Principal's News Letter

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Principal’s Newsletter, Charles Strohacker, Principal

CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL
4333 CLEVELAND AVENUE
STEVENSVILLE, MI 49127

June 6, 2011

Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Ephesians 6:10

For You And Your Children

“Repent and be baptized every one of you, in the Name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off – for all whom the Lord God will call.” Acts 2:38-39

I’ve mentioned before how sometimes I must put the newsletter together days in advance of its printing, often wondering, “What might change during the days in between?” Today’s newsletter was actually written a week in advance as I had to prepare to leave town last Wednesday on the junior high class trip.

As I started this newsletter over Memorial Day weekend, the main thing on my mind was the weather forecast. While predictions for Memorial Day were pretty accurate, the forecasters had been somewhat off for the preceding Saturday and Sunday. And, in the days before the class trip, forecasts had ranged from the mid-80’s all the way down to 67 degrees…and then back up to sunny and 80’s. So, what would it be when we were at the Cubs game or Great America?

Forecasting the weather, while it has improved greatly, is still far from perfect. Not so, however, for the prophecies and promises in God’s Word.

One promise in particular is on my mind as we near the end of this school year – the one Peter talks about above, for you and your children.

Despite all our personal failings this past school year, God and His promises have never failed. Through our Baptism in Jesus’ Name, we have indeed received the gift of the Holy Spirit and God’s promised forgiveness.

God’s blessings to everyone in our school family. I pray God’s blessings for you and your family, asking Him to watch over everyone in the coming summer months.

SCHOOL PICNIC

The All-School picnic is tomorrow June 7. Please bring your donation to the kitchen by tomorrow morning. The ladies in charge of this event will transport all the goodies to the site and set everything up. K – 3 will depart at 11:15 and 4-8 will depart at 11:30.

CLOSING CHAPEL

Our last day of school for the 2010-2011 school year is Wednesday, June 8. Closing Chapel, led by Pastor Quardokus, will begin at 10:45 a.m., and school will dismiss at 11:40 a.m.

GRADUATION BANQUET

The 8^th grade Graduation Banquet is Thursday, June 9 at 6:00 p.m. If you have not already purchased your tickets please hurry in to the office and do so. Tickets are $8 per person.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Please join us this summer for a Big Jungle Adventure. Our VBS is scheduled for July 18-21 from 9:00-11:30 with a closing service on Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. If you are interested in helping out please call Amy Cole at 429-7111. Many volunteers are needed to bring this program to our community.

REPORT CARDS

Report cards will be in your church mailboxes by the end of the day on Wednesday, June 15. Everyone has a box in the commons area even tuition families. If you have any questions please call the office at 429-7111.

OFFICE HOURS

Summer office hours are a bit more flexible and somewhat shorter than during the regular school year but by and large, aside from holidays, someone is usually in every day. If by chance you call and don’t get someone, please do leave a message, and we’ll return your call as soon as possible. Mrs. Cole and Mrs. Quardokus will also have a calendar available listing when teachers are on vacation.

BABYSITTING WITH CONFIDENCE

This course is free-of-charge and is available to anyone who has completed 5^th grade or higher. It will be held at the Lakeland regional Medical Center at 1234 Napier Ave on Monday, June 13 from 8:30 – 12:30. Registration is required and class size is limited. Please call Marilyn at 556-2808 or (866)-260-7544 to register.

Also available on Friday, June 17 from 9:00-12:00 is CPR for Babysitters. Cost is $25 and includes booklet and certification card. Registration and payment is due by Monday, June 13. Make checks payable to Lakeland Health Care. Please call Marilyn at 556-2808 or (866)-260-7544 to register.

PICTURES NEEDED

We are in need of pictures for the Yearbook. If you have pictures of the 4^th grade trip to the Airzoo, the 1^st – 3^rd grade trip to Potawatomi Zoo, or the Talent Show please e-mail them to Mrs. Jackemeyer atYearbook@Christ-luth.org . We are also looking for any other fun pictures you might have of the kids.

KELLEY’S BOWL

Looking for something fun, free, and easy for your kids to do this summer? Go to www.kidsbowlfree.com/kelleys and register each child. Receive free bowling passes every week by e-mail for 2 free games per day!

INFORAMTIONAL LETTER

Please check your church mailboxes for a letter detailing the new Registration Fees and Tuition. If you have any questions about these items please stop in or call the office at 429-7111.

May 31, 2011

Memorial Day

I hope you all had a great Memorial Day weekend. I enjoyed Memorial Day until 1971. What?? From just after WWI up until 1971, Memorial Day was observed on May 30. In 1971, however, the National Holiday Act of 1971 took effect, and 4 national holidays that were previously tied to specific dates on the calendar were changed to Mondays. The reason – provide 3-day weekends to government workers (and others). Memorial Day was changed to “the last Monday in May,” and the actual date, May 30, no longer mattered

Except to Mom…

From 1971 until she went to heaven in 1996, Mom let me know every Memorial Day just how upset she was (still was) with our federal government for changing the date. Why such irritation? May 30, was her father’s birthday, and every year we all went to Grandpa’s for a cook-out and to celebrate his birthday. Everyone went because we all had the holiday off. Not just any day, not just the last Monday of May, but the actual 30^th day of May, Grandpa’s birthday. No matter that he was born in Austria in 1899, years before Memorial Day was celebrated uniformly across our country as May 30.

It seems silly, doesn’t it? From the time Mom was born in 1924 through 1970, no matter what had been before, Grandpa’s birthday was on Memorial Day, and she remained extremely upset when that was “taken away.”

Are you laughing? You’re laughing at my mom? Well, maybe now I’m upset. How easy it can be sometimes to hurt one another or be offended.

We’re approaching the end of another school year, and when you put so many people together in one space, especially including such precious things as our children, it’s bound to happen that we occasionally hurt one another.

I thank God for the gift of His Son, Jesus, through whom we have all the forgiveness ever necessary. And, I thank God for the opportunity we have as parents and teachers to teach and model that forgiveness daily to one another and those precious little children He has placed in our care. Please forgive me, and one another, where we have done wrong. I pray you and your family have a most blessed summer in Jesus’ Name.

FACULTY v. STUDENT BASKETBALL

Today is our annual Faculty v. Student Basketball Game, something I look forward to every year. Admittedly, however, each year I’ve had more concern regarding the safety and well-being of staff members, especially those like me who are ‘getting up there in years.’ And, especially in years like this one where the game takes place the day before I’m supposed to leave on the Jr. High Class Trip. I trust we’ll have a great time and thank you to our 8^th graders for once again taking it easy on us.

TALENT SHOW REHEARSL

Act I - Wednesday, June 1 from 3:00-4:00

Act II - Thursday, June 2 from 3:00-4:00

TALENT SHOW

This Friday, June 3 at 7:00 is out talent show! Please give Mrs. Jackemeyer a great big Thank You for all of her hard work in organizing this huge event.

The Harris’s will once again be taking orders for DVD’s of the production for $10. They will also be selling flowers for you to give to your performer. This year the concession stand will be sponsored by the PTL.

All proceeds and free will offerings will go towards purchasing lockers for the middle school.

Art work from the students will also be on display during the talent show. Check out the amazing job our students have done this year before and after the Talent Show.

CHAPEL THIS WEEK IS ON THURSDAY, JUNE 2, ASCENSION DAY.

Please also remember Ascension Day Worship that evening at 7:00 P.M.

JR. HIGH CLASS TRIP

Please keep our 7^th and 8^th graders, faculty members, and parent chaperons in your prayers as we travel the next couple of days. We’ll board a Cardinal bus early tomorrow morning in our parking lot and travel to Chicago for a ride to the top of the Willis (Sears) Tower. Tomorrow afternoon we will be at the Cubs game, and in the evening we’ll enjoy the Medieval Times Dinner Theater in Schaumburg. Thursday our group will spend the day at Six Flags Great America. Please keep us in your prayers. Thanks.

SCHOOL PICNIC

The school picnic is next Tuesday, June 7. Check out the sign-up sheets posted on every classroom door to see what each class is asked to donate. Also, please check with your child’s teacher to make sure that everyone has a ride to the park.

K-3^rd depart at 11:15 and 4^th -8^th depart at 11:30.

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

The last day of school is Wednesday, June 8. Please join us for our Closing Chapel Service at 10:45. Children will be released from their classrooms at approximately 11:40. Bus service will be available for those who need it.

GRADUATION BANQUET

Tickets are on sale now for this year’s 8^th grade graduation banquet. Tickets are $8.00 each and are available in the office. The banquet is Thursday, June 9 at 6:00 p.m. Graduates do not need to purchase a ticket.

BAND PICNIC

Letters went home last week inviting all band members to the annual picnic Monday, June 6 at Lincoln Township Park. The festivities begin immediately following the end of the school day and go until 4:30. If you need further information please contact Cherie Okonski.

5^th GRADE PARENTS

Those who did not attend last week’s Middle School Orientation need to stop in the office and pick-up a new Health Appraisal Form. The State of Michigan has just released a newly revised form and these forms must be on file by the first day of school for all sixth graders.

FIELD TRIPS

Friday, June 3 1^st -3^rd graders will be traveling to Potawatomi Zoo in South Bend. Everyone who is going needs to pack a sack lunch.

Monday, June 6 the Kindergarteners will be going to Power in Motion and then to Lions Park for lunch.

LIBRARY

Please check to see if you have any overdue library books at home. Our volunteers are trying to close up the library for the summer.

LOST & FOUND

Please check the lost and found before the last day of school. Any unclaimed items will be donated to the Church Rummage Sale.

May 23, 2011

Phil’s Friends

Phil’s Friends, Christ-Centered Cancer Support, is this month’s Chapel project, and the founder of this group, Mr. Phil Zielke, will be our Chapel speaker this Wednesday, May 25. As always, everyone is certainly welcome to attend.

Phil Zielke is a graduate of Concordia University, Chicago, and began his teaching career as a fourth grade teacher at Trinity Lutheran, Roselle, IL in October, 2004. Phil’s battle with cancer has had ups and downs: very aggressive forms of treatment, periods of time when he could be in the classroom, as well as relapses that have required him to stop teaching at times.

Phil says that ‘God transformed his life during his fight with cancer, and he wants all cancer patients and their families to have God’s Word to comfort them and the peace of Jesus Christ as their Savior like he has.’ Blessed with an awesome support system and prayer support from the Christian family, Phil began Phil’s Friends to offer similar support to others who face a fight with cancer.

A couple of our CLS teachers have direct contact with Phil Zielke - Mr. Farrand whose son roomed with Phil’s younger brother in college and Mrs. Young who went to school with Phil’s younger sister at Concordia. Thank you, to our teachers for bringing this ministry to our attention and for the support our students will share through their Chapel offerings.

