LCMS Preschool is 25 Years Old
Mothers’ Day Out Preschool of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Fairfield opened its doors 25 years ago and recently celebrated with a congregational potluck and a public Open House.
Mothers’ Day Out Preschool began in 1983 after Rev. John Sattler, his wife Meg, and Immanuel member Dorian Atwood researched and worked together with the congregation to open the only Lutheran preschool in the area. Mothers’ Day Out Preschool has been blessed throughout these 25 years with staff members who are also members of Immanuel.
The first lead teacher was Becky Orr, who was assisted by Marcia Holst, Charlotte Peck, and Cindy Scearcy. After Becky moved away from the area in 1987, member Vicki Eastburn became the lead teacher. Other assistant teachers have been: Sue Kientz, Grace Bogaards, Julia Hafner, Pam Engbrecht, Christe Lamansky, Karen Schewe, and Peggy Mottet. Current Staff & Preschool Committee are: Grace Boards - Administrator Peggy Mottet - Treasuere Corinne Brase - Secretary & Sub Elisa Kretz - Enrollment Chairman Jen McLain - Records/Files Manager Vicki Eastburn - Lead Teacher Pam Engbrecht - Assistant Teacher Peggy Mottet - Assistant Teacher Pastor Mark Brase - Advisor “MDO Preschool is an extension of Immanuel Lutheran.
"We truly feel this is an outreach opportunity for us. Yes, we give these children tools and opportunities to grow emotionally, academically, and socially; yet we also offer them and their families opportunities to grow spiritually as well,” says Eastburn. “Each year we attempt to bring MDO Preschool to our congregation by inviting members to our Christmas and Year-End Programs, and by inviting preschoolers and their families to attend Sunday Morning Worship on a given Lutheran Education Sunday, followed by a potluck for Immanuel members and preschool families.”
“We know other preschools in other areas have struggled at times. We have been blessed with a devoted staff, a supportive congregation, and loyal parents. We believe God has enabled us to grow, change, and continue, by placing the right people at the right time where they need to be. We give Him all the credit”, states Pastor Brase. “What started as a big dream 25 years ago, has become a huge reality for this small church and for the Fairfield community.”
