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Principal’s Newsletter, Charles Strohacker, Principal

CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL
4333 CLEVELAND AVENUE
STEVENSVILLE, MI 49127

March 8, 2010

Securing Each Child’s Future- For a Life of Service!


National Lutheran Schools Week 

God’s blessings as we observe National Lutheran Schools Week!  Many of you know that I often joke around about being one of the ‘old guys.’  NLSW is one of those things that make me feel both young and old.  Old, mainly because I was involved with the start of NLSW.  No, this isn’t like Al Gore inventing the Internet… 

Actually, NLSW began as just LSW – Lutheran Schools Week, a Michigan event begun in the early 1980’s, and I was part of the team that did the initial planning for the early part of its existence.  My job usually involved writing devotions, chapel talks, worship messages and the like for many years until the Synod eventually asked if they might take it over from us, making it a national celebration.  I’ve continued to contribute some things to the national program from time to time, but mostly I like to sit back these days and just plain enjoy watching kids enjoy the events. 

And that’s what makes me feel young!  Kids having fun always does that for me – it provides a joy unlike most others, and I’m as excited as ever for this week’s events to begin. 

We began our NLSW with a special worship service in church yesterday, and we will conclude our week with a special joint worship service with other Lutheran schools at Trinity, St. Joe, this Friday, at 10:00 a.m.  Our NLSW celebration begins and ends with worship this year, and that is certainly as it should be.  God with us at the beginning, God with us at the close, and God with us throughout everything in between. 

Today is Spirit Day and we’re seeing lots of red and white.  And then there’s the Faculty v. Student Volleyball Game at the end of the day.  What a treat!  And volleyball is something the Faculty can still, occasionally, win at.  Years ago, we won at everything but not so lately.  It must be the younger teachers we’ve brought on just aren’t as good as they used to be…     

NLSW EVENTS 

Tuesday – Team Apparel Day.  Who is your favorite team.  Will Mr. Strohacker wear Chicago Bears stuff again this year…? 

Wednesday – Movie/Comfy Day.  Wear those comfy clothes (remember modesty), and there will be movies in the classroom during the afternoon. 

Thursday – Retro 80’s Day.  Some on the Faculty are struggling with this day…since we’re still wearing clothes we wore in the 80’s!  

EARLY DISMISSAL 

Remember that Friday is Dress Up Day for worship at Trinity, St. Joe, at 10:00 a.m.  Dismissal back here at Christ is at 11:40 a.m.  Enjoy the half day.  

THANK YOU TO P.T.L. 

The Friday afternoon of NLSW has long been Teacher Appreciation Day, and I want to thank the Christ Lutheran Parent-Teacher League for once again offering to treat our staff to lunch.  This kindness truly does mean a great deal as we get to gather together as co-workers and share lunch at a local restaurant.  Sincerely, thank you very much for your thoughtfulness.

BAND CONCERT 

All are invited to join us tomorrow evening at 7:00 pm in the gym for the Lutheran Schools Week Band Concert.  You will enjoy an evening of music provided by the Cadet Band and the Concert Band.  Joining Mr. Farrand as a guest conductor will be Lillieanna Andrews, a former Christ Lutheran student.  Also providing additional musical entertainment for the evening will be the Cantate Choir under the direction of Mr. Steffens.  

4th grade students will be participating with Pastor Measel at Jordan’s Nursing Home this Wednesday afternoon for our monthly service to the elderly.  

ART SHOW AT THE BOX FACTORY 

The 9th Annual Krasl Elementary School Art Show continues at The Box Factory for the Arts on Broad St. in St. Joseph.  All are invited to check out the student exhibits from CLS through Sunday, March 14.  Hours for the Box Factory are Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. There is no charge to visit and enjoy the art displays.  

KINDERGARTEN ROUNDUP 

Kindergarten roundup will be held this Thursday, March 11, at 7:00 p.m. in the Kindergarten room. This evening is scheduled for parents only to attend and to receive information on our school program.  Children eligible to enroll in our Kindergarten program must turn 5 years of age by November 30, 2010.  Both Mrs. Kern and Mr. Strohacker will be available to answer your questions. 