For more information about Phil’s Friends, you may wish to check out the following link: http://www.philsfriends.org/

HAPPY BIRTHDAY - MRS. COLE

Thursday, May 26

JR. HIGH ORIENTATION EVENING

Thank you to our Junior High teachers who organized a day last week for 5^th graders to shadow junior high students and learn about what their schedule will be like for next year.

This Tuesday, May 24, at 7:00 p.m., Mrs. Jackemeyer, Mrs. Beach and Mr. Wallace will hold a Jr. High Orientation Evening for parents of all our 5^th graders. They will provide information about CLS’ Junior High program and be able to answer any questions parents might have. Again, this is a special evening for all parents of 5^th graders who will be entering CLS’ Junior High next year.

GREAT JOB!

My compliments to Mr. Farrand, the CLS Bands, CLS Recorders, Alumni Band, and Jazz Band. What a terrific concert they provided last Tuesday evening!

NO SCHOOL

Keep in mind that next Monday is Memorial Day, and CLS is not in session. Enjoy the 3-day Memorial Day Weekend and God’s blessings as many families will ‘kick-off’ their summer!

BERRIEN RESA PLAYGROUP

I received word last week from Berrien RESA Playgroup Coordinator, Kathy Hanley, that 304 children attended this school year’s seven monthly Playgroup dates at CLS. We look forward to having the Playgroup back in our building again next year, and I hope many of our families with pre-school aged children will attend.

THANK YOU

Special thanks to our Assistant Cameraman, Brian Root, who took up my camera last week and snapped some excellent pictures of the Preschool Road Rally! His pictures are up on the screens.

TALENT SHOW

A note went home last week listing which Act your child is in. There will be practices after school for Act I on Wednesday, June 1 and for Act II on Thursday, June 2. These Acts will practice from 3:00 to 4:00.

END-OF-THE-YEAR PICNIC

The 4^th and 5^th grade room mom’s have been hard at work planning a fun-filled afternoon on Tuesday, June 7. Outside each classroom door is a sign-up for donations. Please be sure to check these out to see what your class is being asked to donate. If you have any questions please contact Teresa Virsik, Pam Mensinger, Karen Rooker, or Angie Lies.

SPORTS PHYSICAL

The State of Michigan has recently up-dated their sports physical form. It has gone from a small card to two full pages front and back. If you have a child that wishes to play sports next year please stop in and pick up a new form. The State requires these to be on file before practicing with a team. If your child wishes to participate in the summer basketball camps these need to be turned in before the camps start. This is for all age levels that participate in sports (grades 3-8). If you have any questions please call Mrs. Cole in the office at

429-7111.

In-coming 6^th graders will receive these and new health appraisal forms at the orientation tomorrow night at 7:00.

EIGHTH GRADE PARENTS

All eighth graders received a Consent to Transfer Records form today. These need to be returned to the office as soon as you have made your decision as to which high school your child will be attending in the fall. If you have any questions please call Mrs. Cole in the office at 429-7111.

GRADUATION BANQUET

Do not forget to purchase your tickets for the 8^th grade graduation banquet. They are $8 per person and may be purchased in the office. The banquet will be held Thursday, June 9 at 6:00 p.m.

JUBILATE CHOIR

The Pizza Party has been moved from Thursday, May 26 to Wednesday, June 1. This came about at the request of the students. Most of the students will be at the Talent Show rehearsal on Thursday.

FIELD TRIP

The fourth graders will be traveling to the AirZoo in Kalamazoo on Thursday, May 26. They will leave at 8:30 and plan to return to the school by 3:30. Everyone who is going on this trip needs to bring a sack lunch. Please see Mr. Farrand if you need more information.

MINI-FIELD DAY

Our first through fourth graders will have their field day on Friday, May 27. Remember these students are to arrive at 10:00 and will be released at the normal dismissal time for those who ride the bus.

May 16, 2011

Get Off!

“Get off! Get Off!! GET OFF!”

Late 1950’s - my mom yelling at my brothers and me to get off her freshly waxed (and still wet) kitchen floor? Nope. (If you don’t know about waxing kitchen floors, ask your mother…or grandmother.) Early 1960’s – my mom gently reminding my brothers and me that her bed, even though it is almost a perfect square, is not to be used as a “Big Time Wrestling” ring? Wrong.

How about Mom’s response when she’d see my brothers and me on the garage roof…jumping to the neighbor’s garage roof? (If you can’t picture that, the next time you’re at a Sox or Cubs game, take a look at how narrow most Chicago city lots are and how close together that places the houses and garages.) However, if that’s what you think I’m referring to, you’re still wrong.

I was near the high jump pit at last Tuesday’s Lutheran Schools Field Day in Bridgman when I heard that shout of, “Get off, get off, get off!” The A Boys high jump was taking place, and a handful of tall boys were really setting the bar high near the end of that competition.

Sometimes a jumper will touch the bar as they go over, and it doesn’t take much to make it fall. If that happens, your jump doesn’t count, and you are only allowed so many misses before you are out. However, if you get off the landing pads, out of the pit area, before the bar falls, your jump counts.

What a neat scene this was! These boys from CLS and other Lutheran schools were, while competing against one another, at the same time encouraging one another to do their best. And sometimes that encouragement took the form of calling out to an opponent, letting him know that he had disturbed

the bar and to get out of the pit area quickly before it fell. Neat. Kudos to those boys on their fine Christian sportsmanship!

SPRING BAND & JAZZ CONCERT

Be sure to set aside some time tomorrow evening, Tuesday, May 17, to support our students and enjoy some fine music and a bit of ice cream. The annual Spring Band & Jazz Concert, the final concert of this school year, takes place in our gym at 7:00 p.m. See you there!

SHADOWING

Something new we’re trying this year is Junior High Shadowing. Tomorrow, 5^th grade students will shadow junior high students to get an idea of what their daily routine will be like next year as they switch classrooms and teachers for various subjects. Thank you, to our junior high teachers for coming up with this great idea.

JUNIOR HIGH ORIENTATION

Another new thing we’re trying this year is a Junior High Orientation Evening for the parents of this year’s 5^th grade class. This special evening will take place next Tuesday, May 24, at 7:00 p.m. Junior High teachers will walk parents of 5^th graders through a typical junior high day and answer any questions you may have about how our CLS junior high program operates. See you there!

BOOK FAIR

The Book Fair starts tomorrow Tuesday, May 17. It will be open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday before and after school. The Book Fair will also be open Tuesday evening before and after the Band Concert. Scholastic is offering Buy 1 Get 1 Free. Anyone who is available to help out should contact Teresa Virsik.

GRADUATION BANQUET

Plans are in the works for this year’s 8^th grade graduation banquet. It is scheduled for Thursday, June 9^th at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $8.00 per person and may be purchased in the office. Graduates do notneed to purchase a ticket.

WHOLE SCHOOL CHOIR

The whole school choir was scheduled to sing Sunday, May 22 at the 8:00 a.m. Worship Service. Unfortunately due to scheduling conflicts this event has been cancelled.

BASKETBALL CAMPS

Concordia University Ann Arbor will be offering resident basketball camps for boys and girls. For Girls entering 5^th -12th grades the camp will be July 10-13. For Boys entering 4^th – 12^th grades the camp is July 25-28. For further information and sports camp flyers please visit their website at www.concordiacardinals.com.

May 9, 2011

Child’s Play

I took one of my favorite books from the shelf to read what Luther had to say about Confirmation since that is coming up this Sunday. But he had so much to say! Actually, Martin Luther wrote volumes on education in general. Where to start?

Lutheran schools have a rich heritage, and Luther himself loved and highly valued children. Oh, he could be a strict father and teacher, but overall Martin Luther believed the church had a sacred responsibility to nurture children in the Lord.

Christ Lutheran School does many things well, but if it does not nurture children in the faith, then it has missed the mark on its primary mission. Interestingly, however, of the many things we measure and report on: MEAP tests, Cognitive Abilities Tests, Achievement, report cards, even points scored in a game, there is no quantitative measure for faith.

As parents, pastors and teachers, we proclaim the Word and model the faith, but it is the Holy Spirit who works faith in the heart.

One of my favorite Luther quotes is: “When Christ wished to teach men, He became a man. If we are to teach children, we must become like children. Would to God we had more of this child’s play!”

The world can be such a serious place, and we must resist the trend to hurry childhood. Many of you know that I’ve been a proud grandpa the past year or so, and an important part of that role is getting down on the floor, or the ground, to play with Luke. It isn’t as easy as it used to be, but it is vitally important.

Before I can tell him about His Lord Jesus, I must first enter his child world, to run and wrestle, to tickle and laugh, to prattle and play, to become like him just like Jesus became like us.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY - MRS. SUKUPCHAK

Saturday, May 14

FIELD DAY

Lutheran Schools Field Day is tomorrow, Tuesday, May 10, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Bridgman H.S. athletic field. No school for students in grades 5-8. Should bad weather necessitate a postponement, students are then required to report to school, and our back-up day is Wednesday, May 11. Please stay alert for the possibility of Instant Alert messages if the weather is questionable. Trinity, St. Joe, will be operating a concession stand at the Field Day. Parents are responsible for getting their children to and from Bridgman. Remember this is an all-day event, either send money for the concession stand or pack a lunch.

CONFIRMATION EXAMINATION

Congratulations and God’s blessings to our confirmands who will make their public Confirmation this Sunday, May 15, during the 10:45 a.m. service.

A wonderful opportunity to review the Catechism and support our young people takes place at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, when students will take part in Confirmation Examination. I hope you can join us that evening.

SPRING BAND & JAZZ CONCERT

Make sure your calendar is marked for Tuesday, May 17, also, as this is the evening of our annual Spring Band & Jazz Concert. There will be performances by the Beginner, Concert, Jazz and Alumni Bands, as well as the 3^rd and 4^th graders on recorder. This is always a delightful evening, starting at 7:00 p.m. and ending with some delicious ice cream. Come, join us!

PTL PLANT SALE

The top sellers for the first week were Chad & Cory Fowler! It’s not too late to turn in your order the sale goes through Friday, May 20.

5^th GRADERS

Next Tuesday, May 17 will be Shadow Day. The 5^th graders will partner-up with a current Middle Schooler and Shadow them during the day. This will give the 5^th graders an insight into what will be expected of them next year.

Parents mark your calendars for the following Tuesday, May 24. We will be hosting an orientation for the parents of in-coming middle schoolers. This event will be held from 7:00-8:00p.m.

JUBILATE CHOIR

There will be no practices on Thursday, May 12 or Monday, May 16. Please mark your calendars accordingly.

May 2, 2011

What’s In A Name?

