OEL – Ora et Labora

OEL – Ora et Labora

PRAY AND WORK
Partnering with families to serve, support, and build up the school community through Christ-centered action.

If you’re new to Sussex Christian or just learning about OEL, we’re so glad you’re here. OEL stands for Ora Et Labora, which means “Pray and Work.” We’re a parent-led group that supports the school through service, prayer, fundraising, and connection. 

You don’t have to sign up or commit to anything big. Just start somewhere. Every parent is welcome, and every act of service helps build something lasting. 

Welcome! We’re glad you’re here!

Watch this video to meet Annette, OEL President, and learn how to get involved.

Download the OEL Welcome Packet

What is OEL?

OEL is the parent organization at Sussex Christian School. Our goal is simple: to reflect Christ’s love through practical service, prayer, and generosity. We step in to support the school in ways that go beyond the regular budget and we build community while doing it. 

Whether it’s hosting an event, serving lunch, or helping behind the scenes, OEL exists to strengthen our school through the power of shared service. 

How We Serve the School 

  • Fall Festival – A community-wide tradition featuring food, games, crafts, and fun 
  • Dinner & Live Auction – A night of generosity that raised over $85,000 in 2023 
  • Walk-a-Thon – A student-led fundraiser supporting classroom improvements 
  • Gertrude Hawk Sales – A spring tradition helping fund outdoor learning spaces 
  • I:55 Book Fair – A faith-based book fair that fulfills classroom book wish lists 
  • Hot Lunch Program – Meals served to students throughout the school year 
  • Library Help – Volunteers supporting reading and organization in the lower grades 
  • First-Day Photos – Every child’s year starts with a photo and a smile 
  • Teacher Appreciation – Coordinated moments to encourage and support staff 
  • CHOP (Christians Helping Other People) – Our school’s outreach initiative 

The Impact of OEL

Behind every event and program is a community of parents working together. Here’s a look at what your time and support make possible: 

  • $74,000+ raised in one evening at the Dinner & Live Auction 
  • $14,000 raised through the student-led Walk-a-Thon 
  • $6,000+ raised through chocolate sales 
  • Outdoor Learning Center expanded 
  • Kindergarten and Pre-K classrooms fully furnished 
  • Dozens of volunteers giving their time, skills, and hearts 

But beyond numbers, the impact is personal: friendships formed, children inspired, and families strengthened through service and shared purpose. 

Ways to Serve

There’s no one-size-fits-all way to serve. Whether you want to jump into an event or help behind the scenes, there’s a place for you. 

  • Volunteer at the Fall Festival, Auction, or Walk-a-Thon
  • Decorate, prep materials, or run a station
  • Bake for an event or donate supplies
  • Help with hot lunch or teacher appreciation
  • Organize library books or write thank-you notes
  • Use your skills — administrative, creative, or logistical

Get Involved!

Fall Festival Volunteer Opportunities

Sign Up

Hot Lunch Volunteer Opportunities

Sign Up

Library Volunteer Opportunities

Sign Up

Did you know? Your time spent volunteering can also benefit your family? Families can receive up to 30 tuition credit hours each school year through service. 

Stay Connected!

OEL meets monthly to plan, pray, and support the school. These meetings are the best way to stay in the loop and hear what’s happening. OEL meeting dates and information can be found in the weekly Home Announcements.

At OEL, we believe in serving with joy, praying with purpose, and building a school community where every family feels seen and supported. Come join us, there’s a place for you here.

  • “Being part of OEL has truly been a highlight of my time as a parent at Sussex Christian School. From volunteering at the Fall Festival to helping with the Auction, I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work alongside so many amazing parents. Those shared experiences created meaningful connections and made me feel even more rooted in the SCS community. I’m grateful for the chance to use the gifts God has given me in ways that support the school and serve others. It’s been such a joy to contribute through creativity, teamwork, and a lot of behind-the-scenes planning! Serving on the OEL board has allowed me to see the impact our efforts make in real time. It’s been such a blessing to play a role in raising funds that directly benefit our children and help the school continue to grow and thrive. I’m thankful for the experiences, the friendships, and the joy of knowing that even small contributions can make a big difference.”
    Annette
    SCS Mom
  • “My name is Katie Brands. My husband, Josh, is a graduate of SCS and we have 6 children. Our oldest graduated in 2021, and we currently have a child in 2nd, 3rd grade and Kindergarten, and 2 still at home. OEL has been a blessing to me. I started attending when our oldest started at SCS in 1st grade. OEL is a great place for new parents to meet other parents, get involved, and really see God’s hands and feet at work for our children, school, and community. Throughout the years I’ve attended OEL meetings and been a part of the prayer and fundraisers, I have seen the amazing things that a small group of parents can accomplish to purchase new things for our school, come together for those in need (meals for sick members in the community, funeral luncheons, etc), renovations, and much more! We would love for you to join us and see for yourself! Sometimes it can seem overwhelming, but with the hands of many and helping when and where you can, you will truly be blessed.”
    Katie
    SCS Mom
  • “My name is Marlene Meyers, and I am an alumnus of Sussex Christian School.  My two daughters have also graduated from Sussex Christian School.  I can remember going to my first OEL meeting and thinking to myself how out of place I felt and not sure if this was really something I wanted to do.  I continued to go to the OEL meetings and found out something about myself that I never knew and met a great group of Christian parents. I learned that I have a talent with organizing events which up until OEL meetings, I had no idea.  I have made some very good friendships through OEL.  My daughters are both in college now, but I continue to be a part of the SCS Community.  I am currently a School Board Member and help wherever I can.  Being a part of OEL and the SCS Community has been a blessing for me.  Sussex Christian School will always hold a special place in my heart.  If you have the opportunity, please come out to an OEL meeting and give it a try.  You will be lucky enough to meet a great group of ladies dedicated to Sussex Christian School.”
    Marlene
    SCS Alumnus
  • “My name is Felicia Mann and I am the current Vice President of OEL. Our family has been part of Sussex Christian School since 2020. I couldn’t volunteer right away due to my work schedule and honestly, I didn’t really know how I could fit in. I saw all the emails asking for help, but I couldn’t make the time. My work schedule changed, and I felt the need to start being a part of the school. I started by attending the OEL meetings. I felt influenced by the group of women running the meeting and it hit me how much volunteering can help the school. The best part is I can be involved in my child’s school and see them throughout the day. An opportunity came up to become the TRIP coordinator and I jumped on it! I’ve grown many relationships and got to know many new families.

    My husband Anthony also volunteers! He’s currently on the building and grounds committee. During the years of being a member of OEL – My family and I have coordinated the car show for the fall festival, cooked baked goods for Country Store, cooked turkeys for the Thanksgiving feast, helped make over 800 chicken pot pies for a fundraiser, helped with the color run, helped in many ways with the school’s Auction and Dinner, shopped for hot lunch, and coordinate and lead the annual I55 Book Fair.

    I am so thankful for this experience and excited to see the path God has for myself, my husband and our 4 children at Sussex Christian School.”
    Felicia
    SCS Mom