Invite your friends and neighbors with school age children to our Roundup!  

SCRIP-A-THON 

The all church/school Scrip-A-Thon is off to a great start.  Many church and school families are trying to win the free SCRIP prize of $100 and $50.  The deadline for the contest is next Monday morning, March 15.  Every time you buy and use a SCRIP gift card, you donate money to our church and school, and earn money toward your school book fees.  

SPORTS KORNER 

Basketball scores from last week were: 

      7/8th Girls – 44; Trinity, Paw Paw – 13

      7/8th Boys – 40; Trinity, Paw Paw – 15 

Results from the State Tournament held over the weekend left the 7/8th boys in 3rd place and the 7/8th girls in 4th. 

Hot News Release:  Both the boys and girls basketball teams have been accepted at the National Tournament held at Valpo the end of March!




March 1, 2010

Which Way Are You Looking?

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 3:13-14 

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?  Run in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.  They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.  1 Corinthians 9:24-25 

For the past couple weeks, most of us have probably watched at least some portions of the Olympics from Vancouver.  We’ve seen not only the competition but probably heard some personal stories of interest about the athletes as well. 

Some of those personal stories include the rigorous training the athletes went through in preparing for the games, while other stories may include personal things the athletes have had to overcome or put behind them in order to reach their goal. 

The focus is always forward – toward preparing for what is out in front of the athlete.  Things an athlete has overcome in the past must remain in the past - a serious injury, a horrific fall, previous losses, even the loss of her mother for one of the skaters.  Eyes must be forward and on the goal, the prize. 

Paul mentions this strict training and focus and then adds, “They do it to get a crown that will not last!”  While the medals today’s athletes win are more lasting than the laurel wreaths of Paul’s time, they still are not permanent.  Their goal, the prize they win, is only temporary. 

St. Paul encourages us to train, to not look back, to stretch toward what is ahead, to press on toward the goal, to win “the prize for which God has called (us) heavenward in Christ Jesus.”  

LOOKING FORWARD 

There are many things which we look forward to in the coming months.  One of these is a new teacher that will be joining our Faculty in the fall.  At yesterday’s meeting, the Voters of Christ Lutheran Church approved extending a Call to a candidate from the Concordia University System, Courtney Campbell, of Bay City, MI.  In recent weeks, our Board had received permission from the Voters to begin the process through our Synod for securing a new college graduate.  Technically, we still need to submit Call documents to the President of our Michigan District for his approval, and the paperwork must then make its way through the college placement system and be accepted by the designated candidate.  Additional information will follow when the Call is formally accepted later this spring.  Plans are for the new teacher to fill our 1st Grade position which will open up as Mrs. Ulmer moves to 3rd grade and Mr. Steffens retires. 

CONGRATULATIONS 

Also, in the looking forward category, our Voters yesterday voted to accept our Board of Christian Education’s recommendation to extend a Divine Call to Susan Jackemeyer, our 6th grade teacher.  Mrs. Jackemeyer has been working on a contract basis the past two years, and I am pleased the Voters have officially extended her a Call. 

WELCOME 

As we continue looking forward this week, it will be with a new Church Secretary.  We wish Mrs. Muldoon well as she begins a new job at Whirlpool, and we welcome Mrs. Christine Quardokus to our office.  Mrs. Quardokus has two sons: Christopher in 7th grade and Nicholas, a 10th grader.  Christine’s husband is Tim.  Welcome! 

LSW BAND CONCERT 

One of the high points of next week’s LSW celebration is the Band Concert on Tuesday, March 9, at 7:00 p.m.  Mark your calendar for that evening as well, and bring friends and family along to hear our outstanding CLS Band under the direction of Mr. Farrand.  I look forward to it!