I’ve told the story many times of how we named our two children. When Diane was pregnant with C.J., we had only girl names picked out, three to be exact. Diane kept pushing me to come up with a boy’s name, but she never felt I discussed it seriously with her. Then, there we were in the delivery room. That’s when she realized I was serious about a ‘Jr.’. By the time we adopted Jenny ten years later, our three favorite girl names had already been taken by our first three nieces. We settled on our favorite, Jenny, anyway, but only after consulting with our niece Jenny.

A lot goes into choosing a name, and I think teachers may have it harder than many people in naming their kids because so often the names they come up with may carry some sort of ‘baggage’ from their time in the classroom.

You know, in 37 years of teaching, I’ve come across lots of names, but not once have I had a student named Judas. Imagine that, in all those years, none of my school parents has named their child Judas. I wonder why…

Okay, maybe it’s not all that surprising. However, have you ever thought of Judas as a child? He was one at one time, you know. Somebody loved him, probably struggled with naming him, pointed out all the cute things he did while growing up.

Still, nobody names their child Judas today. But all of us can share in that name because each of us, like Judas, has sinned. We may not think of our sin the same way, turning Jesus over to a mob to be crucified, but our continual sin does betray Jesus’ suffering and death.

Praise God that despite our similarities to Judas, we are different. The Holy Spirit has worked faith in our heart. Judases though we were, Christ died for our sins, and we are forgiven and redeemed!

MOTHER’S DAY

Happy Mother’s Day to all our moms, this Sunday, May 8. The last Mother’s Day I spent with my mom was 15 years ago. It was a day cut short by a phone call that my father-in-law who was ailing had just passed away. Mom was in the final few months of her battle with cancer at the time, but when the phone call came, she did what all great moms do – she put everyone else first and said, “Go.” I pray that if you are still blessed to have your mom with you, and are able, that you might enjoy this Sunday together.

ACHIEVEMENT TESTING

Standardized achievement testing is taking place this week and next. Please avoid unnecessary absences, and make sure your child has adequate sleep at night. Thanks.

FIELD DAY

It hardly seems possible, but next Tuesday, May 10, is already our Lutheran Schools Field Day. Our day at the Bridgman High School athletic field begins at 9:30 a.m., and Trinity, St. Joe, will be running a concession stand. No classes for grades 5-8 next Tuesday.

SPRING BAND & JAZZ CONCERT

Be sure you’ve marked the evening of Tuesday, May 17, on your calendar. At 7:00 p.m. that evening, we’ll have our final CLS Band Concert of the school year, and it will also include some cool jazz and cold ice cream!

LIBRARY

This Friday, May 6 is the last day for students to check books out from the library. Please check at home for overdue library books.

HOOPS FOR HEARTS

Remember to turn in your permission slips for this event held Thursday and Friday of next week. The younger students really look forward to having the older students help them learn new basketball skills. Donations are due next Monday, May 9. These may be a flat donation or per basket. If you choose to do per basket that is something you need to keep track of at home.

FLOWER SALES

We are off to a great start with the Barbott Farm fundraiser. You may turn in orders as often as you wish and we will fill them promptly. If you have any questions contact Cherie Okonski or Christin Rice.

JUBILATE CHOIR

The Jubilate Choir will be singing this Sunday, May 8 at the Late Service. Please meet in the music room at 10:30 to warm up.

April 25, 2011

Indeed!

He is risen!

He is risen indeed, Alleluia!

Most of us probably spoke words like that yesterday morning at Easter worship services. What a glorious proclamation, and much could be written about each word. Indeed emphasizes that this rising from the dead which Jesus did really, truly happened. So, indeed is a big deal.

In 1 Corinthians 15, St. Paul writes, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is in vain…” No resurrection means all is lost and, as St. Paul goes on to say, “We are to be pitied above all people.”

However, 1 Corinthians 15:20 is the key for me.

“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”

The promises of our Baptism, forgiveness of all our sins, and life eternal with Jesus in heaven, all depend on Jesus’ resurrection. I love proclaiming those words with you, my brothers and sisters in Christ, knowing that together we look forward to a certain hope, the promise of eternity together with Jesus in heaven.

OUTDOOR EDUCATION

Please keep Mrs. Jackemeyer and our 6^th graders in your prayers as they join neighboring Lutheran school students at camp on Thursday for a couple days of outdoor education. Thanks, also, to Mrs. Jackemeyer for again serving as coordinator.

NATURAL RESOURCES DAY

Mr. Kern and his 5^th graders will travel to the Berrien County Fairgrounds this Wednesday for the county’s annual Natural Resources Day.

KUDOS

Last Wednesday was the last meeting of the Berrien RESA Playgroup in our gym for this school year, and Playgroup Director Kathy Hanley had high praise for our students. I wasn’t surprised because our kids often make me proud and seldom let me down. Mrs. Hanley said Christ is her favorite school to visit, and I know why that is. When she pulls up, car loaded down with a gymnasium full of activities and supplies, our junior high students who are often in the gym early in the morning shooting hoops, immediately drop what they are doing and help her unpack. Not only that, but they also set up tables and help set up the numerous learning stations for the parents and young children who will soon arrive. Thank you to our students who so very often do all this and without even being asked.

TESTING

Cognitive Abilities Testing begins this week for grades 3, 5, and 8. Achievement testing for all grades starts next week. Please avoid unnecessary absences during these testing weeks. Children usually do their best when well rested and taking the tests with their classmates rather than on a make-up basis. Thanks.

HOT LUNCH

Once again we have a lot of borrowed tickets that need to be paid for. Please check to see if your child has borrowed any tickets.

HE ‘N ME DANCE

It’s not too late to register for the He ‘N Me dance this Saturday, April 30. Extra forms are available in the office.

April 18, 2011

Guest Speakers

Good words came to your children in two special ways last week, a guest speaker, retired NFL defensive end Ken Johnson, who spoke to our 3^rd through 8^th graders on Tuesday, and a guest Chapel Leader, Paul Golke, from Camp Concordia up near Grand Rapids. Both men did a fantastic job.

Ken Johnson shared a powerful testimony about being raised in a tough neighborhood but in a good family that took him to church and Sunday School regularly. Ken grew up knowing the Lord and knowing how to pray.

Ken told our kids to pray and obey. “Obey your parents and teachers because God has placed them in your lives to protect you and take care of you.” The prayer portion of his message revealed to our students Ken’s life from childhood through his growing years, high school athletics, college sports and even the pros.

This journey also included those times in college and pro sports when Ken made terrible decisions, times when he came to rely more on himself and his own great accomplishments, and drifted from God. Repeatedly, Ken described the importance of prayer and how God kept redirecting him and calling him back until this very day when he goes out talking to school children about making right choices and having God in their lives.

Paul Golke, Director of Camp Concordia, was an absolute joy to have leading Chapel last Wednesday. He was very engaging with our students and delivered a great message about Jesus’ parable of the wise and foolish builders.

Mr. Golke also spoke to our students about Camp Concordia, just northeast of Grand Rapids and, by the time he was finished, I wanted to go to camp this summer. I hope your children brought home the brochure from Camp Concordia and that you might consider a Christian Camp experience for your children this summer.

NO SCHOOL

School will not be in session this Friday, April 22, as we observe Good Friday. Please remember all the special worship times during Holy Week:

Maundy Thursday
7:00 p.m.

Good Friday
Noon
7:00 p.m.

Easter Sunday
7:00 a.m. Worship
Easter Breakfast at 8:30 a.m.
10:45 a.m. Worship
No Sunday School

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY
MR. STROHACKER
April 17

FINE ART FESTIVAL

Thank you to Mr. Farrand, Mr. Steffens, and Mr. Carl Steffens, as well as all our other teachers for their work with last Friday’s SW Michigan Lutheran Schools Fine Arts Festival.

RESA PLAYGROUP

The Berrien RESA Parents As Teachers Playgroup has been growing steadily and will meet again this Wednesday, April 20, from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. in our gym. Please call Kathy Hanley at 921-0199 for more information.

DQ TREATS

Thursday, April 21 the 3^rd and 6^th graders will receive the DQ treats they earned during the Scrp-a-thon. Mr. Strohacker will purchase Blizzards for the 6^th graders and Mrs. Harris will purchase Dilly Bars for the 3^rd graders.

STANDARDIZED TESTING

Standardized testing begins next week with students in grades 3, 5 and 8 taking the Iowa Cognitive Abilities Test. The following week, we will begin achievement testing with all grades using the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. Please avoid unnecessary absences in the coming weeks, and help your children to get adequate rest so they might do their best on these tests. Test results and reports to parents will be sent home before school dismisses in June.

HE ‘N ME DANCE

The He ‘n Me Dance is next Saturday, April 30. Remember to turn your registration forms into the office.

SCRIP NEWS

Meijer scrip is now in stock! Just in time for the new stores Grand Opening. We carry $25, $50, and $100 cards at 4%.

Dunhams scrip is also now hand. We carry $25 cards at 8%.

HOOPS FOR HEARTS

Registration and Sponsor forms went home last week. We will be hosting this event during school on May 12^th and 13^th . Both forms need to be turned in on Monday, May 9.

April 11, 2011

Welcome!

Welcome back from Spring Break. I pray that all in our school family had a relaxing and enjoyable week.

Many of you may also have received a welcome at the beginning of Spring Break. Perhaps you visited friends or relatives somewhere and were welcomed into their home for your stay, or maybe your break included a cruise or stay in a hotel where you were made to feel welcome. Maybe just the days of Spring Break were welcomed by you as a change from the routine and an opportunity to do things with your family.

We generally enjoy welcomes. For me, I enjoyed preparing some special food and buying a toy for my grandson as we welcomed him and his parents for a visit that first Friday evening of Spring Break. And, following their weekend stay, Diane and I welcomed the chance to get away for a few days by ourselves, not too very far, just a few hours drive, but just a welcome change from the routine.

This coming Sunday is Palm Sunday, and we will again hear of the welcome that people gave Jesus as He entered Jerusalem. That’s a bittersweet welcome because we know that by the end of the week, some of the same people who welcomed Jesus with open arms will call for His arms to be spread wide on a cross. What a terrible sight.

Still, God in His great love and mercy spreads His arms in welcome to us. Despite our transgressions and sins, the things we did that sent His Son to the cross, God calls us, His errant children, and welcomes us back into His loving arms.

Welcome back – God’s blessings to all in our school family as we begin the closing weeks of this school year.

WELCOME BACK

Welcome back to Mrs. Reimann who will begin Art Classes again this week.

GUEST SPEAKER

We welcome Ken Johnson from Sports World Ministries who will be in our building Tuesday, April 12, to speak with students in grades 3-8. Mr. Johnson will be here courtesy of a group of Christian businessmen in our community working with Sports World Ministries. Sports World Ministries describes itself as a “seed-planting ministry, always seeking to pass the baton to local groups for discipleship and Christian mentoring.”

