Raggedy Ann Preschool

Today is a bittersweet day. We celebrate the last Graduating class of Raggedy Ann Preschool. What an incredible journey it has been. Thank you to all of our wonderful families. We will miss you all.

After more than sixty years of serving children and families in our community, our church preschool, Raggedy Ann Preschool, will not reopen after this school year concludes.

This has not been an easy decision. Raggedy Ann Preschool has been a beloved ministry of our church for generations. Through it, children have learned, grown, and been cared for in an environment shaped by faith, kindness, and love. Many in our congregation carry cherished memories connected to this preschool—as parents, grandparents, staff, volunteers, or former students themselves.

Over the past several months, church and preschool leadership have engaged in careful prayer, conversation, and discernment about the future of Raggedy Ann Preschool. We explored multiple options and set clear benchmarks related to staffing and enrollment that we believed were necessary for the preschool to operate responsibly and sustainably. Unfortunately, those benchmarks were not met. When combined with the broader challenges facing early childhood programs today, we came to the difficult conclusion that reopening next year would not be viable.

We want to be clear: this decision is not a reflection of the quality of care, commitment, or love shown by the preschool staff. We are deeply grateful for the faithful service of the teachers and directors who have poured themselves into this ministry, often going far beyond what was required. Their work has made a lasting difference in countless lives.

We also recognize that this news brings sadness and disappointment. Grief is a natural response to the closing of something that has meant so much to so many. We share that grief with you. At the same time, we trust that God’s faithfulness to our church and our community continues, even in seasons of change and loss.

Because this ministry has meant so much to our church and community, we will take time to give thanks and honor its legacy together. On May 31, during both worship services, we will celebrate the many years of ministry of Raggedy Ann Preschool—remembering the lives touched, the stories shared, and the faithfulness of God across generations. We hope you will join us as we offer gratitude and blessing for this ministry that has shaped so many.

As we close this chapter, we do so with deep gratitude—for sixty years of ministry, for lives shaped and nurtured, and for the ways God has worked through Raggedy Ann Preschool. We remain committed to discerning how our church is called to serve children and families in the years ahead, even as the form of that ministry changes.

Thank you for your prayers, your understanding, and your continued faithfulness as we walk together through this transition.

With gratitude and hope,
Kim Ankrom (Church Council Chairperson)
Jim Clark (Pastor)

many.as

We had the Potawatomi Zoo visit us today and we learned a lot about our new friends. Thank you Miss Cosette!

No Fooling around here! We're ready for the Easter Egg Fellowship on Saturday at 1pm! Rain or shine!!!!

Families with children walkers thru 4th grade are invited for fun and fellowship! Bring your friends, neighbors and cousins. It's going to be a great time!

Grace UMC Office Closed on Wednesday, January 15, 2026 -

Grace UMC Office Closed on Wednesday, January 15, 2026 The office at Grace UMC will be closed on Thursday, January 15, 2026 due to the inclement weather. Grace UMC adheres to the South Bend Community School Corporation’s guidelines concerning delays and closures. Stay safe and warm, everyone!

School will be closed on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025 due to inclement weather conditions. We will have make up days for Dec 1st and 2nd on Thursday, December 4th and Friday, December 5th. Lunch and Learn will be held on Wednesday and Thursday this week. Thank you for your patience and understanding!

School is underway and we have a fun event to start the year off right! Please join us in the church kitchen tomorrow evening to make some playdough for the preschool to use, to learn why playdough is such an important prewriting tool, and even to make a batch to take home! Please rsvp to this post if you are interested so I can make sure to have enough supplies!

Back to school orientation is August 27th and 28th from 6:30-8:00! Your teachers will mail out your information packet on Monday or Tuesday of this week! Your packets will have a sign up link for your timeslot for orientation.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we are going through transitions and training new staff!

✨ Dear Raggedy Ann Families,

After much thought and prayer, I have decided to step away from my classroom teaching position at Raggedy Ann Preschool. While I will miss being with the children each day, I am grateful that I will continue serving as Director, supporting our teachers, families, and little ones in new ways.

I also wanted to share some exciting news—I've joined the team at East Bank Learning Center (pictured here with my new coworkers 💛). This opportunity allows me to keep growing as an educator while still staying connected to Raggedy Ann as your Director.

Thank you for the trust, love, and support you’ve given me. I treasure the memories we’ve made together and look forward to walking this next chapter with you!

With gratitude,
Kim Holder