Monday, December 18, 2017

Parent Connection December 18

Why Are Fire Trucks Red?
          Have you ever wondered that?  Well someone once gave the following explanation as an answer to that question:  Fire trucks have four wheels and carry eight people.  Four plus eight equals twelve. There are twelves inches in a foot, and a foot is a ruler. Queen Elizabeth is a ruler and one of the largest ships on the sea.  The sea has fish in it, and fish have fins. The Finns fought the Russians once, and Russians are red.  Fire trucks are always rushin’, and therefore fire trucks are red!
          Obviously, this is a silly answer. However, this explanation is no more far-fetched than some of the excuses people give for not believing in Jesus as their Savior, or for not coming to church. Even sillier will be some of the excuses Jesus will hear when He returns as judge of all.
          Jesus is coming back, that is His promise to us recorded in His Word.  No one knows when that will be but we, His children, have nothing to fear in His return because He has made us ready through His death and resurrection.  He bought us with His holy precious blood and His innocent suffering and death.  Through the work of the Holy Spirit He made us His own dear children.  As His dear children, we don’t have to be afraid, or think up some silly excuses when Jesus comes again.  We can look for His return with joy and expectation in our hearts! “Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again:  Rejoice!” Phil. 4:4.

Unexpected Visitor
          Most of you probably saw the police officers when you arrived at school this morning.   The kindergarten room was broken into sometime Sunday night.  One of the windows was broken and there were a few

things taken but, most importantly, nobody was hurt.  Classes will continue to operate normally.  If you have any further concerns, please speak with your student’s teacher.

Children’s Christmas Service 
I would like to extend a big thank you to all who helped in preparing the Children’s Christmas Service for Friday night. A special thanks to Ted Kohlstedt, Fred Koenig, and Trevor Zarnstorff for transporting, setting up, and taking down the stage.  Also, thank you to the teachers who put in so much time teaching the songs and recitations, along with setting up and taking down, and Miss Mittelstadt for producing the Power Point and folder for the service. Finally, I would like to thank all of the children who shared the glorious Gospel message with us!  Mr. Z.

Performing at the Dimond Center
          K-8 students will be singing and playing hand chimes at the Dimond Center tomorrow, December 19th at 1:30pm. 
We need all drivers to be here at 1:00pm for a 1:15pm departure.  We will return to school at 2:45pm.

Advent Services
          We invite you to join us during our last Advent worship service on December 20th at 3:00pm to close out the school day.  This service will last a little more than half an hour.  Students will be dismissed for the day at the end of the service.  Please pick up your students through the main church entrance instead of the school entrance.

Dress-Up Thursday
          Do you have an ugly Christmas sweater?  How about a pair of leggings with pictures of the Grinch?  We’d like to see your favorite Christmas-themed outfit on Thursday.  No favorite holiday wear?  That’s ok, wear your uniform.
  
Early Dismissal and Christmas Break
          School will dismiss and Christmas Break begins at noon Thursday, December 21st.  There will be no aftercare.  We’ll see you on January 8th when school resumes.  We wish you and your families a very blessed Christmas and New Year. 

Meet Your Teachers Monday

The answer to last week’s Meet Your Teacher trivia question was Mrs. Koenig. Congratulations to Isaac Moua for guessing the correct answer!  Make sure to check the school’s Facebook page in January for a new trivia question.

Monday, December 11, 2017

Parent Connection December 11

Which Disturbs You Most?
          Let’s play a little game today. It’s called, “What disturbs you most?”
          What disturbs you most, a soul lost in hell, or a scratch on your new car? A sermon that is ten minutes too long, or a lunch served half an hour late? Your Bible left unread or your daily newspaper unread, or maybe your Facebook feed unread?  Does it bother you more that your nation is in debt, or that your church is in debt? Is it worse for you to miss a Bible class, or to miss your favorite team’s game? Which disturbs you most, missing a day of work, or missing an Advent or Christmas service? Missing the Lord’s Supper, or missing your favorite television show or movie? Good questions, aren’t they? How do I answer them? For what am I living, what is my goal?
          Certainly we have to live and work in this world. We have to use money and investments. Those are the means God has given us to use for our livelihood. We have to use them but not let them use us. Misuse of earthly goods can only rob us of the heavenly treasures God has prepared for us. More valuable by far is the salvation God has prepared for us in Christ. More durable by far is the heaven He has waiting for us. More valuable by far is the effort to be rich in Christ and His Word. That is the only way to live for eternity. Jesus says, “Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted.” Luke 12:33. 

