Congratulations to us! This past week, Delray Beach was selected for the prestigious “All-America City” award by the National Civic League. This is the third year (previously 1993 and 2001) that our city has received this distinction! This follows being named a “Pacesetter Community” by the nationally distinguished Campaign for Grade-Level Reading.
St. Paul’s has encouraged the Campaign for Grade Level Reading since its inception -supporting Janet Meeks, the City of Delray Beach Education Coordinator (and St. Paul’s member) by hosting meetings and the initial gathering of Delray early childhood providers. Each November, St. Paul’s volunteers are dispatched on Delray Reads Day – into elementary school classrooms all across town. This commitment to children is right in line with the 53 years of St. Paul’s Day School preparing preschoolers for a life time of kindness and learning. And, in line with our St. Paul’s commitment to literacy as evidenced by the creation of Paul’s Place in 2001 as a response to the dismal literacy rates in our neighborhood. And, in line with the actions of parish members like Nancy Hurd (with Phyllis Hammett, Jean Wilmer, Phyllis Carey) who founded the Achievement Center for Children and Families almost 50 years ago! And, in line with the actions of St. Paul’s as a founding member of Family Promise of South Palm Beach County.
This year our Vacation Bible School outreach project was VBS Reads and we have raised 66 books from the Banyan Creek Elementary School reading list to give to the children as a gift – thanks to the generosity of the VBS families and our congregation!
God’s call to us: Children. Literacy. That’s good stewardship.