St. Thomas Christian Preschool opens for 3 and up

submitted by Elissa Holleran Weidmayer

Jesus said, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And He took them in His arms and blessed them, laying His hands on them. Mark 10:14–16.

Jesus loves children. That might sound overly simplistic, but sometimes the truth is that simple. Jesus loves children — He cares for them; He blesses them; He teaches them; He wants to lead them all the days of their lives: from their conception in the womb unto the day they leave this earthly life. Jesus loves children and wants children to know His love for them.

The congregation of St. Thomas Lutheran Church has always understood this urgent need for making Jesus’s love known to children. In previous years, God provided means for the congregation of St. Thomas to meet that need through Freedom Childcare. When the time came for Freedom Childcare to close, God provided a new means and opportunity to make known Jesus’s love through St. Thomas Christian Preschool.

St. Thomas Christian Preschool is a mission and ministry of St. Thomas Lutheran Church. St. Thomas Christian Preschool not only educates children ages 3 and 4 in basic skills they will need for kindergarten and beyond but also, more importantly, teaches them the foundational truths of who Jesus Christ is and what He has done for them. These foundational truths are learned by hearing, singing, and praying the Word of God in Chapel services and through Christ-centered curricula.

Learning these foundational truths, just like learning the alphabet and numbers, are the key to recognizing the goodness, beauty, and love that God has designed for and in His creation. This goodness, beauty, and love God has designed is found ultimately and most clearly in Jesus Christ. That is why Jesus came to earth; that is why He died and rose again; that is why He calls each one of us to Himself; that is why He loves children. That is why St. Thomas Christian Preschool is opening.

The new director of St. Thomas Christian Preschool, Ms. Ashley Damm, describing her intent for the preschool, writes:

“As the new director of St. Thomas Christian Preschool, I am thrilled to share our transition from a daycare to a dedicated learning environment. With over 12 years of experience in education and two years as a director, I am passionate about creating spaces where young minds can thrive. I hold a degree in Child Development and Learning, and my vision for this preschool is to establish a warm, homelike environment where children can grow and explore, while deepening their faith.

“I am inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, which emphasizes child-led learning and a connection to natural environments. The location of our preschool couldn’t be more perfect: set back off the road and sprawling hillsides behind us — it’s truly a beautiful space. In the classroom, I will combine High Scope curriculum with Concordia’s One in Christ curriculum, ensuring our students receive both academic growth and spiritual nourishment.

“After a summer filled with cleaning, organizing, and transforming the space, I couldn’t be more excited to welcome families into this new chapter for St. Thomas!”

Jesus loves children. He cares for them; He blesses them; He wants to lead them all the days of their lives. Come to St. Thomas Christian Preschool where He makes His love known to them.

St. Thomas Christian Preschool is located at 8753 Pleasant Lake Rd in Freedom Township and can be reached at (734) 997-9116 or sttcpreschool@gmail.com.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.