Christ the King is thrilled to be growing through their new partnership with Fairport Montessori Academy. This past spring, the Whitby Ontario church opened its doors to the Montessori school and underwent intensive construction to transform the traditional styled church into a space to share with the Montessori school.
The sanctuary is now a very flexible, open space which accommodates two classrooms and yet fully functions as a worship space on Sunday and a smaller chapel during the week. Comfortable chairs replaced pews for innovative set-ups. More classrooms, an updated kitchen and new bathrooms complete the basement.
On September 14th, the official ribbon was cut while community, church and school members gathered in anticipation. There was so much excitement in the air! The grand opening included face painting, balloon artistry, a live DJ and even a jumping castle for kids.
Reverend Suzanne Nevile, Pastor of Christ the King, is especially excited about the new partnership with the school. “Using the church building every day of the week is a great way to be good stewards. We have been called to use our blessings for good things and this is a great partnership,” she said.
Traditionally, Lutherans have placed a high priority on education and what better way to see this endorsed. Christ the King is and will continue to learn how to share the building, she said. The important thing is that we are welcoming and excited to be sharing the space.
Rev. Eric Vuorinen who attended the official opening of the school and “re-opening” of the church commented: This is the way forward. Christ the King’s partnership with the school could be the proto-type for church buildings of the future.
Pastor Nevile summed it up best: “When you have a church as passionate and hopeful as ours and a school as dedicated and enthusiastic as Fairport Montessori working together in the community, only great things can happen.”
submitted by Abbie Jack