State Street Preschool

State Street Preschool A preschool for academic success, community engagement, and Christian virtue. State Street Community Church announces the launch of a new preschool in LaPorte.

Led by veteran educator Kathy Claeys, State Street Preschool will offer both a toddler class (3 year olds) and a pre-K class (4-5 year olds), starting in September 2016. The Preschool will be located within the church facility at 209 State Street. State Street Community Church has recently completed a 4,600-square foot addition to its building, and is excited to use the new space to serve the community. Pastor Nate Loucks says, “We believe that education is a crucial part in helping a community achieve its potential. Not only will this be an academically stimulating environment to learn and grow, it will also be an environment of encouragement and inclusion where Christian virtue is exemplified and modeled.”

The Preschool will offer children an introduction to academic skills necessary for their future educational success, but will also emphasize a foundation in Christian virtue. Every month, students will focus on values such as patience, kindness, and self-control. Students will hear stories about virtue in action, as well as be encouraged to demonstrate these virtues to others. While the emphasis on virtue is inspired by the Christian faith, the preschool welcomes students of all faiths and traditions. Claeys and her staff emphasize that each child is unique, and they are passionate about knowing and caring for each child's individual needs. They seek to create a positive early educational experience through a supportive environment and enriching activities. Classtime will be devoted to music and art, along with early math and literacy skills. In addition to an engaging daily routine, other activities will include field trips to the fire station, orchards, Bellaboo’s Play and Discovery Center, and to a local restaurant to study the five senses. The church has expressed a desire for the preschool to reflect and serve the LaPorte community well. Financial aid will be available for families with anticipated need. For information about the preschool or the financial aid process, parents may contact Kathy Claeys at [email protected] or visit http://statestreet.tv/preschool.

09/29/2025

We had an amazing Fall Event yesterday. We thanked God for everything He has done over the past year, and we look forward to what will happen in and through State Street in the coming year!

Here is Pastor Nate's prayer:

Gracious and faithful God,

We gather today with grateful hearts, giving thanks for all you have done for us this past year. You have been good to State Street Community Church—far beyond what we could ask or imagine—and we pause to remember and rejoice.

Thank you for the life changes you've brought. We’ve witnessed Jesus transforming hearts and habits—among new attenders and long-time members, as well as among young and old. Thank you for the quiet miracles, brave steps forward, healing, hope, and the stories only You could create.

Thank you for the growth we've witnessed. Each number represents a name, and each name is someone you love. As our church has grown, remind us that your heart is for every person—seen, known, welcomed, and invited to follow Christ.

Thank you for the many baptisms we celebrated this year—public signs of your saving grace and the new life we find in Jesus. Strengthen each one to walk with you all their days.

Thank you to everyone who joined our congregation as faithful members and committed partners this year. May they feel deeply connected to this family, and may we all work together to fulfill your mission with humility and joy.

Thank you for the generosity of Your people. Through the faithful giving and tithing of State Streeters, you have sustained the ministry of this church and fueled our mission. We celebrate the work of our ministries like The Pax Center and the ways you’ve multiplied every gift to bless our neighbors.

Thank you to the children and youth who attend, serve, and thrive in our community. It's truly a joy to see more kids and students among us. Bless Brandon Fetters and Michelle Minich as they lead with creativity and care. May we nurture a generation that knows they belong to You and this church family.

Thank you for the discipleship and formation sessions—especially for the classes taught by Pastor Becky, our book club led by Dianne Carpenter, and every conversation that has strengthened our love for Christ and deepened our faith.

Thank you for the Pax Center, our gardens, and green space that demonstrate our care for people and our devotion to God. Under Jamie Buchanan’s leadership, we have been able to feed thousands and serve as a symbol of hope. Let us stay diligent in our efforts and compassionate in our hearts.

Thank you for the State Street Preschool, led by Miss Kathy. For every child learning and laughing, for every family cared for, and for the simple, sacred message that each person belongs.

Thank you to all volunteers—the silent heroes of this church. For First Impressions teams, children’s ministry leaders, coffee baristas, our worship band, and many others who serve faithfully week after week, provide them with joy and strength.

Thank you for our Leadership Team, who wisely and courageously steward the vision of this church. Lead them by your Spirit as they guide us into the future.

And thank you for your faithfulness over these 15 years. You have supported us, corrected us, provided for us, and sent us out. As we look to the future, make us a people defined by gratitude, unity, and love—eager to listen, ready to serve, and bold to share the hope of Jesus.

Bless this gathering today—our conversations, our meals, our laughter, and our rest. Knit us together as one body in Christ, and send us out as your hands and feet in LaPorte County.

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Happy birthday, Miss Kathy! We are so grateful for you!
09/04/2025

Happy birthday, Miss Kathy! We are so grateful for you!

Wishing a very happy birthday to our wonderful Preschool Director, Miss Kathy Claeys! We truly enjoy working with Miss Kathy and feel so grateful to have her in our lives. She is kind, compassionate, and her love for Jesus shines through everything she does.

Join us in wishing Miss Kathy a happy birthday today!

08/25/2025

Address

209 State Street
Laporte, IN
46350

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