(PRESS RELEASE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
MISSION OF LIFEWISE ACADEMY … Ira Barrett, Director of Montpelier LifeWise Academy, left, was guest speaker at the Parkview-Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary meeting Monday, Nov. 11th. He was presented an appreciation gift on behalf of the auxiliary by Vice President Elaine Willibey, center. Also attending was Cecelia Fox, right, one of the teachers of classes held by LifeWise Academy Thursdays at St. Paul’s Methodist Church.
Ira Barrett, Director of Montpelier LifeWise Academy, was guest speaker at the general meeting Monday, Nov. 11th of Parkview-Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary held in the hospital conference room at 1:00 p.m.
Auxiliary President Linda Dilworth called the meeting to order and Vice President Elaine Willibey introduced Mr. Barrett and Cecelia Fox, one of the teachers for the academy.
Founded in 2019 LifeWise Academy, a gospel-centered Bible education program, has grown to serve more than 600 schools. Bryan schools was the first in Williams County to offer the program.
This is the second year for the program offered in Montpelier with approximately 150 elementary students enrolled. Classes are held each Thursday during school hours. LifeWise is expected to expand to serve several other schools in the county.
Anxiety, depression and suicides among youth are recorded at an all-time high while church attendance and knowledge of the Bible has declined. This prompted the inception of the LifeWise program.
The U.S. Supreme Court determined that teaching the Bible during public school hours was constitutional and legal in all 50 states under three conditions: classes must be held off school property, the program must be privately funded and parental permission is required for the child’s participation.
Certain steps are followed in the community to organize the classes and are approved by the school board.
Currently classes are held at St. Paul’s Methodist Church fellowship hall in Montpelier and LifeWise provides bus transportation from the school to the classes and back.
Students in the same grade level attend classes at the same time and are split into two groups depending on numbers.
The same lesson is taught at each grade level with different approaches regarding grades. The curriculum is designed to study the entire Bible starting with first grade until the student completes fifth grade.
Members of the staff include the director, three teachers and about 20 volunteers plus bus drivers. Local volunteers serve in six positions on the board of directors. Plans for next year expand to include middle school students and more volunteers will be needed.
Funding for the LifeWise program is entirely by donations. Individuals may sponsor the program for $30.00 per month to help defray costs. Churches are thanked for donating space for holding LifeWise classes.
More information about the LifeWise program is available by contacting Ira Barrett, Director, ph.: 419-551-3530 or email: irabarrett@lifewise.org or online at www.lifewise.org.
Following the speaker, Auxiliary President Linda Dilworth conducted the business meeting with roll call answered to “Where did you attend grade school?”. Thought for the day was “Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom” by Thomas Jefferson.
With this being Veterans’ Day, Gloria Poorman shared with the group about the Veterans Ball held Saturday at the Veterans Memorial Building, Montpelier.
Gloria was honored for her years of dedication and service in the military and VFW post where she is currently serving as commander. She was presented a special award as “Veteran of the Year”. Congratulations, Gloria, and to all veterans—thank you for your service!
Reports were given by Secretary Connie Dunseth and Treasurer Joyce Schelling. Feedback was shared about the Williams County Dept. of Aging Senior Expo held in October at New Hope Church in Bryan.
This event may be held at the same location next year and attendees liked the use of big screens and individual session rooms.
The auxiliary will sponsor the annual “Lighting the Way to Christmas” memorial program on Sunday, Dec. 1st at 3:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Montpelier, with Bill Priest as master of ceremonies.
Memorial angels and luminaries are available to sponsor with names of departed loved ones included on the memorial roster read during the program. Please contact Aux. Treasurer Joyce Schelling, ph: 419-459-4696 before Nov. 27th for more information.
The next auxiliary meeting will be the Christmas luncheon on Monday, Dec. 9th at 12 noon at First Presbyterian Church, Montpelier. Menu includes chicken, cheezy potatoes, green beans, pie and beverage–cost $15.00 per person. Guests are welcome.
Reservations should be made by Dec. 2nd to Linda Dilworth, ph: 419-490-6964. Please bring donations of paper products for the local food pantry and a Christmas greeting card for the hospital card shower.
Speaker will be Jean Wise on “Mental Health-Positive Choices”. Roll call will be “What was your favorite Christmas cookie?”.
