What does an elementary school teacher do after she retires? The sleuth has learned that if that person is Kay Okuley, she keeps right on teaching, and one of the places that Kay has continued to keep right on teaching is at First United Methodist Church. 

The Joyful Noise Singers, whose smiles and enthusiastic voices bring us all nearer to God when they sing in worship services, is directed by Kay. These children, ages kindergarten through 5th grade, meet and practice in connection with Mustard Seeds. Most of the children are from First Church families, but as Kay explained, “Some children are from outside our church community and that has resulted in a meaningful worship experience for both the child and the parents who attend worship to enjoy the Sunday morning performance.”  Kay continued, “The kids do well and are pleased to lift their voices in praise once a month. Interestingly, Kay led the Children’s Choir when she was a high school student, and has now returned to that role.

First Church is completing its seventh year with the rotational Sunday School program for elementary children, and Kay has been an integral part of that from the start. “I was asked to do the Christ’s Child Chapel, which is the Bible story portion,” she explained. The committee chose the stories we thought children should know, and I helped plan the curriculum as well as served as a teacher in the Chapel.”

As is often the case, Roger and Kay served as youth group leaders during the years that their own children were involved. She fondly remembers hosting youth activities in their home, and one of the highlights of that experience was a mission trip to the Athens area in southeast Ohio. “Weprovided day care for working mothers while others of the youth worked in teams on home clean-up and painting jobs,” Kay recalls. 

Then there is Bible School. “When my children were little, I taught every year,” Kay mused.  “Recently, I picked that up again, and this year will be special because my grandchildren are coming to spend a week with ‘Mimi and Granddad’ and to attend First Church Bible School. 

Kay’s activities at First Church have not been restricted to children.  Last year she helped plan and teach Tuesday Tool Box, a program designed for caregivers of preschool children.  Topics ranged from early childhood literacyto children’s health issues and child development stages. The session which were held in the evenings included craft activities and food for the participants in addition to the presentation on caring for their youngsters. 

On top of all the fore mentioned involvement, Kay has sung alto in the Chancel Choir since high school.  “I have been in and out over the years as my children were born and grew up, but I suppose it’s been 20-25 years that I’ve sung in the choir,” she estimated. 

It should come as no surprise that when the sleuth called Kay to talk with her about this article, she was about to begin a summer tutoring session with a young student.  Thanks Kay, for all you have done and continue to do in your Christian walk.