LUTHERAN SCHOOLS WEEK 

Next week, we look forward to National Lutheran Schools Week, giving thanks and celebrating with children across the nation for the gift of attending a Lutheran school.  A sheet is being prepared which will detail the special events for each day next week.  Please be sure to mark Lutheran Schools Week Worship at Trinity, St. Joe, - Friday, March 12, at 10:00 a.m.  Everyone is invited! 

JUNIOR HIGH OPEN HOUSE 

This is something new, and I don’t have a date for your calendar yet, but the teachers and I are working on an evening to host an Open House both for our current families as well as new families.  If you know someone in our community who might be interested in an excellent junior high education in a Christian setting, please pass their name along to Mr. Strohacker, and please also invite them to our Junior House Open House when it occurs. 

MICHIGAN LUTHERAN H.S. VISITOR 

CLS welcomes Principal Mike Butzow from Michigan Lutheran H.S. this Tuesday, March 2.  Mr. Butzow will be meeting with 6th – 8th graders from 9:15 – 8:45 a.m. in our Sanctuary, providing them with information about MLHS.  Parents are welcome and encouraged to join us. 

SAFE SCHOOLS 

The front page of last Monday’s newspaper included an article about a workshop led by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman recently at the Berrien RESA.  Mr. Strohacker attended that one-day seminar and will soon be placing a resource sheet on the Church Visitors Center as well as on our school web site which includes information from the workshop that parents may find helpful. 

ART SHOW AT THE BOX FACTORY 

The 9th Annual Krasl Elementary School Art Show is now open at The Box Factory for the Arts on Broad St. in St. Joseph.  All are invited to check out the student exhibits from CLS through Sunday, March 14.  Hours for the Box Factory are Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. 

Special congratulations go to Kali Prillwitz.   Kali is the recipient of a $50 award from Krasl for one of her art entries. 

Again, we thank Mrs. Jan Reimann, our art teacher, and Amy Cole, Patty Allred, Sally Gooding, Julie DeWeerd, Shelly Guffey, Cheri Okonski, and  Karen Rooker for all their help in displaying the art pieces. 

  PRESCHOOL OPEN HOUSE 

Invite your friends and neighbors to our Preschool Open House scheduled this Sunday, March 7, from 12:00 noon until 3:00 p.m.  Children eligible to attend our preschool program must turn 4 years of age by November 30, 2010.  Mrs. Kern and Mrs. Kabelman will be available to show you around and answer questions.  Information/registration packets will be available. 

KINDERGARTEN ROUNDUP 

Kindergarten roundup will be held on Thursday, March 11, at 7:00 p.m. in the Kindergarten room. This evening is scheduled for only parents to attend and to receive information on our school program.  Children eligible to enroll in our Kindergarten program must turn 5 years of age by November 30, 2010.  Both Mrs. Kern and Mr. Strohacker will be available to answer your questions. 

STATE LUTHERAN BASKETBALL TOURNEY 

Best wishes and safe travel to our students and families who will travel to Frankenmuth this weekend for the annual Michigan Lutheran Schools Basketball Tournament.  Both our “A” girls and “A” boys will be participating.  The results of this tournament plays a large part in determining teams who will qualify to go on and participate at the National Lutheran Basketball Tournament hosted at Valparaiso University later this month. 

SPORTS KORNER 

Basketball scores from last week were:

      7/8th Girls – 21: Berrien Springs – 11

      5/6th Girls – 17; Berrien springs – 28

      8th Girls – 16; Upton 8th – 18

      7th Girls – 17; Upton 7th – 15

      5/6th Girls – 30; Trinity, SJ “B” – 17

      7/8th Boys – 31; ML - 23 


This week’s game schedule: 

Tuesday, March 2:

Paw Paw @ 7/8th Boys @ 5:30

Paw Paw @ 7/8th Girls @ 6:30 

The School Scrip-A-Thon runs until March 15.  Get your SCRIP orders turned in for your chance to win $50 and Dairy Queen Blizzards for your classroom.




February 22, 2010

Are You As Smart As…? 

I’m not a regular, but I have seen the TV show, “Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader?”  The show can be fun, but I’d say the name appeals to me more than anything else. 