Handchimes Choir
          In preparation for the Children’s Christmas Service, we will be practicing twice this week, Tuesday, December 12th and Thursday, December 14th. 
          We will also be playing during this Wednesday’s 3:00pm Advent service.

Advent Services
          We invite you to join us and your children as we celebrate the Advent season at Faith.  We will have special worship services on December 13th and 20th at 3:00pm to close out the school day.  These services will last a little more than half an hour.  Students will be dismissed for the day at the end of the service.  Please pick up your students through the main church entrance instead of the school entrance.

Hot Lunch
Hot lunch will be Thursday, December 14th.  This month’s hot lunch will be prepared by Christopher Robbert.  Christopher is a graduate of Faith and has just returned from training in the Alaska National Guard. Thank you Christopher!
The cost is $4 and the menu is:
Chicken Nuggets
French Fries
Carrots/Celery
Fruit
Dessert
Parents are welcome to join your student for lunch. 

Help Needed
          Mr. Z. is looking for someone with a truck to help him pick up the pieces for the stage after school Thursday from Party World Rentals at 3810 Arctic Blvd.  These are 4’x8’ panels.  He also needs you to help take them back Saturday morning.
  
Children’s Christmas Service
          Our school Christmas service, “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come,” will be held this Friday, December 15th at 6:30pm in Faith’s Fellowship Hall.  This is a mandatory school function. All FLS students are expected to be present for this opportunity to present the good news of our Savior!
          Students need to wear their best church clothes such as dresses, dress pants, button-up shirts, etc.  Please no jeans or t-shirts.
          Students should meet in the following locations at 6:15pm:
·         Handchime Choir:  Fellowship Hall
·         Preschool:  Preschool room
·         Kindergarten:  Kindergarten room
·         1st – 4th:  Spare classroom
·         5th – 8th:  Spare classroom

Bake Sale
Thank you to all those who stopped by the bake sale and to those who donated the yummy items.  We had an exceptional bake sale this year raising over $850 to support our school.  What a blessing to have such a supportive community for this school!

Yearbook
          With the year nearly half over, this is a reminder to create your yearbook account at www.treering.com/signup-intro so you can upload pictures, personalize your child’s pages in the front, and buy your books.  A reminder email was also sent to all parents with a link to the website.  We can’t be at all of the events so it helps when parents upload their pictures.  It is important to us that every child has their picture in the yearbook.  Together, we can make our yearbook a success.

Performing at the Dimond Center

          K-8 students will be singing and playing handchimes at the Dimond Center Tuesday, December 19th at 1:30pm.  We are looking for five parents who would be willing to drive students to and from the Dimond Center.  Please see the attached permission slip for more information.

Meet Your Teachers Monday
The answer to last week’s Meet Your Teacher trivia question was Mrs. Koenig. Congratulations to Kennedy M. for guessing the correct answer!  Make sure to check the school’s Facebook page for this week’s question.

December Birthdays
We would like to wish these students God’s richest blessings on their upcoming birthdays:
Elin F. - December 25th
Kathrin K. - December 27th 
Ryan T. – December 31th


Monday, December 4, 2017

Parent Connection December 4

Where’s Your Comfort Blanket?
          Do any of your children have a special blanket, or toy, that is the thing they turn to when things don’t go their way? When they are sad or hurt or in trouble with Mom or Dad, do they curl up in that one special blanket to soothe themselves until all is well? Or maybe there is no peace in your house until that one special pacifier is found for that infant who has a loud, insistent voice.
          The people of Israel had no such blanket. They had turned away from their loving God in heaven and worshipped idols. God had allowed the Babylonians to defeat the Israelites and carry them off to faraway Babylon. There they languished in captivity and could only blame themselves for their situation. During this time of separation from their homeland, they came to their senses and realized their sin, and confessed their wrong to God.
          God had compassion on them and sent his prophet Isaiah to them with these words of comfort: “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.” Is. 40:1-2.
          That same comfort is for all of us too. Our debt for sin has been paid; we are free of the guilt of all of them, free to serve the Lord in gladness. He gives this salvation to us freely and promises to bring us safely to His heavenly home.

