Celebrating a 62-Year Era

“My mom often told stories of picking up my brother Andrew from school, and he would burst into tears every day,” laughs Elizabeth Haas, Office Administrator of the Grinnell United Church of Christ. And we’re guessing that over the years, he’s not the only one who loved this much his time spent at Grinnell UCC’s Preschool.

Grinnell United Church of Christ is celebrating their role in providing 62 years of preschool in Grinnell after the program was sunset this academic year. Jeananne Schild, church member and long-time enthusiast for UCC Preschool, shared that the preschool began in 1964 when Esther Bethel and Eleanor Dewey saw a need for safe, educational preschool.

The preschool served as the first licensed facility in Grinnell and was open to anyone in the community. “We were fortunate to have many amazing educators during that time,” shared Schild. Over the years, the preschool has educated many individuals and several Ambassadors shared their own connections – some having attended the preschool themselves, while some have had children or grandchildren attend, and others who had family members who taught and worked in the school.

After so many decades, the preschool touched the lives of many families, making it hard to find someone in the community who doesn't have a connection to it. UCC members Schild and Jo Becker are part of a committee calling former students to join in the fun! Former teachers, board members and, of course, students, are invited to join Schild and Becker on the UCC lawn around 4:45 PM ahead of the Homecoming Parade next Thursday, October 1 for a group photo. The church will also celebrate the preschool during the Chamber’s annual Jingle Bell Holiday event on Friday, November 20. The community is invited to share stories, reconnect with former classmates and teachers, and reminisce about time spent at UCC during the event.

“The preschool was just one shining example of how Grinnell UCC put its values into action,” shared Rev. Dr. Jessica Margrave Schirm. She highlighted two other ministries that work to reflect their core values of education and community: Our Whole Lives (OWL) and Suds of Love.

“We have been hosting OWL for a decade now,” Schirm shared. The program, which offers a comprehensive sexuality education program, offers honest and accurate information about sexuality while also dismantling stereotypes and assumptions. While it is primarily geared for teens and young adults, the curriculum focuses on how to foster healthier relationships, building self-acceptance and self-esteem.” The program – like many of their ministries – are open to all, regardless of church membership.

Many local organizations and churches already work to address housing and food insecurity, but UCC recognized an opportunity to help with another everyday expense: laundry. Beginning in 2023 as a response to a community need, Suds of Love was established. The event is held on the last Wednesday of each month from 4-7 PM providing an opportunity for anyone in need to come together to do laundry. No questions asked. In the event someone cannot attend the monthly opportunity, vouchers are available for those who need them.

“It’s so much easier to love your neighbor when you know their name,” says Schirm. “And that’s the goal for each of our ministries.” For Grinnell UCC, that means recognizing community needs, responding to them, and finding ways to put their core values into practice, both within the church as well as the broader community.

Chamber Ambassadors:

Natalie Pavey — Cirks Financial Services

Marcus Brandenburg — Anthem Heating & Cooling

Karen Dillon — Grinnell Remodeling

Jeananne Schild — UCC Church Member

Jo Becker — UCC Church Member

Blake Pearson — Converge Chiropractic

Elizabeth Haas — Grinnell United Church of Christ

Rev. Jessica Schirm — Grinnell United Church of Christ

Trent Arment — MCG - Mahaska Communication Group

Monica St. Angelo — Grinnell Area Arts Council

Nicolle Donnelly — Poweshiek Insurance Agency