Yesterday’s Gospel reading is the account of the devil tempting Jesus in the wilderness.  Satan takes Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple and says, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you, and on their hands they will bear your up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” 

It’s sort of like the ultimate dare:  “If you are really God…”  Then the devil tops it off by dazzling us with his ability to quote the Bible.  Yeah, the devil knows chapter and verse of the Bible.  I’m certain he would defeat me on a Bible history or trivia test.  He undoubtedly can recite the books of the Bible backwards…while I sometimes struggle with keeping the Old Testament books in order frontward. 

Fortunately for me, and for you, too, we don’t have to be smarter than a fifth grader or smarter than the devil.  Our salvation isn’t based on how much we know but rather on whom we know – Jesus. 

After Chapel last Wednesday, I asked if anyone could tell me something special about Lent.  I was looking for someone to remind us that midweek Lenten worship services were beginning that day.  But a Kindergarten student goofed me up by saying, “During Lent we give something up because it reminds us that Jesus gave up his life for us.”  (I’m polishing up his sentence a bit, but the message is all his.) 

Smart kid.  Faithful kid.  There are certainly days when I’m not ‘smarter than a fifth grader,’ but I can be O.K. with that as long as God grants me the faith of a little Kindergartener.

 

COMPUTER CLASS 

In Computer Class recently, I’ve been working with 5th & 6th graders on being “cyber smart” regarding the web sites they access.  In fact, the site Mrs. Beach has been having me take the students to is:  www.becybersmart.org.  We have been exploring web sites that are kid friendly, safe and will be helpful to students as they use the Internet to do reports in the future.  Lately, we’ve been paying close attention to the fact that sites may contain advertising or even reflect a certain point of view.  Be sure to continue this discussion with your child at home.  Thanks.

 

LENTEN WORSHIP 

Please remember the special opportunity we have for midweek Lenten worship in the coming weeks.  Thank you to the 5th graders for singing last week on Ash Wednesday. Lenten worship services are on Wednesday at 4:30 and 7:00 p.m. with a meal served in between. 

MICHIGAN LUTHERAN H.S. 

Mr. Mike Butzow, Principal of Michigan Lutheran High School, will be visiting CLS next Tuesday, March 2, to talk with our 6th – 8th graders.  We will be gathering the kids together in the Sanctuary at 9:15 a.m. to hear a brief presentation and ask questions.  Any of our parents are certainly welcome to join us that morning. 

ML has also invited our students and families to attend their Lutheran Elementary Grade School Night tomorrow evening, Tuesday, February 23.   All families will be admitted free to the ML vs. Howardsville boy’s basketball games.  JV starts at 6:00 pm.  Each student attending will get a Titan Dollar for the concession stand and be registered for a drawing.  

School dismisses at 11:40 a.m. this Thursday, February 25.  No Lakeshore bus service at dismissal. 

  

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES 

Parent-teacher conferences will be held this Thursday evening, February 25.  Conferences have been scheduled and forms have been returned to parents who requested a conference.   Parents of students in grades 6-8 are invited to meet with their student’s teachers on a first-come, first-served basis between 6:00-8:00 p.m. 

 

ART SHOW AT THE BOX FACTORY 

It’s time for the 9th Annual Krasl Elementary School Art Show being held at The Box Factory for the Arts on Broad St. in St. Joseph.  All are invited to check out the student exhibits from CLS beginning Thursday, February 25, and running through Sunday, March 14.  Hours for the Box Factory are Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. One work of art from each school will receive a $50 scholarship valid toward an art class of the student’s choice at Krasl.   An opening reception will be held this Thursday from 5:30 p.m.  – 6:45 p.m. and refreshments will be served. 

Our sincere thanks to Mrs. Jan Reimann, our art teacher, and to Amy Cole, Patty Allred, Sally Gooding, Julie DeWeerd, Shelly Guffey, and Cheri Okonski, who have helped her with preparing and displaying our student’s art pieces.  All your extra work and dedication to this project is greatly appreciated.