Classrooms Need Tissues
With the colder weather comes more runny noses.  Please consider bringing a box or two of tissues for your student’s classroom, especially if you have younger students.

Kindergarten Field Trip
          The Kindergarten class will visit Anchorage Animal Care and Control tomorrow, December 5th from 2:00pm to 3:00pm.

Handchimes Choir
          In preparation for the Children’s Christmas Service, we will be practicing twice a week for the next two weeks.  We will meet at 12:30pm on December 5th, 7th, 12th, and 14th.

Advent Services
          We invite you to join us and your children as we celebrate the Advent season at Faith.  We will have special worship services on December 6th, 13th, and 20th at 3:00pm to close out the school day.  These services will last a little more than half an hour.  Students will be dismissed for the day at the end of the service.  Please pick up your students through the main church entrance instead of the school entrance.
           
Bake Sale
The PTF bake sale is this Thursday, December 7th.  This sale is for homemade, edible goods like cookies, cakes, jellies, breads, or any other items you make. The items will be available for sale starting at noon and continuing until 4:00pm.  If you have any questions or would like to help, please contact Sheila Lillo by cell at 907-229-7901.

Yearbook
          With the year nearly half over, this is a reminder to create your yearbook account at www.treering.com/signup-intro so you can upload pictures, personalize your child’s pages in the front, and buy your books.  A reminder email was also sent to all parents with a link to the website.  We can’t be at all of the events so it helps when parents upload their pictures.  It is important to us that every child has their picture in the yearbook.  Together, we can make our yearbook a success.

Meet Your Teachers Monday
The answer to last week’s Meet Your Teacher trivia question was Mr. Z. Congratulations to Connor Klebs for guessing the correct answer!  Make sure to check the school’s Facebook page for this week’s question.

December Birthdays
We would like to wish these students God’s richest blessings on their upcoming birthdays:
Elin F. - December 25th
Kathrin K. - December 27th 

Ryan T. – December 31th

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Parent Connection November 27

Are you packed and ready?
          Whenever we plan to go away for a day or two, we have to pack those things we will need for those days.  Inevitably, I get the feeling that I forgot some important item that will turn out being crucial to the success of the trip.  After all my frequent trips over the years, that feeling has not gone away.  Now, I just think that if I have forgotten something, it must not have been that important.
          What I pack will be different depending what the trip is and how long I will be gone.  There are different things to remember if I’m going to a two-day conference or a week-long float trip down a wilderness river.  If I forgot something for the conference, it might be easy to replace at the local store.  But if I’m out in the wilderness, there is no way to replace what you forgot and I better be ready to do without that item for the rest of the trip.
          What about packing for Christ’s return?  When He returns, there will be no time to jump out of bed and reach for the suitcase.  When the only Savior of sinners stands at the door of my life, it won’t work for me to say, “Just a minute while I pack!” I need to be ready before He comes, or I will never be ready when He does come.  Now, while my heart still beats and this world still turns, is packing time for the trip into eternity.
          So what do I need in my suitcase?  What should I not forget?  Only one item – Christ Jesus!  This requires constant packing and regular use of the Gospel in Word and Sacrament which the Holy Spirit uses to keep the Savior packed in my heart.

If He comes suddenly, do not let Him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’ “ Mark 13:36-37.


