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The Order of Saint Lazarus

In a new development at The Covenant School, we are seeing an exciting new order of Knights emerge.  They are our sixth grade students, who are just months from their graduation.  We have decided to call this new order "The Order of Saint Lazarus."  The Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem is an order of chivalry which originated in a leper hospital founded by the Knights Hospitaller in the twelfth century by the crusaders in the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem. 

The Order of Saint Lazarus was one of the most ancient of the European orders of chivalry.  It was originally established to treat the virulent disease of leprosy, its knights originally being lepers themselves. 

From its foundation in the 12th century, the members of the Order were dedicated to two ideals: aid to those suffering from the dreadful disease of leprosy and the defense of the Christian faith. 

The sixth graders at The Covenant School will embark on a semester-long period of service in the spirit of the Order.  Each student will identify a particular service project they would like to accomplish over the first four months of 2011.  This can be alongside an existing ministry or organization in the city of Nashville, a foreign missions effort, or the creation of a project from scratch.  The students are encouraged to explore their particular interests and gifts in this endeavor.  The students will submit a proposal to a committee of Ms. Short, Ms. Johnson, Dr. Graham and Pastor Sullivan in early December.  After the proposal is approved, the students will get the project ready for its start in January. 

At the conclusion of the service projects, the members of the Order of Saint Lazarus will present a summary of their project to the entire school during chapel services in the month of May.  We look forward to watching what the Lord will do through our most upperclass students in the coming semester!