 

PRESCHOOL OPEN HOUSE 

Invite your friends and neighbors to our Preschool Open House scheduled for Sunday, March 7, from 12:00 noon until 3:00 p.m.  Children eligible to attend our preschool program must turn 4 years of age by November 30, 2010.  Mrs. Kern and Mrs. Kabelman will be available to show you around and answer questions.  Information/registration packets will be available.

  

KINDERGARTEN ROUNDUP 

Kindergarten roundup will be held on Thursday, March 11, at 7:00 p.m. in the Kindergarten room. This evening is scheduled for only parents to attend and to receive information on our school program.  Children eligible to enroll in our Kindergarten program must turn 5 years of age by November 30, 2010.  Both Mrs. Kern and Mr. Strohacker will be available to answer your questions. 

  

SPORTS KORNER 

Basketball scores from last week were: 

      5/6th Boys – 32; Resurrection, So. Bend – 17

      5/6th Girls – 19; Resurrection, So. Bend – 18

 

This week’s game schedule: 

Tonight, Monday, February 22:

5/6th Girls @ Berrien Springs @ 5:00 p.m.

7/8th Girls @ Berrien Springs @ 6:00 p.m. 

Thursday, February 25:

Trinity, SJ @ 3/4th Girls @ 4:00 p.m.

Trinity, SJ @ 5/6th Girls @ 5:00 p.m.

ML @ 7/8th Boys @ 6:00 p.m.

7th Girls @ Upton @ 4:00 p.m.

8th Girls @ Upton @ 5:00 p.m.

Coming up next week, March 5 & 6 is the State Basketball Tournament being held in Saginaw this year.  Best wishes to our “A” girls and boys teams.

 
February 16, 2010

Visitors

Diane and I did a lot of planning last week for some weekend visitors.  These weren’t just any visitors either.  We were eagerly anticipating our grandson, Luke’s, first visit to our house since he was born six weeks ago. 

Those couple of regularly scheduled days off we had back in January – Diane’s school wasn’t off those days, but the preparation began way back then already as she made sure that I spent those two days readying a bedroom for the kids.  But that’s another story… 

Looking back, the bedroom setup didn’t seem like much compared to the meal planning for last weekend.  After all, it wasn’t only my son, daughter-in-law, grandson…and granddog, Artie, that were coming but also my family from Chicago.  This was the first opportunity to see new baby, so everyone came up to spend the day with us on Saturday and have supper together. 

What snacks should we have when the kids arrive Friday evening?  Should we do a big breakfast on Saturday or put more emphasis on lunch?  What about Saturday evening’s meal?  How about some snacks in the afternoon…what about dessert?  Is there something we can prepare ahead of time to place in the oven and have ready when we return from church on Sunday?  Now who like Diet Pepsi, and who prefers Diet Coke…? 

Silly, I know, but we all do it.  Food would be at the center of much of our family fellowship over the weekend.  Well, Luke, too. 

As we celebrated Holy Communion during worship on Sunday, I was reminded that God has placed food at the center of our worship, also.  The true Body and Blood of His Son, Jesus, given for us.  Let us daily give thanks to God for The Bread of Life. 

JOB POSITION AVAILABLE

Mrs. Muldoon has announced that she has accepted a position with another company and will be leaving Christ Lutheran very soon.  Anyone interested in applying for the position of Church Secretary should contact Pastor Quardokus or drop off a copy of their resume in the church office.  

 

ASH WEDNESDAY  WORSHIP 

As we enter the Lenten season we have the opportunity, in addition to Sunday worship, to worship at midweek services and ponder Christ’s suffering and death for us. Please join us this Wednesday as we celebrate Ash Wednesday with worship at 4:30 and 7:00 p.m.  Please note that the 5th grade students will be singing at the 4:30 p.m. service. 

A light supper will be served by the Youth Group between services. 