Basketball Schedule
·         Tuesday, Nov. 28, 3:45-5:30pm at APU
·         Thursday, Nov. 30, Boys’ Tournament Game (Time TBD) at Birchwood
·         Friday, Dec. 1, Girls’ Tournament Game (Time TBD) at Birchwood
Due to unforeseen circumstances, we need a volunteer to help get players to and from practice and games this week.  If you are available, please speak with Mr. Z.

Fees for the basketball tournament:
Adults (18+)                              $5.00/day
Students (6-17)                          $3.00/day
Children (5 & under)                   Free
Seniors (62+)                             $1.00/day
Family pass (3 or more people)    $15.00/day
(Admission fees cover the cost of the gym.)

Handchimes Choir
          We will be practicing at 12:30pm tomorrow, Tuesday, Nov. 28 because of the field trip on Thursday. 

Spirit Week
Help us cheer on our basketball teams for their tournament by dressing up for spirit week.
          Tuesday:  Tie Dye Day
          Wednesday:  Backwards Day
          Thursday:  Athletic Apparel Day
          Friday:  School Color (Teal & Gold) Day

Do your best to dress in the theme for the day.  If you decide not to participate, you should wear your school uniform.

Chapel Offering Update
          The chapel offerings for the first eleven weeks of the school year totaled $583.61. A check in that amount will be presented to the Klebs family for their use in memory of their son, Gavin.
          The offerings for the next eleven weeks will be directed to Christians Forward-Southeast Asia. This group has provided medical aid to 7,600 patients in Southeast Asia. Along with the humanitarian aid, they also share the Gospel with their patients.

K-8 Field Trip
          Kindergarten through 8th grade will be taking a bus to see A Very Electric Christmas at the PAC this Thursday, November 30th.  

Bake Sale
Start looking through your recipes.  On December 7th, PTF will host a bake sale.  This sale is for homemade, edible goods.  This could be cookies, cakes, jellies, breads, or any other items you make. The items will be available for sale starting at noon on the 7th and continuing until 4:00pm.  If you have any questions or would like to help, please contact Sheila Lillo by cell at 907-229-790.

 Mark your Calendars
PTF will host a dinner with a silent auction on February 23rd.  Please mark your calendars.  This dinner will be free will donation.  If you have any items to donate for the silent auction, or would like to help with coordinating the dinner, please contact Sheila Lillo by cell at 907-229-7901. 

Boxes of Tissues
With the colder weather comes runny noses.  Please consider bringing a box or two of tissues for your student’s classroom.

Meet Your Teachers Monday

The answer to last week’s Meet Your Teacher trivia question was Pastor Ewings. Congratulations to Emma Robbert for guessing the correct answer!  Make sure to check the school’s Facebook page for this week’s question.

Monday, November 20, 2017

Parent Connection November 20

Hey, Coach!
Hey, Coach, what can I do to get open?  Hey, coach, how can I help the team better in the next game?  What can I do to improve my free throws, Coach?  How can I get a faster start in the race?
          Athletes of all sorts seek out advice from their coaches on how to improve their game.  Coaches can usually pick out even little things that can help the student who wants to do better at the given sport.  Sometimes just pointing out one or two small things will help them focus and just that focus will improve their performance.
          In our lives as Christians, God has provided “coaches” to help us along the path of life on our way to heaven.  Parents are the foremost coaches for their children.  As parents, it’s your responsibility to lead by example and correction.  Pastors and teachers are here to help you carry out your responsibilities and reinforce your guidance. God has also provided his Holy Spirit to work on the hearts of these little ones, to guide and recall those who are straying.  All of us working together to carry out God’s plan for each child, His plan of bringing each of them safely into His Heavenly Kingdom.  Be thankful that God has not left us alone in this responsibility!

Basketball Schedule
·         Tuesday, Nov. 21, Game
4:00pm Girls, 5:00pm Boys
at Birchwood Christian

National Geography Bee
          Congratulations to Emma Robbert for winning the Geography Bee.  Her next step will be to take the qualifying test after Christmas to determine her eligibility for the Alaska State Geography Bee. 

No School
Thanksgiving is this Thursday.  There is no school on Thursday or Friday.  Chapel will be held on Wednesday.

