LOG IN

Episcopal Schools Celebration

HomeEpiscopal Schools Celebration

Episcopal Schools Celebration 2023

“Run with perseverance the race that is set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1)

October 1–7, 2023

About Episcopal Schools Celebration

Episcopal Schools Celebration (ESC) celebrates the ministry of the nearly 1,200 Episcopal schools and early childhood education programs throughout the Episcopal Church. Whether it is at school, the parish or cathedral or at a diocesan-wide service or event, ESC is the time to give thanks and to proclaim to your community and the Church the good news that is your school!

Observed the week beginning with the first Sunday in October, ESC highlights a different aspect of Episcopal school identity and mission through the event’s theme. Below you will find resources to help you plan your celebration. A free poster is mailed to each member in late August.

Share your ESC activities on social media using #EpiscopalSchools

Resources

Two printed posters will be mailed to member schools. If you would like to request additional copies, you can order them for free via the NAES store. Shipping is also free.

Lessons

The below-listed suggestions are arranged according to the Book of Common Prayer pattern for the Liturgy of the Word, but use as many or as few lessons as suits your school’s needs.

Hymns

In addition to your school hymn and other favorites, you may wish to includes one or more of these hymns:

The Hymnal 1982

H 293 – I sing a song of the saints of God
H 362 – Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty
H 381 – Thy strong word did cleave the darkness
H 420 – When in our music God is glorified
H 530 – Spread, O spread, thou mighty word
H 548 – Soldiers of Christ, arise
H 594/595 – God of grace and God of glory
H 607 – O God of every nation
H 618 – Ye watchers and ye holy ones
H 687/688 – A mighty fortress is our God
H 690 – Guide me, O thou great Jehovah

Wonder, Love, and Praise

WLP 782 – Gracious Spirit, give your servants
WLP 793 – Here, O Lord, your servants gather (Sekai no tomo to te o tsunagi)

Lift Every Voice and Sing

LEVAS 97 – Ride on, King Jesus
LEVAS 194 – Lead me, guide me
LEVAS 202 – The church of God must now prevail

My Heart Sings Out

MHSO 55 – May the Lord, mighty God
MHSO 60 – My heart sings out with joyful praise
MHSO 127 – One more step along the world I go

Voices Found

VF 90 – God of freedom
VF 94 – In boldness, look to God

Collect for Episcopal Schools Celebration

God of knowledge and wisdom, we pray to you for all the schools across this country, which are part of the Episcopal Church. We remember them in their variety, in their differences, and in what they share. Give us open doors, open minds, and open hearts that we might accept, learn, and love everything and everyone whom you have given us. Help us to share our lives and what we have, and to learn from all those who are in school with us. We pray in the name of Jesus who opened his arms to all, young and old. Amen.

From John F. Smith, Cycle of Prayer for Episcopal Schools, 2nd ed. (New York: National Association of Episcopal Schools, 2008), 4.

Save these Dates!

Episcopal Schools Celebration 2022-2023
October 2–8, 2022

Episcopal Schools Celebration 2023-2024
October 1–7, 2023

Episcopal Schools Celebration 2024-2025
October 6–12, 2024