new church life: september/october 2016
“It is with pleasure that I submit my application for the vice principal
position at the Kempton New Church School. As someone who attended New
Church schools from first grade through college, I have a genuine affection
for New Church education. I wholeheartedly support the concept of using the
Lord’s Word and the Heavenly Doctrines as primary source material.
“I believe that KNCS as a whole is exceptionally attuned to teaching
according to New Church doctrine, and has remained committed to viewing
education through a New Church lens. I would endeavor to support the
faculty, pastors and ministers in continuing their dedication to the teachings,
so that the school remains deeply rooted in the Word and the truths of the
Second Coming.
“I also love working with children and young adults, and have felt called
to work in the field of education ever since I left my position in the corporate
world.
“Kempton is poised to become a leader and a model for K-12 New Church
education. Many religious institutions have become progressively more
secular, and have drifted away from their religious foundation. Kempton’s
commitment to using the Lord’s Word as a guide is powerful, and I would be
honored to help KNCS continue the tradition of providing high-quality New
Church education. I would love to bring my passion, experience, knowledge,
personal qualities, and collaborative approach to leadership to my role as vice
principal at KNCS, with a keen eye toward post-secondary readiness, financial
sustainability, and dealing with bullying.”
journey program
Move the Cracker; Offer the Wine
Finding a Gentler Approach to Conflict Resolution
Sasha Silverman
A couple of days ago, my two kids and I saw a frenzy of ants on our kitchen
floor surrounding a single Wheat-Thin cracker. My first thought, “kill those
ants!” did not fly with my son who insisted that I not -- even accidentally -harm a single ant. So I picked up the infested cracker, freaked-out that the ants
might start running up my hands, and flung the cracker outside into the grass.
Within minutes, every ant had left our floor.
Something struck me in that moment. It reminded me that when we
feel threatened, whether by a tiny insect, a stranger, a family member, or
anyone else, we might instinctively react with aggressive words or actions to
keep ourselves safe. Yet, sometimes there’s no need for stomping. No need for
poison. Sometimes we can get our desired result just by “moving the cracker,”
or looking for a gentler approach.
While listening to National Public Radio’s Invisibilia program, I heard a
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