Masterworks students helped with online learning
COVID-19 upended their routines and closed their school. But the children of FPC’s Masterwork Academy for Faith & Fine Arts never stopped singing and dancing and creating this fall.
In the face of a pandemic, Masterwork Academy entered its fourth year of ministry by expanding to five days per week and adding hours to support Anderson Elementary students in their academics.
“If there were ever a time to equip children to reflect their Creator by creating beauty and good, it is now.”
– Jenette McEntire,
Executive Director
Masterwork Academy traditionally has operated as an afterschool program, providing students with professional instruction in ballet, music and the visual arts – all in a framework of teaching the Gospel. Moving to five days a week also allowed the program to add a physical fitness component. The program is funded by income generated from leasing office space in FPC’s 8:10 Building.
When Tulsa Public Schools closed for the first nine weeks of the fall semester and shifted to online learning, Masterwork opened early so the children could eat lunch, access Wi-Fi and receive help with their lessons.
“The sheer delight received when little faces break out in smiles while hurrying to get a hug upon arrival EVERY day as they hop off their buses. Feeling the presence of our loving Father and seeing his creation in each and every one of them is bliss–Praise the Lord. I have so many new and precious memories of these children our God has brought to First Presbyterian during this crazy and trying time of COVID-19, and I truly am excited more will be added," said Rita Helwege, Masterwork volunteer.
Masterwork is founded on Ephesians 2:10: “For you are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
“The word ‘workmanship’ connotes a masterwork of art—exactly what we are teaching our students to become in Christ and create as they work toward mastery in the arts.” – Jenette McEntire.
Masterwork couldn’t function without daily volunteers. Adult and teen helpers serve as “champions” who encourage the children in their studies. You don’t need any special artistic skills to serve, McEntire said, just a love for children and Jesus.
If you would like to join in these “good works,” please contact Masterwork Program Coordinator Kelly Brown at kbrown@masterworkacademy.org or 918-370-0207 for more information.