By KRISTIN FRISK
Special to the Bulletin
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church is one of the oldest congregations in Manteca and has a rich history in the education and faith formation of children in our community.
Back in 1982, with an abundance of local Educators leading the charge, it was decided to create a new Ministry in the life of the church: a play based preschool, rooted in spiritual development.
In the Book of Proverbs, chapter 22, verse 6, it says “train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn away from it.”
Over 40 years later, St. Paul’s Preschool is still serving the community of Manteca by way of educating the growing child. In fact, the seeds they planted have grown a new generation of leaders.
Not only did the Preschool welcome its fifth Preschool Director this summer, St. Paul’s Ministry in Early Childhood Education hit a milestone this year as the Preschool celebrated 40 years in business.
The newest Preschool Director, Mrs. Lynae Brown Ovalle is not only a former preschool alumni, she was raised up in the church that she now serves. She joins another familiar face on campus, Mrs. Kristen Frisk, who serves St. Paul’s UMC as the Director of Family Ministries. Kristen, also a preschool alumni and lifelong church member, joined the church staff in 2020 serving families and children through various programs.
Bringing the Preschool and Church into an updated, better functioning web presence, involved another preschool alumni and lifelong church member: Ambra Pinol. Her expertise as a web designer (AmbraJoDesignCo) coupled with her understanding of the identity of St. Paul’s was a no brainer.
The three generational church members who attended St. Paul’s Preschool as fellow students, united in their faith roots, have returned to usher the church and preschool into a new generation of fellowship and faith formation through their individual gifts and talents.
While they each have strong familial links to the church, they bring their own individual presence and energy back to the place that grew those very characteristics within and around them.
Mrs. Lynae Brown Ovalle returns to the US, having spent two decades learning and teaching abroad in Guatemala.
The experience and knowledge she brings after serving as Principal of Inter-American Elementary School while simultaneously earning her Masters in Early Childhood Education is an incredible opportunity for St. Pauls’ families and staff. She also holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Therapeutic and Community Psychology from Point Loma Nazarene University.
Lynae comes from a family of educators, business owners and longtime church members. Education and servant-leadership have always been a part of who she is. She is eager to serve families and excited for the opportunity to influence the next generation of St. Paul’s alumni.
Mrs. Kristen Frisk has been on staff at St. Paul’s UMC for three years. Not only is she a product of the preschool and church, she has worn many administrative and leadership hats over the years: Preschool Secretary, Preschool Teacher, Preschool Board Member, Preschool Parent. She continues to teach at the preschool as a substitute teacher when needed.
Serving as the Director of Family Ministries is her main role, as she is charged with running Children’s and Youth programs, the Open Door Gym after school program, offering monthly Chapel with the Preschool students, creating new opportunities for family and childrens’ fellowship, as well as leading a team of youth and adult leaders.
Ms. Ambra Pinol has honed her marketing and people skills into one of the fastest growing website design companies in our area. When the church needed a new website, it was an easy decision to hire Ambra and the results were impressive.
She has a gift for understanding “who” her clients are, then bringing them to life online. Regarding the church website, Kristen shares that “Ambra increased our ability to reach people by providing a detailed website with an enhanced worship experience online”. She has been diligently working on the Preschools new website that is now LIVE and running. www.st-pauls-preschool.com
Each of these young women have stood firmly in their faith and used it to propel them throughout their lives. There are two resounding themes amongst each of them: they were each raised by BOTH St. Paul’s United Methodist Church AND educators.
The state of the “culture” that exists within our schools is worrisome. The quality of our relationships and interactions is concerning. I cannot think of a greater need in our society, in our communities, than quality education and intentional faith formation. It is a Ministry that St. Paul’s has poured into and seen great outcomes.
Back to School Night for the Preschool is Friday, Sept. 15, from 5 to 7 p.m., followed by Back to Church Sunday on Sept. 17 with worship starting at 10 a.m. All students and educators are encouraged to bring their backpack or briefcase and are invited for a special Blessing and gift during worship.
Take a look at their website for additional opportunities for connection and faith formation that you may be looking for – www.stpaulsmanteca.org.
