The Important Things

It was a cold, rainy morning, but the mood was warm in the EDS gym as students, faculty, and parents came together for our Thanksgiving chapel. The Bishop of Georgia, Right Reverend Scott Benhase, gave the sermon, and asked everyone to reflect on what is important in their lives. He stated, “If we worry about unimportant things, we will be thankful for unimportant things.”

The preschoolers, dressed as pilgrims and Native Americans, listened with wide eyes, and the EDS Choir sang beautifully.

Headmaster Murray announced the naming of the EDS Chaplaincy in honor of Father Robert Fain, and Father Fain received a standing ovation at the news.  In 2011 an anonymous donor made a $500,000 gift to endow the chaplaincy, but did not want to attach a family name to the position.  With the donor’s blessing and the unanimous consent of the Vestry, the EDS Board of Trustees, and the faculty and staff at EDS, the chaplaincy was named for Father Fain for his commitment to the highest level of Christian formation in the church and school.

Pastor Lisa then invited students to bring a representative offering of canned goods to the altar to be blessed, as EDS’ annual food drive begins next week.

Not only were we fortunate enough to have Bishop Benhase give a sermon during chapel, but he also stayed for a long lunch with some of our fifth through eighth grade students. In the intimate gathering, each student had a conversation with the Bishop, introducing themselves and asking questions. The students wanted to know at what point did he know the Holy Spirit was calling him to be Bishop, what the downsides are of his position, and why he wears all of those interesting hats. Bishop Benhase also spoke about his many international travels and how important they were in his education as a priest – a fantastic point to make as our school embarks on the launch of a new international travel program.

So though it is definitely not sunny outside, our hearts are shining as we depart today to spend the rest of the week with our loved ones.

Happy Thanksgiving, and… In Everything Give Thanks.

Click the photo to view the full Thanksgiving photo album.
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In case you missed the live streaming of Thanksgiving chapel, here is the full video:

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