who bring those programs to life. We have some critical decisions ahead and no shortage of challenges to overcome. So, we humbly ask for your continued prayers, support, and ideas. This is not just the work of a task force—it’s the work of a church committed to serving Christ by loving our neighbors well.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to any of our team members with your questions, insights, or encouragement. We are grateful for your partnership and excited for what God has in store.
Staying busy and joyful in childcare
By: Tasha Owens
FPC Childcare experienced a full and productive spring season, with celebrations for Earth Day, Easter, Teacher Appreciation Week, and Mother’s Day. Children engaged in seasonal activities, and teachers were honored for their dedication and care.
This spring, two child care staff members moved into Groundsprings housing. The center is grateful to First Presbyterian Church for supporting teachers through this opportunity.
In March, the Childcare center received a visit from the state licensing agency and met all required standards. In April, the health department reviewed immunization records and gave the center a 100% compliance rating.
The center is also preparing for the transition of 18 children who will be moving on to Pre-K or Kindergarten at the end of the school year.
For more information about the childcare center visit fpcchildcare.org.
A Look Back at the Spring Semester at
By: Kristin Kirby
The 2024–2025 school year is coming to a close, and it's a wonderful time to reflect on all that has taken place during the spring semester.
When the children returned in January, they were eager to learn. The weather was cold, and we even got to see some snow. In our learning environments, staff created fun sensory bins and other activities where students could build snowmen and scoop snowballs. In January, Chicken Salad Chick hosted FPC Montessori for a Spirit Night. It was a great opportunity for families to gather and enjoy fellowship together.
Our primary classrooms ended January with celebrations to remember. We marked the 100th day of school and also spent a special day learning about Scotland. One of our families brought in trinkets and traditional clothing for the students to explore. The children also had the opportunity to learn songs from Scotland.
February began with hands-on learning in our Garden Club. The children were able to taste some of the carrots they planted themselves. We have enjoyed our partnership with Love + Land for this program. Throughout the month, students counted hearts and shared about the people and things they love. February also marks the beginning of preparations for the next school year. We used bubbles to help build excitement as we introduced our program to new families. Currently, we have 67 students enrolled for next year, and that number is expected to grow over the summer as more tours are scheduled. We are also pleased to announce that a new toddler classroom will open in August 2025.
March was full of activity. We celebrated Dr. Seuss’ birthday and were treated to a performance by the Middle School Strings Orchestra. The children thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful music. In April, our toddlers explored the life cycle of a butterfly. Their classroom works reflected each stage, and they had the opportunity to observe caterpillars transform into butterflies firsthand. Throughout April, all students learned about the earth and ways to care for it. In celebration of Earth Day, we partnered with Leaving LaGrange Better Than We Found It. Our pre-K and kindergarten students helped clean up the area near the school by walking and picking up litter. The month concluded with our annual Art Auction and Earth Day Celebration. Thanks to the support of our PTO, funds were raised to help enhance the experience for our students and families.
May has already brought excitement and discovery. Our primary classrooms (ages three to six) received two incubator sets from Diverse Power, making the study of a chick's life cycle a rich and memorable experience. Students observed the growth and transformation of chicks using new heat lamps and a pop-up tent provided with the kits. Altogether, 30 chicks were lovingly cared for before being returned to the farm.
As the year wraps up, we celebrate the accomplishments of our students. Sixteen children have completed our accredited pre-K program, which runs until 2:00 p.m., and four kindergarten-aged students are finishing the year, three of whom completed our full-day accredited kindergarten program. We end the year with 74 students enrolled.
Looking ahead to summer, we are preparing for two engaging camps—an Ocean Camp and a Space Camp. Each camp already has over 50 children enrolled.
The future of FPC Montessori is bright, and we are grateful for a community that supports the growth and development of every child in our care.
Thank you for reading.