 

HEARTS FOR JESUS 

The February Chapel offerings have been designated to the Michigan District’s “Hearts for Jesus” program.  Students, please remember to bring your special “Hearts for Jesus” contribution envelopes to this week’s chapel service on Ash Wednesday. 

 

SIX FLAGS DEADLINE 

Students need to turn in their “Read to Succeed” forms by this Friday, February 19.  Students in grades K-6 who complete the six hours of reading and turn in their form will receive a ticket for free admission to a Six Flags amusement park. 

 

SCRIP-A-THON 

Students are bringing home information on the SCRIP-A-Thon that begins today and runs until 9:00 a.m. Monday, March 15.  This year’s top prize is $50 worth of SCRIP gift cards to the top salesperson.  Second and third place salespeople will receive $25 each of gift cards.

  

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES 

Parent-teacher conferences will be held on Thursday evening, February 25.  Conferences have been scheduled and forms returned to parents who have requested a conference.   Parents of students in grades 6-8 are invited to meet with their student’s teachers on a first-come, first-served basis between 6:00-8:00 p.m. 

School will dismiss at 11:40 a.m. on February 25.  The Lakeshore Bus will not be running at dismissal time. 

 

FRESHMAN ORIENTATION @ LAKESHORE 

8th grade students who will be attending Lakeshore High School next fall are invited to attend one of the orientation/information meetings scheduled for tonight or Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. in the High School Auditorium.   Please check in with one of the counselors upon arrival to receive a package of information including your registration forms. 

SPORTS KORNER 

Scores from last week’s basketball games were: 

      5/6th Girls – 37; St. Paul, Stev. – 18

      5/6th Girls – 20; Grace – 14

The ML boy’s game that was snowed out last week has been rescheduled for Thursday, February 25, 6:00 pm here at CLS.  Please adjust your calendars to reflect this change.

Tonight’s game schedule:

5/6th Girls @ Resurrection Lutheran, So. Bend 4:30 pm

5/6th Boys @ Resurrection Lutheran, So. Bend 5:30 pm

The “A” Girls Crusader Classic BB Tourney will take place this weekend, February 20 – 21, here at CLS.



February 8, 2010

Who Is My Neighbor?

 

In Luke 10, Jesus answers this question with His parable of 'The Good Samaritan.'  Last week, Richard Hildebrand of Milford, IA visited and spoke to CLS students about our neighbors.  Mr. Hildebrand is Mrs. Kern’s brother. 

A high school industrial arts teacher and builder, Richard is a regular volunteer for STEMM - Siouxland Tanzania Educational Medical Ministries.  Our children's musical done earlier this year, 'Barbeque for Ben,' raised money for this mission project, and Richard was here sharing slides and the story of the mission in Tanzania.  Richard mentioned that all the people in his pictures were dying of AIDS...and these people are our neighbors. 

Also, last week, classrooms collected a special offering to be given to Lutheran World Relief and then sent on to Haiti for earthquake relief.  You've seen the pictures of so many Haitian children on TV...and these, too, are our neighbors. 

For the next two Wednesdays, I will be leading Chapel worship and, using the parable of 'The Good Samaritan,' I'll be teaching students about some other neighbors in Africa, the people of Kenya, many of whom are suffering and dying from Malaria.  Again, many of them children. 

The Lutheran Malaria Initiative is this month's Michigan District Hearts for Jesus mission project.  Thousands of Lutheran students from across Michigan will be collecting Chapel offerings to benefit this mission.  These people in Kenya, also, are our neighbors. 
  
A little side note - the need is great!  In talking with Mr. Hildebrand, he mentioned that the need in Haiti, while very serious, also has caused gifts to STEMM to decline.  This is not unusual to have a high profile, 'in the news,' type disaster strike and, as good people seek to help, it can divert gifts from other necessary missions.  We live in a world where the need is always great to share the Good News of the Savior and to help our neighbor.

