“Tell Us A Story”
“Surely the Lord is in this place and I did not know it”
—Genesis 28:16
This year, our school will unite with Chapel (6-12) co-led by Nathan Hershberger and Shannon Roth and Gathering (K-5) led by Maria Archer around a school wide theme!
Get ready for a year of stories, parables (and a side of hot sauce) as the 2026-2027 academic year embraces the theme, “Tell Us A Story.” This initiative will transform the way students, faculty, and staff experience storytelling in our community. Inspired by the surprise of finding God amidst our life experience, Genesis 28:16 will set the tone. This theme is all about finding the extraordinary in the everyday.
Why Stories?
Well, if it was good enough for Jesus, it’s certainly good enough for us! Stories have been the go-to method for making sense of the world since, well, forever. Whether it’s shorts on social media or spilled tea shared over a coffee, stories are where magic happens to bond people together. This year, we’re diving into narratives that sprinkle salt and light into our lives, offering a fresh take on faith and community, and reorient our path.
How can you join in?
- Students, faculty and staff will be telling their stories, but we want you, too!
- Do you have a favorite parable? Come tell us about it.
- Singing – Do you love to sing or play an instrument? Bonus can you sing while telling a story! Let us know!
Join us for Chapel, Join us for Gathering as we transform chapel into the happiest place on campus. We want to partner with our community, so bring your best ideas and your boldest stories!
Chapel Shenanigans Await:
- Parable Thursdays (September): It’s a weekly storytelling jamboree with:
- Bible classes sharing their text.
- A classic parable reading (with your take on it).
- Epic Mennonite 4 part harmony
New! Hot Seat Chapels start this year! Think “Hot Ones” meets divine inspiration. Each month, brave souls will face fiery hot wings while fielding questions, proving that storytelling can be spicy in more ways than one!
Through the power of storytelling, we aim to weave community, faith, and fun, and finding God in our midst as a result.
So come and join us, it’s storytime!
Eastern Mennonite School is a K-12 private Christian school in Harrisonburg, VA, has been serving students from many faith backgrounds since 1917. EMS aspires to embody the love of Jesus as a learning community where every student belongs, thrives, and joins God’s work in the world. Discover the future of education—register today to visit our K-12 community! Click to explore our admissions page or connect with an admissions counselor for personalized guidance. Start your journey today!
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