Together: Preparing Christian Educators for the Future

Since 1959, the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LC-MS) has been training Christian educators entering the profession that eventually came to be called the Director of Christian Education (DCE). The chapters of this book compile topics of interest to both practicing Christian educators and those studying to become Christian educators. Some chapters summarize research about DCEs and the DCE experience while others share years of personal experience as a DCE within a congregation

Training and Pruning Tart Cherries

Training and pruning tart cherry trees is critical to the production of quality fruit. The benefits of proper pruning and training are abundant yields of high-quality fruit. Pruning and training early in the life of the tree is critical to establish the desired tree form, and to make future pruning and maintenance less complicated. It is important to note that not every tree will be picture-perfect, as trees are unique in their shape and form, however, following proper pruning principles will give imperfect trees the best opportunity to produce fruit. The main objectives of pruning are to 1) develop good structure and strong limbs, 2) control the height of the tree, allowing for easier harvest, 3) maintain a new supply of limbs that are of optimal fruit-bearing age and placement, and 4) remove any damaged, diseased, or non-productive growth