Ken Johnson is a retired NFL defensive end who played eight seasons, from 1970-1977, for the Cincinnati Bengals. A graduate of Indiana University, Ken was an All Big Ten Basketball player at IU and is a member of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. Drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA after graduation, Ken instead accepted an invitation from Tom Landry of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys to try out there. Ken eventually ended up drafted and playing pro football for the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL.

CHAPEL GUEST

We also welcome Mr. Paul Golke, Director of Camp Concordia near Grand Rapids. Mr. Golke will be at CLS on Wednesday, April 13, leading us in Chapel and speaking to our students about Camp Concordia and this summer’s programs.

FINE ARTS FESTIVAL

And, yet another welcome! We welcome students from Lutheran schools throughout SW Michigan to this year’s Fine Arts Festival hosted this Friday, April 15, at Christ Lutheran.

Classes will not be in session at CLS this Friday, as we use our building to host the Fine Arts Festival and as our teachers participate in various responsibilities for the Festival. Please thank Tom Farrand, Mark Steffens, and Carl Steffens for their leadership in organizing this year’s FAF, as well as our many teachers and other musicians who accompany and teach our students and volunteer their time. The Fine Arts Festival includes Instrumental Music, Vocals, and the Visual Arts, and it is open to the entire community. I hope you take time this Friday to attend and support our students and the Fine Arts. Thank you. The FAF runs from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

PARKING LOT REMINDERS

It has been brought to my attention that we need some review of parking lot safety procedures. Knowing that all of us have the best interests and safety of children at heart, I ask that you read the following carefully and provide your assistance.

Please remember that the front row of parking spaces all the way south to the second crosswalk is a no parking zone after school. Cars parked in those spots obstruct the view that other drivers might have of children crossing the lot, and if you park in those spots, you will be asked to move. Please also make others who pick up your children aware of this rule.

Also, we seem to have developed a habit of people driving through the lot and trying to pick up students “on the fly” so to speak. Please pull into a parking space to pick up your children. Cars sitting in the lane waiting are also causing a couple of safety problems. One is obstructing the view of children and the second is that we’ve had some near misses as people backing up are not expecting a car to be parked behind them picking up children.

Finally, to the children (and teachers and parents), a reminder that children (even with adults) are to use the crosswalk when crossing the driveway and going from the school out into the parking lot. Teachers are positioned at the crosswalk in order to watch over students who are crossing the drive, and we need everyone coming past that one spot.

REPORT CARDS

Report cards will be issued Thursday, April 14.

BERRIEN RESA PLAYGROUP

The Berrien RESA’s Parents As Teachers Playgroup next session is Wednesday, April 20, from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. For further information, please call Kathy Hanley at 921-0199.

TALENT SHOW INFORMATION

Auditions begin next Monday, April 18 and will be held during school. If your child plans on auditioning, he/she will need to turn in a completed permission sheet stating your consent and the type of act. Permission sheets are available on top of the Library book return box. If you have any questions please see Mrs. Jackemeyer.

HE AND ME DANCE

All girls should be bringing home informational sheets today. If your daughter does not bring one home please ask her where it is.

RADTKE FARMS FUNDRAISER

It’s back! For those of you who do not know, David Radtke is a church member whose children also went to school here. He owns Radtke Farms and sells the most delicious jams and jellies for fundraisers. All children will be bringing home forms and an information sheet today.

March 28, 2011

Therefore…

Therefore is one of those words that can mean something good is going to follow…or something really bad. As a kid growing up, I often heard the bad therefore. “You didn’t finish your chores,therefore…”

This past Sunday’s epistle reading begins with the word therefore. “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” That’s a great thing! It is the good news that through Jesus we have obtained access by faith to God’s amazing grace.

Because of that one word, therefore, the text goes on to say that we can rejoice, even in suffering. We can take hope because God’s love has been poured into our hearts. And even in our weakness and sin, we can rest securely in the knowledge that Christ has died for us.

God’s blessings to all our families as we approach Spring Break at the end of this week. I pray that everyone in our CLS family has safe travel and a restful week. See you on April 11.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY - MR. WALLACE

Friday, April 8

HAPPY BIRTHDAY - MRS. ULMER

Sunday, April 10

SPRING BREAK

School is not in session this Friday, April 1, the first day of Spring Break. Classes will resume on Monday, April 11. Have a great Spring Break!

SPRING PICTURE DAY

Spring pictures will be taken on Tuesday, April 12. All students will be photographed on this day. If you are a Preschool parent, and wish to have pictures taken of your child, then please arrive at 12:30. There are no packages to pre-order. When everything is ready packages will be sent home. Then you have the option to purchase the whole package, sheets from the package, or purchase nothing and return the pictures to school.

PARENT-TEACHER LEAGUE

Tonight, March 28,there is a PTL meeting at 7:00.

There are several items on the agenda including: Principals Report, Fundraising Ideas, filling committee positions, and time for questions.

GUEST SPEAKER

Former NFL player, Ken Johnson, will be at CLS on Tuesday, April 12, at 9:00 a.m. to speak with our 3^rd – 8^th graders. Mr. Johnson is a speaker for Sports World, an organization that brings former pro athletes into schools to share a positive message and quite often a Christian witness with young people. A group of Christian Businessmen in SW Michigan has made such speakers available in the past and is bringing Mr. Johnson in this year to speak at public and non-public schools. I am grateful for this opportunity. Thank you to those who support such efforts on behalf of children.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations to 8^th Grader Audrey Conrad on finishing 1^st among CLS Junior High students at last week’s Krasl Junior High/High School Art Show at The Box Factory. Audrey received a $50 scholarship that can be used for art lessons.

LENTEN WORSHIP

Please remember Lenten midweek worship services each Wednesday at 4:30 and 7:00 p.m.

There will be a light supper between services. This weeks’ supper is sponsored by the 8^th graders and they will be serving Soup & Salad. A free will donation is appreciated.

FIELD TRIP

The 2^nd and 3^rd grades travel to the Upton Planetarium tomorrow March 29. They will leave shortly before 10:00 and will be back in time for lunch.

UNIFORMS

There are still some uniforms floating around out there. Please check your closets & hampers for these missing items. Return all freshly laundered uniforms before Spring Break. Thank you.

RUMMAGE SALE

While going through your child’s closet looking for missing uniforms please remember the Ladies League Annual Rummage Sale. If you find items your child has outgrown please consider donating them. The Rummage is scheduled for July 14 & 15.

MAIL BOXES

Remember all families have mailboxes in the commons area. Some of the boxes are looking pretty stuffed. If you need help locating your box please stop in the office and ask. End of the year report cards will be placed in these mailboxes in June.

YEAR BOOKS

Remember that after spring break the end of the year winds up fast. There are a lot of end-of-the-year functions like Talent Show, Field Trips, Field Day and others. So grab your cameras and take pictures! Send digital copies of you pictures to for use in the year book.

FINE ARTS FESTIVAL

All forms and payments for the Fine Arts Festival need to be turned in by this Thursday, March 31.

Scheduling will be done during Spring Break so late registrations will not be accepted.

HOOPS FOR HEARTS

Look for information on this worthy cause to come home after Spring Break.

SCRIP-A-THON NEWS

The class in 1^st place is 6^th grade with $6,115 in sales! They win DQ Blizzards courtesy of Mr. Strohacker. In 2^nd place was 3^rd grade with $4,110 in sales. They have earned DQ Dilly Bars. 4^th grade came in 3^rd place with $3,870 in sales. Way to go everybody.

The individual winners are Gavin Jennings(6^th), Andrew Vigansky(6^th), and Justin Ott(1^st). Gavin came in first place with sales totaling $2,825 and he earned a $50 scrip card. Andrew came in 2^nd place winning a $25 scrip card with sales totaling $2,065. Justin also earned a $25 scrip card with sales totaling $1,775.

Remember that orders placed by April 30 go towards Registration Fees for school year 2011/2012. Orders placed May 1 or later go towards School Year 2012/2013.

March 21, 2011

Devastated

Warning: I’m going to give us all a hard time today. A few of you know that I do a bit of cartooning, most of it involving two ‘old guys’ who sit around discussing the things of daily life. In one cartoon, I have the first old guy remarking, “My grandson was just devastated at school today.” To which the other replies, “Ran out of chocolate milk for hot lunch again?”

We sometimes throw words around a bit too casually, often overstating or overdramatizing what are actually rather mundane, even trivial events. Devastated is one of those words I’ve thought is tossed about a bit too much – by me, others with whom I come into contact, and often the media.

I would tend to save that word for events like the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The complete helplessness of those people in the face of incredible natural forces as well as man-made devices gone out of control. Utter destruction, chaos, death, and on and on. Devastation is so much more than the things to which we frequently affix that label.

The epistle readings in Lent have spoken a great deal about our sin. Sin is devastating. We are indeed helpless, facing utter destruction and death when left in our sinfulness. Facing sin on our own is hopeless - we’re like the videos last week of people trying to outrun the incoming wall of ocean water that was carrying away large buildings, ships and cars. Sin has a devastating impact on our lives, and there is nothing we, by ourselves, can do about it. We can’t repel it, avoid it, or outrun it. Sin overwhelms us and leaves total destruction in its wake.

But St. Paul’s letter to the Romans goes on to say that just as all this destruction came into the world through one man, Adam, so much more did God’s grace overflow to many through one man, Jesus our Savior. Only Jesus can overcome our sin.

CHAPEL OFFERINGS

CLS Chapel offerings for the month of March have been designated to go towards earthquake and tsunami relief in Japan and will be sent through Lutheran World Relief. In the wake of last week’s disaster, many web sites have sprung up, and the media has been warning that not all these sites are legitimate. Funneling our offerings through a certified agency like Lutheran World Relief will assure us that funds go directly to disaster relief.

On a related note, the Lutheran Schools Week offering collected at our joint worship service on March 11, totaled about $250. Lutheran principals from our neighboring schools, along with me, have decided to direct those funds as well towards aid and relief efforts in Japan.

LOCAL EXPERTISE

Thank you to Pastor Measel who spoke to my 5^th grade computer class last week about building construction in earthquake zones. Prior to entering the ministry, Pastor was an architect, and he agreed last week to talk with my class which had been studying earthquakes and volcanoes for reports right when the Japan earthquake and tsunami hit.

On a related note, Shane Lies, father of Mikaela (4^th grade) Andrew (1^st grade) and Kaeden (P), was interviewed last week by ABC News. Mr. Lies manages the Cook Nuclear Plant in Bridgman, and if you’re interested in hearing that interview, you can find it at abcnews.go.com/gma. Look for the piece titled: U.S. Nuclear Plants: How Safe Are They?

