by Katie Whitehead, Director, The Preschool at Christ the King

One of my favorite things about being a part of The Preschool at Christ the King is experiencing first-hand how God brought each and every teacher to be a part of this amazing program. In addition to our faithful staff of teachers, God has brought several people to serve in our ministry sharing their talents, time and love with our children.

Over a year ago, I met with Becca Schwinger at Café Express and asked her if she would possibly consider helping us create a Christmas program of some sort. With full Becca flair, she not only created a program, she wrote, directed and produced the most amazing Children’s Christmas Chapel Service you could imagine! She started at the beginning, with Adam and Eve and beautifully wove the story of the Gospel and the Good News that God had a plan – and his name is Jesus! Our sanctuary was filled with shepherds (some wandering), and angels (some rolling), and Wise Men (crowns falling) and sheep and cows and of course Joseph, Mary and Baby Jesus. We sang Christmas Carols with Michelle Hays on the piano, and listened and responded as Kim Byrd narrated the Bible story. Becca concluded with the words, “It is such a treasure to watch the story of Christmas come alive in the hearts and minds of your young children. It is our prayer that the seeds planted now will be a part of their Christmas story for years to come. As we journey closer towards Christmas day, we hope you will be able to snuggle up with your little ones and read these verses and stories with them. May these words and wonders be treasured in their hearts!”

Here is some insight into who Becca is and why she is such a blessing to have on our team!

Where did you grow up? Where does your family live now?

I grew up in Houston and aside from my four years (ok, four and a half) at UT in Austin, I have lived here my entire life.

Are you named after anyone? How did you get your name?

Nope! But my sisters have always been jealous that I have a fun way to shorten my name…Rebecca is too formal for me.

What was your favorite thing to do or play with as a child?

I rode horses almost every day of my life growing up.

What do you remember about your first years of Preschool or school?

Playing Wonder Woman during recess.

How did you meet your husband?

He was in business school at UT when I was an undergrad but my next-door neighbor here in Houston introduced us over Christmas break one year. It was love at first sight for me…not so much for him.

What are your children’s names and ages?

Corbin, 19 at UT. Cara, 16 at Memorial High School. Charley, 13 at Second Baptist.

What do your children say about having you be a teacher at The Preschool?

They love that I am trying to be involved even on this small scale. They especially love hearing what I call the “blooper reel” from the rehearsals. The Preschool kids are so honest and funny and clever…without even trying to be!

What is your favorite meal to cook at your house?

Ha ha! Funny question.

What do you love to do when you are not at The Preschool?

Attend things my kids are doing. Volunteer for things my kids are involved with. Exercising. Theatre. Texans Football.

What led you to answer the call to be a part of building the Preschool at Christ the King?

Katie is awesome and people want to be a part of awesome things!

One thing that occurred to me as I was working with the kids on the Christmas program was that many of these children have little to no memory about Christmas. They hear what people tell them but they are too young to actually recall Christmas memories. They have no idea what is coming at Christmas. What an awesome privilege to be able to share with them the joy of the Advent season and the coming of the Christ child. And what an honor to be used to plant some of the first seeds in their hearts about what makes Christmas so special. Just like Mary had no idea what was really going to happen at Christ’s coming, these kids have no idea what is really going to happen. And just like Mary treasured and pondered everything in her heart, I pray these little ones, after this season is over, will treasure and ponder everything they have learned and experienced.

What is one word that other people would use to describe you?

High energy and extroverted…and, in reality, I am neither…

What is your prayer for this ministry? And how can we pray specifically for you

Pray for these children to grow in faith and to be fully aware of Jesus’ love for them. Possibly reveal to me ways I can use my interest in theatre and music to help the program grow.