Woodworking Guild

Dear St. Benedict Hall Families,

I wanted to share a brief overview of our St. Benedict Hall Woodworking Guild plans for the coming year.

This year, we plan to meet for one to two projects each semester, giving our young woodworkers opportunities to build practical skills while reflecting on the themes of Creation, Breaking Bread, and Worship.

Our first project is returning by popular demand from last year's cohort. The children will continue developing their scroll saw skills by bringing a drawing of their favorite flora or fauna of the Islands and transforming it into a wooden art piece. This project celebrates God's creativity and invites the children to observe and appreciate the beauty of His creation through craftsmanship.

Lord willing, our second project will be to create handcrafted cutting boards. These will serve as a reminder of the Lord's delight in the breaking of bread and the fellowship shared among the saints. As the children build something useful for their home, we hope they will also reflect on the joy of hospitality, communion, and gathering around the table.

Looking ahead, we also hope to devote time to projects that directly bless our church community. Some ideas include crafting a candle holder for All Saints and potentially building a new processional cross for our West Oahu church plant. These projects would give the children the opportunity to use their growing skills in service to the Church while seeing how their work can contribute to worship and the life of our congregation.

Because this is a woodworking class, safety will always be our highest priority. The children will be working with both hand tools and electric tools, including scroll and mitre saws and other woodworking equipment. While every project is carefully supervised and safety instruction is provided before any tools are used, these tools do pose real risks if they are not used properly.

For that reason, participants should be 10 years of age or older and of sufficient maturity to listen carefully, follow directions, remain attentive throughout the class, and use good judgment while working. If a child is unable to consistently follow safety expectations, they may be asked to observe rather than participate with the tools for that session. Parents know their children best, and we ask that you prayerfully consider whether this environment is a good fit for your child.

Each child should also bring:

• Safety glasses (ANSI-rated eye protection is preferred)

• Hearing protection (earmuffs or earplugs)

• Closed-toe shoes

• Clothing appropriate for shop work (avoid loose sleeves and tie back long hair)

To ensure each child receives adequate instruction and supervision, enrollment will be limited to 6–8 participants. Spaces will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

The only cost for the class will be to cover the materials used for each project. Material costs will be communicated in advance of each build and will typically range from $20–$40 per class, depending on the project.

If your child is interested in participating, please email Uncle Matt at matthew.helton33@gmail.com to reserve a spot; please title the email "SBH Woodworking Guild”.

We are excited for another year of learning, creating, and serving together. It is a joy to teach these practical skills while reminding our children that craftsmanship is one way we can exercise faithful stewardship of God's creation and use our gifts to serve His people.

Thank you for your continued encouragement and support of these young craftsmen and craftswomen. We look forward to seeing what the Lord will accomplish through their hands this year.

Blessings,

Uncle Matt