Over 800 Early Childhood Educators from across the state gathered in Montgomery (outside of Houston) to attend the Texas District Early Childhood Educators’ Conference held January 28-30, 2016. This year’s conference theme was “I Love to Tell the Story” from Joel 1:3 “Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children and their children to the next generation.”

Conference attendees were blessed to have Rev. Chris Singer, Trinity-Klein, Spring, and Rev. Doug Bielefeldt, Shepherd of the Hills, San Antonio, lead worship times along with Pat Blake, Music of Arts Director, Trinity-Klein, Spring. An added treat was a performance by The Outloud Choir, a group of students from Trinity-Klein Lutheran School, led by their Director of Children’s Ministry, Mrs. Jeanette Singer.

Conference attendees were inspired by keynote speaker Shannon Perry, author, recording artist, TV and radio star. Additionally, they were riveted with humor and challenged by Albert Wright, a Master Level Trainer, with more than 20 years in the child care industry. Roy Wooten, Executive Director of Shield Bearer, was the footnote speaker who inspired us to be “brilliant storytellers”.

Each year, as part of the conference program, we have the opportunity to recognize individuals for their outstanding service to children and their families. On Saturday, January 30, Dr. Bill Hinz, Director of School Ministry at the Texas District, presented the plaque for the 2015 Early Childhood Educator of the Year to Mrs. Teri Bielefeldt, St. Paul Lutheran Church and School, Ft. Worth.