Elaine A. Moyer, Salfordemoyer@dockhs.org
What does it mean to live as a thoughtful Christian in a global society? What do I really want to do with the rest of my life? What gifts and talents did God bless me with? What do I feel drawn to? These are significant questions to ask at any stage of life and at Christopher Dock we seek to provide unique experiences that guide our students as they ask these important questions.One such opportunity occurs each January as our Kingdom Living class launches thoughtful grade 12 students into service or job shadowing. After weeks of being challenged in the classroom to study, think and articulate their beliefs about Jesus, Dock seniors take the initiative to design week-long experiences that relate to their interests and explore life choices.Students recently shared a few of these experiences in chapel: shadowing a doctor and watching surgery; working in a political office and meeting with a senator; exploring television broadcasting and behind-the-scenes production; living on a goat farm and sharing devotions; and serving with the MAMA project in Honduras, working hard and playing soccer with recovering malnourished children.I had the privilege of joining the MAMA (Mujeres Amigas Miles Apart) trip with 12 seniors. Lasting memories include the hard work of cementing seven houses, and serving on medical brigades which distributed worm pills and extracted teeth. The students played with the children and practiced their Spanish. I also experienced Dock students teaming together to make everything happen with grace and care. Discussions were poignant and respectful, covering many “hot topics” of church and life. Relationships were valued even more than the significant work projects that they did. We sat together each evening to talk and ask: Where did you see God today?Life-impacting experiences at Dock extend well beyond the week of senior experiences. Recently a group of three students traveled with Assistant Principle Martin Wiens to Philadelphia Praise Center, home church for two current Dock students, for an evening of youth worship (and ping pong). Sharing in music and prayer, students bridge cultures and find common ground as brothers and sisters in Christ.Traveling to far-away places to build relationships isn’t always required. Intergenerational opportunities at Christopher Dock continue to expand connections with our friends and neighbors at Dock Woods Community. Shared chapel experiences and Gerontology classes continue to build a sense of unity between the two campuses as we discover new ways to learn from and care for one another. The enthusiasm from these friends and mentors brings new meaning and energy to our goal of encouraging Dock students to develop an attitude of life-long learning.
The margin of difference demonstrated by the Dock seniors on our trip to Honduras was exactly what I was hoping to see and what I continue to see in Dock students! Thoughtful Christian young people who are ready, willing and able to pass on what they can to make a difference. I encourage each of us to join these students in being God’s feet, hands and hearts in the world.
