Boykin Bell: assistant for Christian education

Christina Balderson

Several years ago the addition of Gretchen Jordan as the Director of Christian Education at the Chapel of the Cross began a new era within parish ministry. Clergy and parishioners have come to appreciate the many contributions made and offerings that have become available thanks to Gretchen's hard work and tireless efforts. In an effort to reduce Gretchen's work load and provide additional tools to help the parish navigate its way to ever-increasing educational opportunities, Boykin Bell joins the staff as Gretchen's new assistant in Christian Education.

Boykin and her husband Greg have been involved in educating our children through various Sunday morning programs for several years. This new position within Christian Education will provide Boykin the opportunity to increase her role.

Boykin graduated from Wellesley College in 1990 with a B.A. in Philosophy and then received her M.A. in Philosophy from the University of South Carolina.

In 1994, she married Greg Bell, and because he had a young daughter, she had an instant family. She stopped work to stay home with (eventually) three children. Her step-daughter, Bevin, is now finishing her sophomore year at Wofford College in South Carolina. Together Boykin and Greg have two sons, Jones and Zan.

Christian Education connections for Boykin began when she and Greg met Joy Gattis and he started playing the organ for Children's Chapel, which remains one of his favorite hours of the week. Boykin became a Chapel parent helper. She met Gretchen and started teaching Church School and Vacation Church School. They met Linda Everhart and Jones joined the Cantus (Training) Choir.

Boykin has loved working with Children's Chapel, Children's Church School, Vacation Church School, and the Children and Family Ministry Committee. She has found that the Chapel of the Cross has stretched her ideas about adult Christian Education. She looks forward to becoming more involved in other adult offerings, especially parent gatherings.

When her youngest, Zan, started kindergarten this year, she wanted to look for part-time work but wasn't sure exactly what she wanted to do. In the years she has been home with children, she has done volunteer work inside and outside the church, including nearly seven years as a La Leche League leader and a year as the director of a non-profit cooperative preschool.

The Chapel of the Cross has such vital programs for children and adults. Following the lead of Gretchen's energy and enthusiasm, Boykin is excited and thrilled to be starting work at the Chapel of the Cross. She is also excited about continuing to do volunteer work beyond her official work in Christian Education. "Allison and Ellen, go ahead and sign me up for the 2007 ABC Sale! I had no idea the Accessories Room would be such fun!"

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© 2006 The Chapel of the Cross