Creating a safe and collaborative environment
Sy·ne·rgy \‘si-ner-jē: with Central States and
Jessica Jacobs is the principal at V. Lindsay Elementary School in Kansas City, Kansas.
When Dollars for Scholars was announced (an initiative to celebrate a conference-wide Education Day, boost Central States’ scholarship matching monies and bless our schools with funds) Pastor Ikner’s church was the very first to respond to the call. The congregation’s generosity was a much-appreciated blessing on top of their previous assistance when the school was unfortunately burglarized last school year. Linwood not only opened its hearts but its doors to the school for an education emphasis Sabbath in the fall, when the children sang praises to God in music ministry, and Judge Kevin Harrell presented the
Joann M. Herrington is superintendent of education for the Central States Conference.
Joseph Ikner
Kansas-Nebraska educators the interaction of elements at the August 2021 Teachers that when combined produce Convention. A child whose a total effect that is greater mother was a member of the than the sum of the individHoliness Church and whose ual elements, contributions, father was Baptist, he did etc.; synergism. not initially grow up in the That’s the definition Adventist faith. However, Dictionary.com gives, but as during his elementary and the old saying goes, a picture middle school years through is worth a thousand words. two years of high school, At V. Lindsay Seventh-day he attended an Adventist Adventist Elementary School school—Ramah Jr. Academy in Kansas City, Kansas, synin Cleveland, Ohio, which he ergy is a living reality in the says changed the trajectory of collaborative and supportive his life. After majoring in therelationship between local ology at Andrews University, pastors and school staff. he entered the gospel minisPastors Joseph Ikner, try. Before his father’s death, Greg Fontus, Pedro Vargas Pastor Ikner experienced and Gary Collins (who the joy of seeing both his just recently joined the KC parents become members of team) are the pastors of the Adventist faith. He and the Kansas City metro area his wife, Nordia, are now Central States churches. the pastor and First Lady at Though they could be Linwood, and he also serves satisfied that their churches as the ministerial director for faithfully send monthly Central States Conference. financial support, they Throughout the 2021-2022 willingly go the extra mile school year, Pastor Ikner led to give of their time and tal- V. Lindsay’s school board ents to the school’s program. in the effort to look at all Ikner, pastor of the aspects of the school program Linwood Boulevard Seventh- and create a comprehensive day Adventist Temple, is five-year strategic plan. The the area pastor with the planning committee faithfully longest relationship with V. met monthly, despite the Lindsay. His enthusiasm and challenges and disruptions of passion to foster a thriving COVID. V. Lindsay’s strategic school spring from his own plan was completed in time experience with Christian to present it to the school’s education, which he shared constituency in April.
morning message. Ikner and Fontus have also assisted V. Lindsay in a special online project called Faith Talk Fridays—God Loves Me: 28 Ways. Student hosts Jada Harlin and Isaiah Lewis have been sharing the 28 fundamental doctrines of the Adventist Church with other children. Both pastors have contributed to the online discussion during the Facebook Live events. Prayers and words of encouragement have been offered to educators when they, students or their family members have been ill or when trying circumstances arise. Additionally, all pastors take time to be present and lend their counsel at school board meetings. We’re so thankful for this dynamic pastoral/educator synergy that, combined with God’s blessing and provision, provides scholars an atmosphere of academic support and spiritual care.