  

PARENTS AS TEACHER PLAYGROUP 

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

KUDOS 

Please share your good wishes with 7th grader Mary Brown who recently wrote an article “Why I Love My School,” for the February edition of Michigan In Touch magazine, a publication of The Michigan District of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod.  Copies of this magazine are placed in the boxes of all Christ Lutheran Church families as well as our tuition families.  Please check out the article on page 8.  Extra copies are available in the office.   

JOB POSITION AVAILABLE

Mrs. Muldoon as announced that she has accepted a position with another company and will be leaving Christ Lutheran in a couple weeks.  Anyone interested in applying for the position of Church Secretary should contact Pastor Quardokus or drop off a copy of their resume in the church office. 

 

THANK YOU 

Thank you to Mr. Steffens and our 3rd and 4th graders, all of whom provided leadership and music for the Michigan District West Region Pastors’ Conference held here last Tuesday. 

NO SCHOOL 

School is not in session next Monday, February 15, as we observe the Presidents’ Day holiday.

 

WORSHIP AT JORDAN’S 

Students in grades 6 and 7 will be traveling out to Bridgman this Wednesday afternoon to participate in worship with the elderly.  Thank you to Pastor Measel for providing the message at these services. 

Parents who would like to schedule a conference with their child’s teacher should return their request form by this Friday, February 12. 

KINDERGARTEN MILK 

Kindergartners pay for their milk by the semester.  Second semester milk money in the amount of $36 is now due.  Please remit to the school office.  

SIX FLAGS DEADLINE 

The Six Flags Read to Succeed deadline is approaching.  Students should turn in reading tally sheets to their teacher by Friday, February 19.

 
 

LADIES, PLEASE JOIN US! 

We’re looking for a few (or more) good women!  Are you interested in learning more about the Bible?  Would you like to experience the joy, fellowship, and support of other women as you study God’s word and how it impacts your life?  Come join us for Tuesday morning Lifelight from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. in the All-Purpose Room.  We are currently studying the book of Matthew, and invite you to travel with us as we experience Christ’s road to the cross.  Please call Kathy Conrad at 556-0004 for more information, or to arrange for babysitting. See you there!

COMING SOON . . . .

Plans are being made for an upcoming all-school and church Scrip-A-Thon.  Watch for details about dates and prizes. 

 

SOUTHWEST VOLLEYBALL CLUB 

The spring season of volleyball is just around the corner.  A parent information meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 10th at 7:30pm at the Lakeshore High School Cafeteria.  For more information contact Lisa Gathright @ 313-4563.

SPORTS KORNER 

Scores from last week’s basketball games were: 

      7/8th Girls – 30; Trinity, St. Joe – 6

      5/6th Girls – 30; Trinity, St. Joe - 11

      7/8th Girls – 32; Paw Paw – 10

Congratulations to the 7th/8th grade girls who brought home both the 1st Place Trophy and the Consolation Trophy from the Ann Arbor tournament over the weekend.  

Tonight’s game schedule:

St. Paul, Stev. @ 3/4th Girls @ 4pm

St. Paul, Stev. @ 5/6th Girls @ 5pm

So.Haven vs. Berrien Springs @ Christ @ 6pm 

Wednesday, February 10:

ML @ 7/8th Boys @ 6pm 

Thursday, February 11:

Grace @ 3/4th Girls @ 4pm

Grace @ 5/6th Girls @ 5pm



February 1, 2010

Hearts for Jesus 

Since 1972, Lutheran schools of the Michigan District – LCMS have joined together annually in February for what is called the Hearts for Jesus mission project.  During the past 38 years, Lutheran students in Michigan have raised over 1.2 million dollars for a variety of missions, most often ones that reach out to children. 

This year’s Hearts for Jesus project is The Lutheran Malaria Initiative.  Beginning this Wednesday, February 3, and continuing for the next 4 weeks, our Chapel offerings will go toward this effort.  Mr. Strohacker will be leading Chapel worship this Wednesday and next Wednesday, using specially prepared Chapel talks to help children understand the special needs of this mission and respond in love to God for the many blessings we have by helping others. 

WHY MALARIA? 

