My name is Kris Alexander, and I have been a catechist since 2002.  This year I am privileged to serve as the director of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.  In this role, I will be supporting the catechists and young families in a wide range of ways, but perhaps the most important way is to share my passion for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd children's ministry.
 
Three conversations over two years led me to Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS).  The late Jane Murray introduced our family to Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in January 2000. I clearly recall that life changing conversation with Jane. Honestly, it is what brought us to St. Margaret's.  We longed for children's formation that is grounded in the Bible along with the traditions and liturgy of the Episcopal Church. It was a second life-changing conversation with Elizabeth Connery in the summer of 2002 that led me to catechesis training. Even though I had four children under the age of 8, I agreed to attend the first of eight-weekend training. The third conversation--that in reality was less of a conversation and more of being submerged in the language of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd--was with catechesis trainer Beth Maze. Beth's love for children and CGS is contagious. For the first time, despite being raised in a Christian home, I truly felt the love of the Good Shepherd. I felt at home in the sacred space. 
 
For the last thirteen years, I have been in and out of the atrium, depending on the needs of our family.  Even during the times I haven't been with the children in the atrium, my heart was there.  All of the materials in the atria were handcrafted by catechists and St. Margaret's members. The design of the atria was created and executed by four women at St. Margaret's. Many of the hands that created the materials are no longer with us. It is a deep and rich legacy that the catechists share with the children.  We feel blessed that St. Margaret's has nurtured and supported the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program through the years.  It is a commitment your church community has made to your children.
 
I have been married to my husband, Pete, for almost 27 years.  Our church family has helped to raise our four children.  Sean, age 21, is a senior at Hendrix College and Thomas, age 19, is beginning his sophomore year at Hendrix.  Charlotte, age 15, is a sophomore at Arkansas Baptist.  Olivia is the youngest at age 13 and is in the 8th grade at Arkansas Baptist.  Our children began their Christian formation journey in the Good Shepherd Atrium.  On September 13, I hope that your children will join the catechists in the sacred spaces that have been prepared just for them.