The sacred space of our chapel was filled with song, light, and a gathering of committed community members on Tuesday morning. OES' annual Giving Chapel is a chance for our youngest Aardvarks to share their service learning work with family and friends.

After a procession down the aisle by the fifth graders bearing gifts for our seven partner organizations, each of those organizations was introduced to the audience by a student. These fifth grade leaders, as it was explained to the scores of guests, identified needs in the Portland community and found passion around how best to address them.

This year, the students have chosen the Children's Book Bank, Woodburn Family Learning Center, The Pixie Project, Neighborhood House, Reynolds School District, William Temple House, and Refugee Care Collective as partners in the quest to support our neighbors (both human and non!) in need.

Before the celebration came to a close, Lower School Chaplain Mother Heather Wenrick addressed all who had come together in the spirit of community support. "This is unseen work," she said of the efforts made by the nonprofits. "[They] bring a heart and a light for the community we live in." 

Enjoy the sounds of the Lower School Girls' Choir singing "Little Star (Venite Adoremus Dominum)" by Greg Gilpin, and directed by Amy Rheingans.