Please pray for those suffering from malaria, and ask God to bless the gifts our children bring in the coming weeks.

 
 

WELCOME 

This week southwest Michigan is hosting The Michigan District - LCMS Winter Pastors Conference.  Pastors from across Michigan will be at Christ on Tuesday for morning worship and opening activities, using the Sanctuary, Commons and All-Purpose Room.  Pastors will also be using other sites in town, including Trinity Lutheran, St. Joe, and The Heritage Center.  Please make our guests feel welcome and greet them.

  

PARENTS AS TEACHERS PLAYGROUP 

The Berrien RESA Parents As Teachers Playgroup has their next play date in our gym on Wednesday, February 10.  There is no cost to attend, and the group is for parents and their young children, birth through pre-school age.  For more information, call Playgroup Coordinator, Kathy Hanley, (921-0199).

 
 

PLEASE NOTE: 


 

WINTER PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES 

Scheduling forms for the Winter Parent-Teacher Conferences are coming home with students today.  Conferences will be held on Thursday, February 25, from 5:00-8:00 p.m.   Winter conferences are optional, and are only scheduled if requested by the parent or the teacher.   If you would like a conference with your student’s teacher, please return the form to the school office by Friday, February 12.

LADIES, PLEASE JOIN US! 

We’re looking for a few (or more) good women!  Are you interested in learning more about the Bible?  Would you like to experience the joy, fellowship, and support of other women as you study God’s word and how it impacts your life?  Come join us for Tuesday morning Lifelight from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. in the All-Purpose Room.  We are currently studying the book of Matthew, and invite you to travel with us as we experience Christ’s road to the cross.  Please call Kathy Conrad at 556-0004 for more information, or to arrange for babysitting. See you there! 

 

IT PAYS TO BUY SCRIP 

Exciting news…..effective immediately, the profit donation for Dominos Pizza has increased from 5% to 8%.  The $10 denomination remains the same. 

Most of our other participating SCRIP restaurants also offer generous profit donations.  So, when it’s time to eat out, head to Chili’s (11%), Applebee’s (8%), Bob Evans (10%), Cracker Barrel (9%), Panera Bread (9%), Red Lobster & Olive Garden (9%), Pizza Hut (8%).  Many of the other restaurants on our special order list offer even higher percentage donations, and using these gift cards increases our church/school donations quickly.

 
 

KITCHEN HELP NEEDED! 

An average month has 20 days of school.  We currently have only 8 volunteers to help serve lunch.  We are looking for another 8-12 people.  On the day that you help serve, one of your children may receive a free hot lunch. 

We are also in need of some ladies to create a cover for the salad bar and sew a curtain for under the butcher block.  If interested in either of these, please call Amy Cole at 983-0524. 

 

SPORTS KORNER 

Scores from last week’s basketball games were: 

      5/6th Girls – 28: Grace – 19

      7th Girls – 27; Upton 7th – 16

      8th Girls – 34; Upton 8th – 19

      5/6 Girls – 12; Berrien Springs – 18 

Congrats to the 7/8th boys for taking 1st place at the Grand Rapids tournament over the weekend.

Tonight’s  game schedule is:

3/4th Girls @ Trinity, St. Joe @ 4pm

5/6th Girls @ Trinity, St. Joe @ 5pm

7/8th Girls @ Trinity, St. Joe @ 6pm 

Wednesday’s Game Schedule, Feb. 3:

7/8th Girls @ Trinity, Paw Paw @ 5:30pm

7/8th Boys @ Trinity, Paw Paw @ 6:30 pm 

The 7/8th grade girls will be traveling to Ann Arbor this weekend to participate in their annual tournament. 

THANK YOU!

 Thank you to the ladies of all ages who made my baby shower such a special and memorable event.  Whether you helped decorate, helped make the delicious meal possible, or simply helped by being there to celebrate with me, I thank you!  What a wonderful group of women you are!  Pastor and I are blessed by all the ways you continue to surround our family with your loving care.                         
In Christ, Jill Measel



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