BERRIEN COUNTY PLAN

Just an FYI, CLS is included with all other schools in Berrien County’s Emergency Preparedness Plan. In the event of a nuclear emergency at Cook that might require evacuation, the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department has a plan in place to transport students, mostly using public school buses, to safe locations. In case of emergency, CLS students would be transported to the Berrien Springs Middle School. The Berrien County Emergency Plan also addresses such things as terrorist attacks, school shootings, chemical spills on the railroad or nearby I-94, etc. All of those protocols are reviewed with schools by the Sheriff’s Department regularly.

LENTEN WORSHIP

Please remember Lenten worship services at Christ Lutheran on Wednesday evenings at 4:30 and 7:00 p.m. with a light supper between services.

Kindergarten through 2^nd grade will be singing at the 4:30 Service this Wednesday. Please have your child meet in Mrs. Ulmer’s classroom at 4:20.

FIVE PINES

Representatives from Five Pines Camp were at CLS today, Monday, March 21, speaking to students and providing them with information about this summer’s upcoming camps.

JR. HIGH/HIGH SCHOOL ART SHOW

Artwork by Junior High and High Schools students from this region is currently on display at The Box Factory, and I hope you make plans to attend this very fine event and support our students. A panel of judges recently reviewed the student works and decided on one student per school to receive an award that can be used for taking art lessons. This Thursday, March 24, there will be a reception from 5:30 – 7:30 at The Box Factory, and it will include refreshments. At around 6:30 p.m., a short program will be held during which the awards will be presented to students. See you there!

DATE CORRECTION

Mark your calendars for the He and Me Dance. We originally stated that the dance was scheduled for April 20^th. In actuality it is scheduled for April 30^th, sorry for the confusion.

SCRIP-A-THON

Remember this is the last week for the Scrip-A-Thon! All sales through Monday, March 28^th at 9:00 a.m. count towards the classroom totals. So far 3^rd grade is in the lead with 6^th grade close behind. 7^thgrade is creeping up on the 6^th grade total. It is a very tight race right now and all orders no matter how small can make a difference. The class with the highest total wins DQ Blizzards courtesy of Mr. Strohacker. This just in, the classes in 2nd and 3^rd place will receive DQ Dilly Bars!

The Scrip Gift Certificates for the individual winners are still up for grabs. So remember to get your orders in now!!!

March 14, 2011

Thank You

I’m treading into that very dangerous territory of thank you’s, but I have much for which to be thankful, so I’ll take the risk.

I really enjoyed last week’s National Lutheran Schools Week emphasis and, while it was good when the week ended so we could catch our breath and get back to normal, it was a lot of fun.

I’m grateful to Mrs. Cole, junior high teachers, junior students (and anyone else) for making the building look so clean and welcome for our March 6, Open House. Also, thank you, to Cheri Okonski for putting up so very much of the student artwork done in Mrs. Reimann’s classes. The building looked terrific.

Thank you to Board members and teachers for their time, parents who prepared treats and, again, Mrs. Cole, for all you did in making the Open House and all LSW activities a success.

Thank you to students, Mr. Farrand, Mrs. Ulmer, and Mrs. Jackemeyer for the wonderful Band and Choral Concert last Tuesday. What a great time! And, again, thank you to parents for all the treats.

Thank you to the junior high students who took on the faculty in volleyball last Monday afternoon – for allowing us to win some, lose some, and not get too badly injured in the process.

Thank you, 4^th graders, Mr. Farrand, and Pastor Measel who shared God’s Word and song with residents at Jordan’s Nursing Home last week.

Thank you to Pastor Quardokus for leading us in our joint Lutheran Schools Week worship service hosted at Christ last Friday.

Finally, thank you, to the P.T.L. for once again providing the funds for a Faculty & Staff Appreciation Lunch last Friday.

MIDDLE SCHOOL ART SHOW

I was really pleased with CLS’ turnout at the recent Krasl Elementary School Art Show at the Box Factory and hope to see good attendance at the upcoming Jr. High and High School exhibit. CLS junior high students will have artwork on display at the Box Factory from Thursday, March 17, to Sunday April 10. A special reception for families will be held on Thursday, March 24, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served, and there will be an awards program at 6:30 p.m. See you there!

NO SCHOOL APRIL 1st

A note was sent home last week letting parents know of the Board’s recent decision to drop from our school calendar the ½ day of classes originally scheduled for Friday, April 1. Instead, that Friday will be our first day of Spring Break. School will resume on Monday, April 11.

GUEST SPEAKER

Sarah Hettig, a high school student who recently completed a medical mission trip with Great Lakes Eye Care was in our building today talking to our students about her trip. Sarah is a member at Immanuel Lutheran, Bridgman, and I thank her for her time visiting with our students.

Berrien RESA Parents As Teachers Playgroup

meets in our gym this Wednesday, March 16

9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

For more information call:

Kathy Hanley, Coordinator @ 921-0199

Staff members from Five Pines will be at

CLS next Monday, talking to students about summer programs that they will be offering.

REGISTRATION

If you or someone you know is interested in enrolling a child in CLS’ excellent Preschool program, please know that there is only one spot left in our 3-day program. While more spots are available in the 2-day, judging by this year’s inquiries and early registrations, I would not delay in reserving a spot. Kindergarten, also, has some spots open, but I would encourage enrolling soon.

UNIFORMS

Please check your closets for any school athletic uniforms that may be hiding in there. Return all freshly laundered uniforms to Mr. Kern.

4^th GRADERS

Our 4^th graders will be traveling to Berrien Springs on Thursday. They will be visiting the Historic Courthouse and Museum and they will be back in time for lunch.

5^TH & 6^TH GRADERS

The 5^th and 6^th graders will be singing at the 4:30 Service this Wednesday, March 16. A Lenten supper will be served between services.

2^nd THROUGH 8^TH

The majority of our school will be going to the Mendel Center on Friday, March 18. They will be attending the Young Peoples Concert presented by the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra. The performance is The Planets by Gustav Holst.

Each of the seven orchestral movements will be accompanied by a high-definition short film produced by astronomer Dr. Jose Francisco Salgado of the Adler Planetarium in Chicago. Thank you to the PTL for picking up the tab for this wonderful opportunity. Students will be back in time for lunch.

GAME NIGHT

Come join us for another fun filled game night this Friday, March 18 from 7:00-9:30. Bring a snack to share and play some Video Games, Dance Revolution, Euchre Tournament, and Bingo (don’t forget your white elephant gift). Hope to see you there!

SCRIP-A-THON

Don’t forget to buy scrip for a chance to win a $50 or $25 Scrip card of your choice! Sales from Monday, March 7 till Monday, March 28 at 9am will qualified for the contest. Also, remember the highest selling class will receive free DQ Blizzards from Mr. Strohacker!

MORE SCRIP NEWS

We now have Baguette de France in St. Joseph in stock for $10 with an incredible 20% Profit! Also new to our inventory is Parable Christian Books in St. Joseph just in time for Confirmation.

If you have never purchased Scrip before, it’s not too late to start earning money towards your Rgistration Fes for next year! There are some families who have already earned $290 towards their Registration Fees. Scrip is available every Monday morning at the lunch ticket table or in the office during the week.

HE AND ME DANCE

The next Dad/Daughter dance is coming up on Saturday, April 20^th here at Christ Lutheran. All grades are encouraged to come! The theme this year is “Beach Party!” So dig out your flip flops and Hawaiian shirts because this is one party you do not want to miss! Cost is $10 per person and will include dinner, entertainment and dancing. Watch for invitations to come home in the next few weeks. If anyone would like to help with this event, please contact Teri Harris at 422-1275 or email at craignteri@aol.com.

LUTHERAN SCHOOLS WEEK SUNDAY

Thank you to the 3^rd and 4^th grade choir for singing in Early Service for Lutheran Schools Week Sunday. You did a beautiful job. Also, thank you to all everyone who did a reading on Sunday. At the Early Service we had Sadie Brown, Lucas Meyer, Gavin Jennings, Abigail Cole, Mrs. Beach and Mr. Wallace. At Late Service we had Carter Root, Mr. Strohacker, and Mr. Kern.

March 7, 2011

Lutheran Schools Week

Lutheran Schools Week has been around for quite a while. I don’t want to sound like Al Gore (who at one point in his career claimed to have invented the Internet), but I actually was around at the inception of Lutheran Schools Week. LSW began in Michigan as an idea of the Michigan District’s School Committee, and I happened to be serving on that committee at the time 30 years ago. My task for the first LSW was writing devotions and chapel talks for Lutheran schools in Michigan.

Eventually, LSW became NLSW – National Lutheran Schools Week, and much of what was started here in Michigan was passed along to the next level and ideas then shared throughout the nation. LSW was always meant to be a time of joy to celebrate the gifts God provides through Lutheran schools.

What is the best thing about Lutheran schools? What is most important to you, personally? We would get different answers to those questions from different people, and that’s not surprising. I hope you take time to consider those questions this week, to keep our school, as well as its pastors and teachers in your prayers, and to ask God for His continued blessings upon Christ Lutheran School.

Research has shown me as an administrator that the top three items parents list as most important when choosing a school are: the teachers, successful academic program, and school climate. In Lutheran schools, a Christian atmosphere is usually ranked right alongside climate.

I know both from research and experience that the most important element of a school’s success is its teachers. Our teachers are excellent Christian educators, and I thank God for them daily. And, for me, personally, the thing I enjoy most about our school is our kids. It is a daily joy not only to see them learn and succeed but to get to know them personally and share the faith which is ours together in Jesus Christ.

ASH WEDNESDAY

This Wednesday, March 9, is Ash Wednesday, and so we begin this year’s Lenten journey. I ask that our families set regular attendance in Lenten worship as a goal. Midweek worship services will be held at 4:30 and 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays throughout Lent, and there are also special Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services. A light supper will be provided between services on Wednesday evenings. May God bless you and your family as you ponder our Lord’s suffering and sacrifice on our behalf and look forward with joyful anticipation to the Easter message.

EARLY DISMISSAL

This Friday, March 11, in addition to CLS hosting a joint Lutheran Schools Week worship service for neighboring schools, is also Teacher Appreciation Day. School will dismiss at 11:40 a.m. Thank you to our P.T.L. who always sponsors a lunch for faculty and staff on that afternoon.

BAND & CHORAL CONCERT

This year’s LSW musical event is a Band and Choral Concert, Tuesday, March 8, at 7:00 p.m. I encourage all our families to attend tomorrow night and support these programs as well as our students and their teachers. See you there!

