“Do not have your concert first, and then tune your instrument afterwards. Begin the day with the Word of God and prayer, and get first of all into harmony with Him.” –James Hudson Taylor

Each school day at MGCS begins with morning devotions for staff.  Why add anything to an already busy morning?  Because we can’t give to our students something we don’t authentically possess ourselves.  These morning meetings insure that our minds are continually being filled with and shaped by Biblical truth.  In Luke 6:40 Jesus says, “Everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.”  In morning devotions, we work to make sure we are worthy of imitation.

HERE’S WHAT OUR TEACHERS SAY ABOUT THIS DAILY DISCIPLINE:

One of the greatest blessings about staff devotions for me is how God regularly speaks to us in themes. For weeks, without collaboration between teachers, the messages seem to be choreographed.  That says to me that God really wants us to hear something. – David Kolk, Upper School

I love starting my day with truth from God’s Word.  It fills me up and helps me begin each day with the right focus.  I want my teaching to reflect Christ’s love always. – Cindy Murphy, 2^nd Grade

Staff devotions are the best way to start our school day. Not only do we get to come together as a staff in prayer, but it is a place to be recharged and to connect as a staff. We encourage one another and build one another up. – Tiffany Ivey, 2^nd Grade

Hearing God’s word at the beginning of the school day prepares me to minister to my students. – Ginny Craft, 1^st Grade 

It is so good to start each day with the Lord and remind myself of His priorities and His plan.  This time with God equips me to better serve my students. – Allison Lucas, Kindergarten

Devotions link us together as we realize the needs of our friends and coworkers.  Prayers for our students and each other give us strength and encouragement for the tough times we all face.  This time focuses our attention on the greatness of God, reminds us of His truths and is carried with us into the classroom each day. – Sandra Godsey, 3^rd Grade

Morning devotions help me begin the day with the right mindset.  The morning commute, the lesson plans, the “to do” lists for my day are put on hold and my focus is on the Lord, where it should be. – Vickie Singer, 5^th Grade

I love starting my week in department devotions with my staff.  We are able to share and pray about our students, personal struggles, and offer our praise. – Pam Noland, Preschool Director

Staff devotions are one of my favorite “pieces” of MGCS.  It connects me to all parts of the school, and shows me how God is working in the lives of my co-workers. – Glenn Pleasant, Lower School Administrator

It challenges me and sets the tone for my school day.  Morning devotions and prayer give me the correct perspective.  It helps me see the big picture…why I’m here and who I’m here for. – Angie Pleasant, 6^th grade

Morning devotions are a favorite part of my work day.  I can be thinking about a million things first thing in the morning and our devotion time centers me on Christ and doing my best for Him. Everything else is secondary.  That makes me a better teacher. – Paula Starling, Kindergarten