Celebrating 10 Years of the Atrium at Highlands - September 12

Ten years ago, Highlands began to explore the possibility of implementing the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for our children’s spiritual formation program. After visiting several local churches’ Atriums and seeing the Montessori-based way of nurturing and growing together, we knew it would be a fit for our church. The work respects all children where they are as individuals and helps lay a firm foundation for a long-term relationship with God. That summer, five members of Highlands – Lauri Soong, Valerie Nash, Sonya Heath, Edna Rush and Reggie Holder – began intensive training in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church with Anna Hurtle and Stephanie Diethelm. By September, a simple Level 1 Atrium for ages three to six was in place, with a bare minimum of lessons and materials. Each year since, our Catechists have studied in weekend and summer trainings to learn more about the work of the child. Members of Highlands quickly helped furnish our Atrium, and a generous anonymous gift helped carpet the room and purchase materials. Over the next ten years, we added Levels 2 and 3, trained additional Catechists, and encouraged a generation of children who have experienced all three levels. On Sunday, September 12, we will celebrate our Atrium’s 10-year anniversary with an Open House at 9:30 am. All are invited to visit the Atrium to see how far we have come in the past decade and look forward to the next one. A light breakfast will be provided in the Fellowship Hall. Everyone encouraged to stop by for a tour. Save the date and be sure to join us!