KINDERGARTEN ROUND-UP

This Thursday, March 10, at 7:00 p.m. is CLS’ annual Kindergarten Round-Up. If you have a child ready to enter Kindergarten in the fall, or know someone who does, the Kindergarten Round-Up evening is something that should not be missed. Mrs. Kern and Mr. Strohacker will be in the Kindergarten room that evening to present information about our Kindergarten and school programs.

LUTHERAN SCHOOLS WEEK

A sheet was sent home last week listing all the special emphasis days this week. Today is Spirit Day, and we’ll also have a faculty v. student volleyball game in the afternoon. Tuesday is Comfy Clothes/Movie Day, Wednesday is Game Day, and Thursday is Decades Day (dress in the style of your favorite decade). Friday is Dress Up Day, and I ask that our students to dress up as we host a Lutheran Schools Week worship service for neighboring Lutheran schools here at Christ Lutheran at 10:00 a.m. Our parents are also encouraged and certainly most welcome to attend.

GUEST SPEAKERS

CLS will have a number of special guests speaking to students during the coming months.

On March 14, Sarah Hettig, a homeschooled high school student and member at Immanuel Lutheran Bridgman, will be here to speak to students about a recent medical mission trip she took with Great Lakes Eye Care to Guatemala.

On March 21, representatives from Five Pines Camp will be in our building to tell students about the various camp programs they will be offering this coming summer.

During the week of April 11, a former professional athlete will be here to provide students with a positive leadership message and Christian witness. This speaker will be made available through a group of local Christian businessmen who have provided such speakers to local public and non-public schools in the past, and I’m grateful that CLS has once again been invited to participate.

RESA PLAYGROUP

The Berrien RESA Parents As Teachers Playgroup meets in our gym next Wednesday, March 16, from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. For additional information, call Kathy Hanley, Playgroup Coordinator, at 921-0199

SCRIP

Parents the Annual Scrip-a-thon starts today. Letters and forms went home today so ask your child to see the forms and check out the incentives!

BOX FACTORY ART SHOW

Thank you to all the families who came to the reception on Thursday at the Box Factory. The kids really enjoyed all the fuss and showing off their art work.

Congratulations to Dannnette McClintock. Dannette is in Kindergarten and she is the winner of a $50 Gift Certificate for art lessons.

CRUSADER CORNER

Girls BB:

Congratulations to our 7^th and 8^th grade girls in going 2-1 this weekend at the State Basketball Championship. The girls took 5^th place and earned the Consolation Championship.

This weeks schedule is:

Girls BB:

Monday

7/8 Girls Practice 3:00-4:30

Thursday

7/8 Girls Practice 3:00-4:30

February 28, 2011

Start Your Engines!

I really don’t know why I chose that title other than the fact that the March calendar always looks noticeably busier than the two preceding months. That said – yes, I do realize that many of you have been plenty busy already.

January and February, however, are generally known as the ‘doldrums’ time of year. Especially for those who don’t do many outside activities, it can seem to drag. Add to that the shortness of the days, lack of sunshine, etc. and it can sometimes feel like a long stretch. The occasional snow day does help a bit.

The rest of the school year is definitely busier, and we jump right into that in March. So, start your engines, take a look at the very full March calendar, but also don’t become so consumed with running about that you overlook the beginning of the Lenten season.

I pray that you set aside time each week to worship our Lord in His house, to be renewed in Spirit, and to ponder all that Jesus has done for you through His suffering, death and resurrection.

ASH WEDNESDAY

Ash Wednesday is next week, March 9, and it brings us into the Lenten season where we hear once again of the tremendous sacrifice our Lord has made for us – all so that we might be forgiven of our sins and spend eternity with Him in heaven.

Beginning next Wednesday, there will be special Lenten worship services at 4:30 and 7:00 p.m., with a meal served between services. I personally ask each of our families to set a goal of attending all Wednesday midweek services throughout Lent, plus Maundy Thursday and Good Friday

This takes us through all of March and most of April, culminating with Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday, April 24.

LUTHERAN SCHOOLS WEEK

National Lutheran Schools Week runs from Sunday, March 6, through Sunday, March 13, this year. Many special activities are scheduled throughout next week and are listed later.

ART SHOW AT THE BOX FACTORY

Before we get into next week, however, please take note of a very special event this week, Thursday, March 3. Students in grades K-5 are bringing home personalized invitations to remind families that they currently have artwork on display at the annual Krasl Elementary School Art Show at The Box Factory. A reception for Christ Lutheran students and their families is scheduled from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. this Thursday, March 3, and I hope all of our families will attend.

OPEN HOUSE

This Sunday, March 6, CLS will be hosting our annual Preschool Open House as well as a general open house for the entire school from Noon – 3:00 p.m. As mentioned a few times already, next year’s Preschool is filling very quickly, so please don’t delay in registering for either our 3-day or 2-day programs. Mrs. Kern will be in the Preschool classroom this Sunday to welcome visitors and answer questions. Please invite friends and neighbors to attend.

Also, please make those you know who are seeking quality Christian education aware of our all-school open house during that same time. Mrs. Cole, Mr. Strohacker, and the Faculty will be on hand to welcome guests, answer questions and provide tours.

KINDERGARTEN ROUND-UP

In addition to this Sunday’s Open House, next week, Thursday, March 10, CLS will host our annual Kindergarten Round-Up at 7:00 p.m. Mrs. Kern and Mr. Strohacker will be here that evening to provide information about our Kindergarten and school programs. Again, we have more enrollees already than anticipated, and phone inquiries this spring about all our programs has been very high, so don’t delay in registering. Also, please share information about CLS’ Kindergarten program with friends and neighbors or supply our office with the names of prospective families for us to contact. Thanks.

LUTHERAN SCHOOLS WEEK

Next week’s LSW will kick off with Spirit Day on Monday. Everyone wear your CLS colors and spirit wear that day. An afternoon volleyball game, student v. staff is scheduled, also.

Additional special emphasis days include: Tuesday – Comfy clothes/Movie Day, Wednesday – Game Day, Thursday – Decades Day (dress in the style of the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s etc.). Friday is Dress Up Day as CLS hosts a joint Lutheran School worship service.

BAND & CHORAL CONCERT

Next Tuesday, March 8, is our Lutheran Schools Week Band and Choral Concert at 7:00 p.m. I encourage all our families to attend for an enjoyable evening of music and to support our students. Thank you for that support.

LSW WORSHIP

As mentioned above, this year’s LSW Joint Lutheran Schools Worship Service will be, for the first time, hosted at Christ Lutheran. Led by Pastor Quardokus, the worship service will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 11. School dismisses at 11:40 a.m. that day, and a Teacher Appreciation Luncheon will take place that afternoon. Thank you, to the P.T.L. who has always funded the Appreciation Luncheon for the faculty and staff.

THANK YOU

Thank you to all the moms, teachers, and spouses who helped in getting the Art Show at the Box Factory up and running. The show would not have been ready without the assistance of: Teri Harris, Annelise Ford, Sally Ott-Gooding, Julie Dokter, Kellie McLean, Laurie Ulmer, and Tom Ulmer.

TICKET SALES

The Hot Lunch Committee is looking to train a few new people in ticket sales. Currently we have only two people sharing this duty and we will lose one of them next year. Typically the time commitment is 1 ½ to 2 hours on the first full day of the week. Ideally we would like 3 or 4 people to share this duty on a rotating basis. Please contact Vince Virsik if interested or call the office.

Kindergarten parents remember your second semester milk money is now due.

CRUSADER CORNER

Last weeks scores were:

Girls BB:

CLS 8 31; Upton 8 “B” 5

CLS 7 30; Upton 7 “B” 4

CLS 5/6 24; St. Paul Stevensville 30

Next weeks schedule is:

Girls BB:

Tuesday

7/8 Practice 3:00-4:30

Thursday

7/8 Practice 3:00-4:30

Friday, Saturday & Sunday

State Tournament in Ann Arbor

Good Luck 7/8 Girls!

February 22, 2011

Great Kids

Last week I mentioned being thankful for a number of things, among which were people to love, people who love me, and God’s love.

A few days later, while teaching Computer Class to 5^th graders and 6^th graders, it hit me – “I’m really thankful for our CLS students, too, and for our Computer Lab set up in the Commons, for the richness of our technology program, and…and… Lots of things for which to be thankful!

I want you to know, seriously, what was going on in my mind as I watched our students working in Computer Class last Thursday morning. My first thought was, “Wow, I teach in a school where we can set up all these computers in a room that is unlocked, and we are blessed with children who treat this with care and respect. That’s huge.

I also want to thank my 6^th graders for helping me during the first half of 5^th grade Computer Class last Thursday. What a terrific job you did assisting the 5^th graders while I was introducing them to Power Point. It would not have gone as well without your help. We really accomplished a lot. Thank you.

Thank you, also, to the older kids who helped Mrs. Hanley set up the gym for last week’s RESA Parents As Teacher Playgroup. And you know, parents, most of the time these kids just do this without even being asked. Neat kids.

Don’t want to forget either the students who, very much on their own, often just grab a snow shovel and clear the sidewalk. Really! With most of our students, stuff like this just happens. They are a thoughtful, caring, helpful bunch of boys and girls, young women and young men, and I’m quite proud of them and thankful they are CLS students. We are indeed blessed.

EARLY DISMISSAL

Keep in mind that school dismisses at 11:40 a.m. this Thursday, February 24. Second semester Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place that evening.

ART SHOW AT THE BOX FACTORY

The first of two annual art shows is coming up quickly, and there is lots of excitement around CLS. Thank you to Mrs. Reimann, Mrs. Ulmer and parent helpers who will be setting up student art exhibits later this week. A special reception time has been designated for Christ Lutheran School and 13 other elementary schools in the community from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 3. I hope you and your family plan to attend. The 10^th Annual Krasl Elementary School Art Show at the Box Factory will remain set up from Thursday, February 23, to Sunday, March 13.

ENROLLMENTS & REGISTRATION

What a difference a year can make. Last year, we were well into the summer and hadn’t yet hit double digits in Preschool registrations…although we did end up maxing out in our 3-day program. However, to date this year, we are already over ½ full in next year’s 3-day preschool program! Don’t delay in registering for Preschool and, if you know someone who is interested in the program, please encourage them to sign up as soon as possible.

OPEN HOUSE

CLS will be holding an Open House on Sunday, March 6, from noon until 3:00 p.m. Thank you to all who are helping out that day – teachers, parents, board members, Mrs. Cole. Originally scheduled as our annual Preschool Open House day, advertising has gone out which will invite families interested in Preschool and any grade in our school to drop by that afternoon for information and to view our classrooms and building. CLS has joined with a number of other Lutheran schools in Michigan to retain the services of a marketing company that will assist us in improving our web presence on the Internet. Included with this are the upcoming open house and a mass post card mailing to reach our community with information about Christ Lutheran Preschool and School.

