Community of Grace Christian School: New Name, Same School
Community of Grace Christian School (formerly known as Magnuson Christian School) has a mission to develop Christ-centered, academically excellent and caring students in a safe community that develops the whole child - heart, soul, mind and body, preparing and empowering students to become confident, strong and compassionate leaders.
While the name may be changing, the vision for the school is not and, at the core, will remain the same. “We have a vision for the future ministry alignment with Community of Grace Lutheran Church,” Said Nick Boehland, board chairman. “A new name represents a renewed commitment to our mission, vision and brand promise, as well as a chance to strengthen our identity and share it with new people.”
History
This vision began In 2004 when Pastor Steve Mahan looked down the halls of First Lutheran Church in White Bear Lake, saw all that empty space and thought, we should fill this. He and others got together with a vision for creating a different kind of educational option for children in the community. They wanted to create a learning environment centered on Christ where children could learn and thrive and excel academically. They believed that if they could provide children with a biblical viewpoint from which they could approach their lives, they would be giving them a firm foundation on which they could build the rest of their lives. That was his vision and his dream.
Twenty years ago, Louann Lindbeck began as the first director.. “So there I was, in a room with my flip phone and some borrowed furniture. It was more of a storage room than an office, really, but it became the first office for the school and God sat with me there as we opened our doors to our first kindergarten class at Magnuson Christian School.”
In 2016, First Lutheran Church became Community of Grace Lutheran Church, a name that more “fittingly describes the spiritual heart and culture of our church family,” according to then Senior Pastor, Steve Turnbull.
Twenty years after opening their doors, the school continues to grow and thrive with over 150 students enrolled in kindergarten through eighth grade. Seven students participated in academic competitions this year including six at the Science Bowl, and one rockstar at the Geography Bee. Students have participated in seven events where students and families focused on service and community. Field trips offer learning in hands-on environments and student council representatives work to lead their school, organize outreach ministries and make their school program better.
This year, the school celebrates its commendation as “Best School in White Bear Lake” and Heather Norman, the current director said, “This is my 16th year at the school and I absolutely love what I do every day. I absolutely love it. I am here because of the students and our amazing staff, board and ministry partners who help us look for opportunities to grow God’s kingdom here, one child at a time. We offer a wonderful community. It’s unique, it’s special, it’s warm, it is welcoming. Recently I had a parent reach out and share with me that every time she walks into the halls, she feels like it is a big, warm hug.”
This vision of creating a different kind of educational option for children in the community continues to this day. Director Heather Norman explains it this way. “I think one of the biggest differences that sets us apart from the other schools, public or private in the area is that each child comes in and is known. We meet them where they are at. They are seen. They are loved. Academically, there is a lot of individual attention and support offered, small groups within the classroom and from the teacher. We know them far beyond their academics. We know where they are spiritually, we know them personally, we know what they are doing outside of the school day. We know who has a dance recital on Friday or a hockey game on Saturday.”
Darrin Vick, Community of Grace Lutheran Church’s current senior pastor expanded on this sentiment saying, “The vision for the future is ministry alignment with Community of Grace Lutheran Church (CGLC). While remaining distinct organizations, we will pool our resources to enhance our ministry impact, not only on the families inside our program, but also to the surrounding community. What was once two organizations on distinct but parallel paths will become ministry partners who share a ministry campus with an aligned ministry mission to bring the love and grace of Jesus Christ to the community.”
Boehland explained, “Our mission of grace has long-been reflected by both organizations: Seeing people the way Jesus sees people, loving people the way Jesus loves people, serving people the way Jesus serves people and teaching people the way Jesus teaches people. We embody together the holy calling of following Jesus as a community of his grace and helping others know Jesus through us. We are excited for what is next because we are stronger
together.”
Director Heather Norman looks forward to this strengthened partnership and the direction that the school is heading. “We are a fabulous school and we are kind of known as the best kept secret in town.” The secret is spreading, however, as this year the school celebrates it's commendation as “Best of the Press” school in White Bear Lake! Said Norman, “I think that this new opportunity with the name change and moving forward will provide an opportunity for others to learn more about our school and what we offer and I think that will strengthen our programming and certainly continue to help us grow. It will strengthen our partnerships within our ministry partners on campus.”
According to Founding Director, Louann Lindbeck, “The next chapter holds a lot of history and a lot of excitement about what will happen. I think the most important part is that God, who sat with me back 20 years ago in the storage room, is still here. He’s still in charge. And He’s still helping our school grow and move forward. No matter what the name is, the tenants are still the same. The goals are the same: to help children become learned, excellent citizens, and to make them prepared to go out into the world and make a difference.