Tuesday School grads with their certificates and sponsors include Mary Lou Blackley, Daniel Cox, Lewis Slaughter, Xavier Payton, Damarion Payton, Jarell Ball, Franklin Williams and Shelia Mitchell.
Winnfield’s Tuesday School, part of the local Caring & Sharing Ministry, held graduation January 23 for its high school students, some who have attended the weekly program since it started five years ago.
Tuesday School is an after school program that teaches God’s Word in a safe environment. It is designed for children pre-K through 8th grade. Previously, the program ran through high school but now those older students are graduated.
Although a number of students received this Tuesday School honor, due to bad weather only four were present for the ceremony.
Rev. Shaun Garner, pastor of the host site First Assembly, addressed the graduates, saying “We want you to know Jesus and how He loves you.” He quoted Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Pastor Shaun said, “You are strong and courageous. Don’t let others decide for you. You decide for Jesus and go forward.”
Part of the weekly routine at Tuesday school is Christ-centered boot camp training. On this day, every child whether graduating or younger, received their very own chain and dogtag with their name on one side and “Tuesday School” on the other. The graduates were each presented with a certificate and an additional medallion for their dogtag.
Children enjoyed their usual refreshments as well as a special cake commemorating the occasion with “Congratulations Graduates” emblazoned atop.
Tuesday School was launched five years ago at First Presbyterian Church but soon outgrew that site and shifted to First Assembly where a bus ministry was added to help grow participation. This Christian service continued even during COVID when snacks and individual lessons were delivered weekly to the children’s homes by volunteers.
Activities got back to normal following the pandemic and as attendance continued to grow First Baptist, East Winnfield Baptist and First United Methodist churches began to assist with the bus ministry. At Christmas, gift bags were prepared and the total of students at that point numbered 55. “It’s a God-thing,” observed volunteer Jane Purser.