KINDERGARTEN ROUND-UP

While Kindergarten is certainly part of the open house described above, CLS will still be doing our annual Kindergarten Round-Up, a special evening for parents to come and learn more about our program from Mrs. Kern and Mr. Strohacker. Kindergarten Round-Up is scheduled for Thursday, March 10, at 7:00 p.m.

While lots of advertising is being done for Preschool Open House, our general Open House on the same day, and Kindergarten Round-Up, the most effective way of getting the word out is still our current school parents and families. Please do steer families you know our way if they are interested in quality Christian education. Thanks.

NO HOT LUNCH

Due to a funeral in our Church this Friday, February 25, hot lunch will NOT be served.

All students and staff must bring a sack lunch. Milk and juice will be made available.

SKYWARN

The National Weather Service is holding a seminar Thursday, March 24, from 6:00-8:30 to train storm spotters. This is provided as a free public service and is open to everyone interested; however, pre-registration is requested. Contact Gayle at 983-7141 ext. 4915 to save your spot.

7^th & 8^th GRADES

The 7^th and 8^th grades will be singing at early service on Sunday, February 27. Please be here by 7:40 to warm-up. Thank you.

COUPLES DINNER DANCE

It’s not to late to get your tickets for the Couples Dinner Dance on Saturday, February 26, at 6:30. Tickets will be available in the office through Wednesday afternoon. The cost is $20 per couple. Come enjoy a steak dinner and a night out without kids!

YEARBOOK PICTURES

We are looking for pictures for the yearbook. In particular we need team photos of the 3^rd & 4^th Grade Girls Basketball and the 5^th & 6^th Grade Boys Basketball. We are also looking for pictures from field trips, class parties, and kids just having fun on the playground or hill. All photos need to be in digital format and can be sent to Yearbook@Christ-luth.org. When sending in photos please label them in the subject line of the e-mail as to which grade the photos are of. So go through the photos you have already taken and continue to take more and send them in.

CRUSADER CORNER

Last weeks scores were:

Girls BB:

CLS 5/6 19; St. Paul Stevensville 20

CLS 5/6 22; Grace 8

The Crusader Classic was a huge success this year. Our 7^th & 8^th Grade girls took third place after falling to Palatine by two points in over-time. Thank you for coming out and supporting our team. Michigan Lutheran took first place.

This weeks schedule is:

Girls BB:

Tuesday

3/4 Practice 3:00-4:30

CLS 8 @ Upton 8 “B” @ 4:00

CLS 7 @ Upton 7 “B” @ 5:00

Wednesday

CLS 3/4 @ St. Paul Stevensville @ 4:00

CLS 5/6 @ St. Paul Stevensville @ 5:00

7/8 Practice 3:00-4:30

Thursday

7/8 Practice 12:00-1:30

February 14, 2011

Thankful

Maybe that title has you wondering if I’ve gotten my seasons mixed up or perhaps have frostbite of the brain. It’s Valentine’s Day - where’s the love?

O.K., I am thankful today for the love of my wife and family, the love of my co-workers, the love of friends, members of my church and school family, our students, and most of all, for God’s love for all of us through His Son, Jesus. Yes, I am thankful for those God has given me to love and who love me despite all my faults.

But what is really on my mind today is the safe return from Egypt of our Art Teacher, Mrs. Reimann, and her husband, Jerry. Mrs. Reimann returned to the classroom last Monday, and I am so very grateful to God for keeping her safe. If you haven’t spoken with Mrs. Reimann about her journey, you really should.

One night last week, journalists reported on the evening news about being attacked by some of the crowds. They seemed incredulous that the media would be attacked. After all, there are ‘rules’ so to speak. I guess they felt it was sort of like medics on a battle field; they don’t get shot at…or at least they aren’t supposed to. Something called the ‘Rules of War’ which I’ve never quite been able to understand, how one expects to apply rules in a setting where people are killing one another.

Mrs. Reimann described to me a very chaotic scene where she and Jerry were restricted to the Cairo airport. It sounded absolutely frightening and yet, I wonder if any of us can truly comprehend what they went through because we, thankfully, are not accustomed to a total breakdown in authority, to chaos and anarchy. While we may not agree with everything about our government or leaders, for the most part we experience peace and safety.

I give God thanks today for His love, for the safe return of Mr. and Mrs. Reimann, and I give God thanks and glory for the blessings of our nation.

BERRIEN RESA PLAYGROUP

The Berrien RESA Parents As Teachers Playgroup meets this Wednesday, February 16, from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. in our gym. The program is open to parents and their pre-school aged children, generally infants through 3 years old. We are blessed to have this county-wide resource program meeting right here in our building. If you, or someone you know is interested in the program, please visit this Wednesday, or call Kathy Hanley, Program Coordinator, at 921-0199 for more information.

NO SCHOOL

School will not be in session next Monday, February 21, as we observe Presidents’ Day.

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

Second semester Parent-Teacher Conferences are on a request basis, either requested by the parent or teacher. School will dismiss at 11:40 a.m. next Thursday, February 24, and Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held that evening.

CRUSADER CLASSIC

I’m happy that Mr. Wallace has once again organized the Crusader Classic, a winter basketball tournament in which we invite teams from around the region to visit beautiful southwest Michigan for a weekend of basketball. I hope you can come out to watch the girls play and enjoy some great fun this weekend at CLS.

7^th & 8^th GRADERS

Remember to sign up for the Crusader Classic concession stand. The sign-up sheet is in the 8^th grade classroom.

VALENTINE’S DAY HINTS

Just a little help for all the men – in case you still haven’t planned anything for Valentine’s Day (that’s today). My brother-in-law, a hopeless romantic who, on occasion, has gone all out and taken his wife out for a candle-light dinner at White Castle, recently shared with me a list of things he is not giving his wife for Valentine’s Day. “I’ve ruled out the following: new snow blower, matching toilet brush sets for all three bathrooms, new ice scraper for her car, power washer so that she can keep that newly painted deck spic and span, new pink extension ladder so that she can get those Christmas lights off our roof.” This year, my brother-in-law is taking MJ, his wife, to the St. Louis Boat Show. “I know I got her the same thing last year, but seeing the look in her eyes as we browse the outboard motors, seeing the excitement as she walks down aisles of fishing tackle, seeing her get misty over the various fishing resort displays – that’s thanks enough for me!”

KINDERGARTEN PARENTS

Second semesters’ milk money in the amount of $36 is now due. Please bring your payment to the school office.

TALENT SHOW

We know a flyer just went home announcing the date as May 20. Unfortunately we have to move it to the last Friday of the school year June 3. Please mark your calendars, and we apologize for any inconvenience.

FAREWELL

Farewell to Autumn and Clay Guffey, today is their last day at Christ Lutheran. They will be moving to Iowa in the morning. Our thoughts and prayers go with them and their parents as they embark on this new chapter in their lives.

ALL- SCHOOL CONCERT

Mark your calendars for an all-school event!

March 8, 2011 we will be having a band and choir concert. All students from grades K-8 are involved, so plan now to attend.

CRUSADER CORNER

Last weeks scores were:

Girls BB:

CLS 7/8 37; Upton 8 “B” 12

CLS 5/6 42; St. Paul South Haven 30

CLS 7/8 36; Berrien Springs 12

Congratulations to our 7^th & 8^th Grade Girls for taking 1^st place over the weekend at the Ann Arbor Tournament!

This weeks schedule is:

Girls BB:

Monday

St. Paul Stevensville @ CLS 3/4 @ 4:00

St. Paul Stevensville @ CLS 5/6 @ 5:00

Tuesday

5/6 Practice 3:00-4:30

Wednesday

7/8 Practice 3:00-4:30

Thursday

Grace @ CLS 3/4 @ 4:00

Grace @ CLS 5/6 @ 5:00

Friday

7/8 Practice 3:00-4:30

Saturday & Sunday

Crusader Classic

February 7, 2011

Loving the Unlovable

Jean Vanier, founder of the L’Arche communities, told the following story about persevering in our practice of unconditional love:

I know a man who lives in Paris. His wife has Alzheimer’s. He was an important businessman – his life filled with busyness. But he said that when his wife fell sick, “I just couldn’t put her into an institution… I fed her. I bathed her.”

I went to Paris to visit them, and this businessman who had been very busy all his life said, “I have changed. I have become more human.”

I got a letter from him recently. He said that in the middle of the night his wife woke him up. She came out of the fog for a moment, and she said, “Darling, I just want to say thank you for all you’re doing for me.”

Then she fell back into the fog. He told me, “I wept and I wept.”

Sometimes Christ calls us to love people who cannot love us in return. They live in the fog of mental illness, disabilities, poverty, or even spiritual blindness. We may only receive fleeting glimpses of gratitude.

But just as Jesus loved us in the midst of our spiritual darkness, so we continue to love others, even as they may walk through a deep fog.

(From Leadership Journal – Winter 2011, quoting from Living Gently in a Violent World by Stanley Hauerwas and Jean Vanier.)

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34

FEBRUARY CHAPEL

February’s Chapel project is Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots – L.A.M.P. Under L.A.M.P.’s Fueling the Mission Program, CLS student Chapel offerings will be used to provide spiritual witness and nurture in northern remote areas of Canada through the ministry of pastor/pilots, as well as short and long-term volunteer missionaries. In the coming days, our students will receive some L.A.M.P. materials and view DVD’s that explain this mission to those living in areas often accessible only by plane.

ADVANCE CALENDAR PLANNING

For your advance planning, please note that school will not be in session on Monday, February 21, Presidents’ Day.

Also, CLS will have a half day of school on Thursday, February 24. We will use that evening for Winter Parent-Teachers Conferences. Winter Conferences are on a request basis, either by the Teacher or the Parent. Materials to sign up for an appointment have been sent home with students.

PARENTS AS TEACHER PLAYGROUP

The Berrien RESA Parents As Teachers Playgroup will meet in our gym next Wednesday, February 16, from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. This group continues to grow. If you, or someone you know has questions about the playgroup, please call Kathy Hanley, Playgroup Coordinator at 921-0199.

JORDAN’S NURSING HOME

This Wednesday our 6^th and 7^th graders join Pastor Measel in bringing God’s Word to the residents at Jordan’s Nursing Home in Bridgman.

JUBILATE CHOIR

Thank you to the Jubilate Choir, under the direction of Mr. Steffens, for the beautiful job you did singing in worship this past Sunday.

