One of our key values is service and we make regular space in our calendar for our students, families, staff and faculty to thank those who serve us. In October we showed our appreciation to our community pastors. In November we honored our area veterans. Next week will thank our grandparents.
Pastor Appreciation Breakfast and Chapel
Bethany Christian School honored area pastors with a Pastor Appreciation Breakfast and Chapel on Thursday, October 3, 2024. Over twenty pastors joined us, representing area churches that our students attend. Churches represented included: Armenian Christian Fellowship, Armenian Brotherhood Bible Church, Armenian Christian Fellowship of Orange County, Bethany Church Sierra Madre, Bridge Church, Christ Church Sierra Madre, Christian Assembly, City of Refuge, Crosslife Church, Epicentre Church, Friendship Pasadena Church, Grace Pasadena, Lake Avenue Church, Lighthouse Church, Mandarin Baptist Church of Los Angeles, Pasadena Nazarene, The Chapel Pasadena and Victory Outreach.
The pastors were treated to a hot breakfast with plenty of time for discussion and mutual encouragement. They then attended a special Pastor Appreciation Chapel dedicated to honoring them and their ministry to our communities. The chapel included worship, choir music, students reciting their Bible memory verses, and prayer. After the pastors were introduced to the student body, each pastor paired up with and prayed for the Bethany students and teachers who attend their church. The event concluded with the Bethany Christian School Choir singing special music. This event took place in October which is Pastor Appreciation Month.
Veterans Day Chapel
Bethany Christian School honored area veterans with a Veterans Day Chapel on Thursday, November 7, 2024. Over a dozen area veterans were honored at Bethany Christian School’s annual Veterans Day Chapel. The program was opened with the presentation of the colors by the Sierra Madre VFW followed by the national anthem performed by the Bethany Christian School Choir. Head of School Jon Hawes gave a history of Veterans Day and the 8th grade class performed the poem “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae.
Veterans stood and were applauded for their area of service as the Bethany Choir sang the “Tribute to the US Armed Forces” which includes the songs of all major branches of the military. Commemorative poppies were handed out to all and veterans were also given special commemorative coins. Frank Schifani, board member for Bethany Christian School, read Scripture and prayed. The event concluded with “God Bless America” sung by the choir. Students, faculty, and staff then personally thanked each veteran in a special receiving line followed by a reception for the veterans.