Monday, September 21, 2015

Parent Connection September 21 Issue# 6

“Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, ...” – Hebrews 12:1-2a (HCSB)

An event still sticks in my mind from one of the first fishing trips I made to Big Lake. A beautiful summer day, the fish were biting, the sun was shining. I had borrowed a boat from my niece and her husband. We had found a spot that looked to be promising, so we pulled in, dropped anchor, and proceeded to fish. But soon we decided that the spot wasn’t paying off like we had hoped, so we reeled in to move to another spot. The outboard motor started up fine, but as we took off, the boat seemed sluggish. Was the engine not working properly? It seemed we would go a little, then slow down. I gave it a little more gas, but the boat just didn’t want to pick up speed. Then suddenly, we took off like a shot. Wow! Problem solved. At least until we got to our next fishing spot. “Hey. Where’s our anchor?”

Funny thing about anchors – they slow you down. They sit below the water line. You don’t see them. But if you forget to bring them in, your journey is hindered. Or stopped completely. Or disastrously. (I thank God that that wasn’t the case on our fishing trip.)

In our Christian lives, we at times fail to see the “anchors” that hold us back – worries about life, regrets from our past, selfish attitudes and behaviors, or just plain sin. We wonder why we are not advancing in our walk of faith like we hope to, while hidden below the waterline these anchors dig into the bottom, keeping us from moving forward in faith to follow Jesus as we know we should.
A quick check around the boat before we started off would have saved me a lost anchor and a great deal of embarrassment. A daily check of my life is needed to see if any hidden “anchors” might keep me from following Jesus with my whole heart:
·         What worries and cares have I not put entirely into Jesus hands, or failed to even give to him?
·         What sins still plague my conscience? Have I repented? And if so, have I trusted in the promise of sins forgiven?
·         What attitudes or behaviors am I displaying that show more love for myself than for my Savior?

May God lead every one of us to lay aside that which holds us back from believing in his promises and following Christ in our daily Christian walk of faith, and may God through his Holy Spirit keeping our eyes focused on our Savior Jesus.
That reminds me - I still owe my niece and her husband a new anchor.
May God bless your week,
Principal Schneck

You are invited to join us for our weekly chapel service this Thursday, September 24th, from 8:30 to 9:00 a.m.
Families and friends are invited to come and join us in starting our day with the Lord. Our current mission offering is designated for Jesus Cares Ministries.

Congratulations to our Cross Country Team!
They runners from our school took first AND second place in their division in the ACSAA meet on Saturday. Thanks to Mr. Zarnstorff for coaching the team. Way to go, Huskies!

Our thanks to all those who donated to and helped run our PTF/Camp Luther Fall Parking Lot Sale and Saturday. Over $600 was raised for PTF and Camp Luther. Thank you!
Junior Choir meets Wednesday, September 23rd. Students should be in the church for practice at 12:20 p.m.

Handchime Choir meets Thursday, September 4th. Students should be in the church for practice at 12:30 p.m.

Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball (grades 5-8) begins this Tuesday, September 22nd.
Basketball is open to students in grades 5-8. Permission slips need to be returned for students to participate. Mr. Zarnstorff will be coaching the boys’ team, and Mrs. Jessi Robbert will coach the girls’ team.  Please speak to Mr. Tom Zarnstorff if you have any questions.

Beginning tonight Pastor Chris Ewings will be presenting an evening Bible class entitled “Making Life Better”. In this class, participants will consider how God has made our lives better by reviewing our past, changing our present, and transforming our future. This course covers the basic truths of the Christian faith and is offered to new-comers and long-time Christians alike. Come marvel at what God has done for you! This class is presented on Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m. Please contact Pastor Ewings for more information, or just come tonight to see what it is all about!

Faith PTF is hosting a Community Health Fair on Saturday, October 17th from 8:00 a.m. until noon. This is a free event providing basic health screening and health care information and all are invited.
We do need some volunteers to help us host this even. To volunteer sign up at: SignUpGenius.com/go/20F0A44A5A72CA46-health
For more information follow the link on the school’s website or call the school office.

September Toddler Time is an hour of educational activities, structured play and a snack for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. Toddler Time meets Wednesdays from 10-11 a.m. in the Faith fellowship hall. For more information contact Mrs. Cara Ewings at
907-792-9388.

This year our church and school will host a “Trunk or Treat” on Friday, October 30th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. This is an event where families can come and enjoy some safe outdoor trick-or-treating and fun activities here at Faith Lutheran. To volunteer to help out, provide your decorated vehicle, or supply candy, please contact the school office. Or sign up at:  Signupgenius.com/go/20f0a44a5a72ca46-trunk

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