CRUSADER CORNER

Last weeks scores were:

Girls BB:

CLS 5/6 24; Grace 13

CLS 5/6 30; Trinity SJ 12

CLS 7/8 34; Trinity SJ 21

CLS 3/4 Played well against Grace and Trinity SJ

New Buffalo Tournament

CLS 3/4 Won 1 Lost 2

CLS 5/6 Won 1 Lost 2

Boys BB:

Grand Rapids Tournament

CLS 7/8 took 3^rd Place

Next weeks schedule:

Girls BB:

Monday

CLS 7/8 @ Upton 8”B” @ 4:00

CLS 5/6 Practice 3:00-4:30

Tuesday

CLS 3/4 Practice 3:00-4:30

Wednesday

CLS 7/8 @ Trinity BS @ 4:30

Thursday

E.P. Clarke @ CLS 3/4 @ 4:30

CLS 5/6 @ St. Paul SH @ 5:00

Friday & Saturday

CLS 7/8 Ann Arbor Tournament

January 31, 2011

From the Heart

Ah, the last day of January. Many people were talking last week about how this has been a long winter. And it isn’t yet half over… Sorry.

However, today we do put one month of winter behind us and tomorrow we welcome the month of February. Valentine’s Day, Presidents’ Day, and the days are actually getting “longer” – more sunlight, and that is welcome and healthy for us.

Valentine’s Day is probably the most prominent day of this new month – candy and flowers, hearts and expressions of love.

“God is love.” 1 John 4:8

The love of God does not find but creates that in which it delights; the love of man is generated by what it delights in.

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth and all that is therein. That includes you and me. God loves us not because of what He finds in us that is loveable and good. Rather, God loves us, the unlovely, into loveliness. Said another way: ‘Sinners aren’t loved because they are lovely; they are lovely because they are loved.’ And that love is from God.

God is a giver who gives from the heart. God, who is infinite and indescribable, also gives in a manner that is immeasurable. What He gives is not given as a deserved and fair payment for services rendered but, out of love, unfathomable and divine love.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

I’m sure those words are familiar, “The Gospel In A Nutshell.” But who said them? Well, it was that one and only Son of God, Jesus Himself.

REPORT CARDS

Last Friday marked the end of the first semester of the school year. Report cards will be issued this Friday, February 4, and winter Parent-Teacher Conferences (optional) will be scheduled for February 24.

DATES TO MARK

A couple more dates to mark on your February calendar include: Berrien RESA Playgroup – February 16; Presidents’ Day (No School) – February 21.

WEB PRESENCE

Last week it was mentioned that an e-mail would be coming your way soon from Mr. Strohacker (if you provided us with an e-mail address which most did). Michigan District Lutheran Schools who are working with Sugarbush Media Solutions will be making use of our consultant service to assist us in publicizing upcoming open houses, the first of which at CLS is on Sunday, March 6. Please help CLS get the word out to others about our Preschool and School programs by passing information along to those you know who have young children and may be interested in a quality Christian education.

COUPLES DINNER DANCE

Be sure to mark your calendars! A Couples Dinner Dance has been planned here at Christ Lutheran on Saturday, February 26^th at 6:30 p.m. The menu for the event is Steak, Baked Potato, Salad, Rolls, and Dessert. Tickets are $20 per couple and can be purchased in the office or between church services beginning January 16 through February 20. (Sorry, no sales after February 20). Watch for invitations to arrive in your church mailboxes soon!

PRAYERS

Please keep our Art Teacher, Mrs. Reimann and her husband, Jerry, in your prayers. The Reimanns left early last week for a long-planned vacation to Egypt, just prior to the unrest we’ve heard so much about on the news. Family members told me over the weekend that Mr. and Mrs. Reimann have been unsuccessfully trying to get a flight out of Egypt since last Thursday. While the Reimanns are hoping to get a flight to Jordan, the next stop on their itinerary, it appears that the U.S. government is advising that people fly to Greece instead as a ‘safe place.’ All flights from Egypt to the U.S. have been cancelled since the rioting began late last week.

CRUSADER CORNER

Last weeks scores were:

Girls BB:

CLS 5/6 18; St. Paul South Haven 12

CLS 7/8 39; Trinity Berrien Springs 16

CLS 7^th 34; Upton 7 “A” 12

CLS 8^th 36; Upton 8 “A” 30

BoysBB:

CLS 5/6 7; Resurrection Lutheran SB 36

CLS 7/8 42; Michigan Lutheran 34

This weeks schedule:

Girls BB:

Monday

CLS 3/4 @ Grace @ 4:00

CLS 5/6 @ Grace @ 5:00

Tuesday

5/6 Practice 3:00-4:30

Wednesday

7/8 Practice 3:00-4:30

Thursday

TSJ @ CLS 3/4 @ 4:00

TSJ @ CLS 5/6 @ 5:00

TSJ @ CLS 7/8 @ 6:00

Boys BB:

Monday

7/8 Practice 3:00-4:30

Wednesday

ML @ CLS 7/8 @ 6:00

Friday & Saturday

Ann Arbor Tournament 7/8 Boys

January 24, 2011

Epiphany!

Pastor Quardokus started it a few weeks ago, doing that ‘peek-a-boo’ type thing with his hands during a children’s message to help the little ones understand Epiphany – God revealed! And several teachers have followed up in Chapel messages recently, reinforcing this act of God revealing Himself to us. It’s exciting news!

Always I heard excitement in their voices as they taught the children about God revealing Himself to us in Christ Jesus. And that’s as it should be – it is indeed exciting to tell children about Jesus, to proclaim what God has done and now made known to us through His Son and through His Word.

Most of you know by now that I enjoy watching children. Oh yes, I love to teach them, but I also learn from observing them.

The grandson, Luke, visited a little over a week ago – he brought along his parents and the dog, too. He’s one year old and a few weeks, right at that stage where I can watch him…and know what his parents are doing. Yes, he is at the mimicking stage. That’s important to remember, that our children copy us.

Carrying Luke around the house, he was constantly pointing at things and saying, “Ooooo! What’s that?” Over and over, “Ooooo! What’s that?” with excitement and emphasis. Probably just the way his mom and dad say it when they ask him this same question, prompting him to identify: “Dog,” “Cat,” “Mama,” “Daddy,” “Ball,” etc.

As parents and teachers, we love to teach our children, to reveal to them the many important things in the world around them. And we do this with love and excitement and joy, much the way God is joyful to proclaim to us the good news of His salvation to us through His Son, Jesus.

END OF 1^ST SEMESTER

This Friday, January 28, is the end of the 1^st semester of the school year. School will not be in session this Friday – enjoy the 3-day weekend. Report cards will be issued on Friday, February 4.

WEB PRESENCE

CLS, along with 30 other Lutheran schools in Michigan, has joined in a Web-based program to enhance our school’s presence and effectiveness in Internet communication. Along with the other schools, and working through the Michigan District, we have paid a fee to SugarBush Media Solutions to assist our schools to improve in this vital area of communication.

In the near future, you will receive e-mails from me (Mr. Strohacker) asking your help in getting our message out to potential school families. Thank you in advance for your assistance. I do ask that you help pass along information that could link others to CLS via the Internet in a way that will better connect us with families who might be seeking a Christian education for their child. Please know that your e-mail address will not be shared with anyone for sales or other purposes, and e-mails that you may receive will be from me although SugarBush M.S., our consultant, will be assisting me (and the other schools enrolled) by making available their guidance and expertise.

ENROLLMENT

It has been exciting for me lately to hear Mrs. Cole on the phone as she has been fielding many inquiries already about next year’s Preschool and even some Kindergarten calls. While we still have the month of February to shovel our way through, it will go by quickly and before you know it we’ll be into the early part of March with Preschool Open House, Kindergarten Round-up and regular calls for enrollments. I’m serious when I say that Mrs. Cole has received more than the average number of contacts (and much earlier) already. So, don’t delay if you or someone you know is interested in enrolling a Preschooler for next year.

OPEN HOUSES

For your advanced planning, the Preschool Open House is Sunday, March 6 from 12:00-3:00 p.m. and the Kindergarten Roundup is Thursday, March 10 at 7:00 p.m.

Again, the 3-Day Preschool Program is filling up fast. If you or someone you know is seriously interested please stop in the office and pick up a packet. Space in this program is on a first come first served basis.

GAME NIGHT

Join us for a fun night with friends and family of Christ Lutheran on Saturday, January 29^th from 6:00-9:00 p.m. We will have board games, video games, bingo, a Euchre tournament, and more! Please bring a snack to share and an unwrapped white elephant gift for bingo. We hope to see everyone there!

PEDALS, PIPES AND PIZZA

Pedals, Pipes and Pizza, an introduction to the pipe organ for young people grades 4-12 will be presented by the Twin Cities Organ Concert Series organizers on Sunday, January 30 from 3-6 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Joseph. Students will see the pipe organ demonstrated, play a piece of music on it, and enjoy pizza at the conclusion of the program. To register online: www.TCOrganConcertS.org for questions, contact Nicole.l.koehler@gmail.com or call 983-5000 ext. 405

CRUSADER CORNER

This weekends Tournament scores:

Crystal Lake:

7/8 Boys won 1; lost 2

7/8 Girls took 2^nd place

Michigan Lutheran

5/6 Girls took 2^nd place

3/4 Girls did not place but had a great

learning experience

This week’s schedule:

Girls BB:

Monday

E.P. Clarke @ CLS 3/4 @ 4:00

St. Paul SH @ CLS 5/6 @ 5:00

Trinity BS @ CLS 7/8 @ 6:00

Tuesday

5/6 Practice 3:00-4:30

Wednesday

7/8 Practice 3:00-4:30

Thursday

CLS 3/4 @ St. Paul Stev. @ 4:00

CLS 5/6 @ St. Paul Stev. @ 5:00

Upton 7 “A” @ CLS 7 @ 4:00

Upton 8 “A” @ CLS 8 @ 5:00

Sunday

7/8 Practice 12:00-1:30

Boys BB:

Monday

CLS 5/6 @ Resurrection Lutheran SB @ 4:30

Wednesday

CLS 7/8 vs. Michigan Lutheran @ Grace @ 6:00

Girls BB:

Monday

E.P. Clarke @ CLS 3/4 @ 4:00

St. Paul SH @ CLS 5/6 @ 5:00

Trinity BS @ CLS 7/8 @ 6:00

Tuesday

5/6 Practice 3:00-4:30

Wednesday

7/8 Practice 3:00-4:30

Thursday

CLS 3/4 @ St. Paul Stev. @ 4:00

CLS 5/6 @ St. Paul Stev. @ 5:00

Upton 7 “A” @ CLS 7 @ 4:00

Upton 8 “A” @ CLS 8 @ 5:00

Sunday

7/8 Practice 12:00-1:30

Boys BB:

Monday

CLS 5/6 @ Resurrection Lutheran SB @ 4:30

Wednesday

CLS 7/8 vs. Michigan Lutheran @ Grace @ 6:00

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