A Letter from Pastor Steve:

MDO Family,

The start of the year always offers a time of reflection. We spend time looking back on what was and also looking forward to what will be. When it comes to MDO we have much to look back on and much more to look forward to. While 2023 saw some major building transformations, the changes in 2024 will focus on MDO transitions. Before I talk about all of those developments, I have some sad news to share.

As you have probably heard, this will be Carla’s final year as Director at MDO. Her work and effort have helped to make this program all that it is. We are saddened to see her leave, but at the same time celebrate her legacy and all that she has helped to create.

As we began to look at the future of MDO, I told the team that it was imperative that:
Current programming and class offerings remain the same.
Class sizes remain the same.
Our values remain the same.

With that direction, starting this Fall, MDO will now be called LincolnwayKids. While it might seem like a simple name change, we believe this will help better define the program. Positioning MDO within our existing children’s ministry, also allows Harthe Peterson to have greater influence and accountability. As some of you know, Harthe currently oversees the NextGen Ministries at the church. Her leadership and influence will help guide LincolnwayKids as she works closely with the new Director and team.

We are also excited to announce some additions to what we are currently offering. While some details are still be worked out, I am happy to announce that we will be offering 2-year-old classes this Fall! We can’t wait to welcome the little ones back.

For the immediate future, registration for 2024/2025 will open on January 15th for all current families and January 20th for the public. You will be able to register through our app and website.

I am sure you have questions, and I would love to answer all of them. You can email me at sbaker@lincolnway.org or stop by the front office. Let’s grab a cup of coffee (I know a great new spot) and chat. We have also created a website with FAQs that will be updated as we move forward. You can visit Lincolnway.org/MDO to stay up to date on all that is happening.

As we walk into this new season, we are so excited for what will be coming!

Until then, I’ll see you at the Front Doors.

Pastor Steve Baker

FAQ’s

Below are some common questions and answers about this upcoming Fall. Don’t see a question you’re looking for? Reach out to us to learn more.

  • Yes! We are so happy to be able to provide for you what you have come to know and love. At the same time, we are excited to be able to add to the offerings as well with our classes for 2 year olds.

  • While it might seem like a simple name change, we believe this will help better define what this program is all about. We are all about your child and their development. The MDO brand felt dated and did not express all that this program offers. We believe our new name sets the tone for the program and better aligns it with the church.

  • January 15th for all current families and January 20th for the public. We have been working on an online platform that should make registration a breeze. You will be able to access it on our website and app.

  • No. We will be raising tuition by $2.00 a day. While we fight to keep tuition low, we have done so at the expense of our teachers. We believe that they deserve a little more. This small increase will allow us to pay them better.