Hot Lunch Donations
Thank you to all who donated food, especially Village Inn for the apple and pumpkin pies, for the hot lunch last week!  We had plenty of delicious food with leftovers for the potluck on Sunday.  Thank you to Fred Koenig, Scott Anderson, and Krys Traver for preparing and serving the food on Thursday.
We collected several items for the Brother Francis Shelter this year.  Thank you to all who donated.  We collected:  66 pairs of socks, 16 underwear, 5 gloves, 20 hand warmers, 30 razors, 37 toothbrushes, 23 tubes of toothpaste, 14 dental floss, 7 bars of soap, 440 band aids, and over 70 shampoo, lotion, and body washes.  What a blessing when we all contribute to a cause!

No More Slick Floors
          A special thank you to Brady’s Floor Covering for donating the new mats in the school hallway.  They look great and will help us keep our students and parents safe from falls.

Thanksgiving Worship Service         Thank you, parents, for bringing your students to church last Sunday to sing and play the handchimes.  The congregation really enjoyed their performances.

K-8 Field Trip
          Kindergarten through 8th grade will be going to see A Very Electric Christmas at the Alaska Jr. Theater Thursday, November 30th.

Bake Sale
Start looking through your recipes.  On December 7th, PTF will host a bake sale.  This sale is for homemade, edible goods.  This could be cookies, cakes, jellies, breads, or any other items you make. The items will be available for sale starting at noon on the 7th and continuing until 4:00pm.  If you have any questions or would like to help, please contact Sheila Lillo by cell at 907-229-790.

Mark your Calendars
PTF will host a dinner with a silent auction on February 23rd.  Please mark your calendars.  This dinner will be free will donation.  If you have any items to donate for the silent auction, or would like to help with coordinating the dinner, please contact Sheila Lillo by cell at 907-229-7901. 

Meet Your Teachers Monday
The answer to last week’s Meet Your Teacher trivia question was Ms. Snyder. Congratulations to Sarah Klebs for guessing the correct answer!  Make sure to check the school’s Facebook page for this week’s question.

November Birthdays
God’s richest blessings on your birthday!
Ms. Snyder             11/21

Evangeline G.         11/24

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Parent Connection November 13

A Time of Giving Thanks
          The time of the year is very evident in all of the ads in the media.  Everything that you need to celebrate Thanksgiving seems to be on sale.  There is talk about being thankful. But what does this mean?  What is thanksgiving?
          Some people would say that maybe we say “thank you“ too much.  We say it so much that it has lost its meaning.  And when someone says it to us, we are more likely to respond with “No, thank you” rather than “you’re welcome”.  In fact, we have many phrases that have become trite because of over use.
          When we say thank you to God, do we recognize God as the source of all that we have and enjoy here on this earth?  Do we also recognize our total unworthiness of any and every blessing of God?
          When we say thank you to each other, do we truly appreciate what the other person has done on your behalf? Do we assume that the other person is acting out of love for God and for you?
          May God bless our celebrations of thanksgiving this week and every week until we will thank him face-to-face in Heaven.

Basketball Schedule
·         Tuesday, Nov. 14, 3:45-5:30pm
at APU
·         Thursday, Nov. 16, 3:45-5:15pm
at APU
·         Tuesday, Nov. 21, 4:00pm Girls,
5:00pm Boys at Birchwood

Early Dismissal
          On Friday, November 17th, school will dismiss at noon for teacher in-service.  There will be no aftercare that day.


November Hot Lunch
Hot Lunch will be this Thursday, November 16th.  The menu is:
Ham
Mac N Cheese
Green Beans
Rolls
Pies
If your child needs a gluten free option, please note this on the hot lunch slip.
This meal is provided by donations from PTF.  In lieu of collecting money, we will be collecting items for the Brother Francis Shelter.  The program provides shelter for homeless men and women as well as showers and services to help them transition off the streets.  This time of year they are in need of razors, tube socks, warm gloves, travel-sized toiletries, Band-Aids, lotion, underwear, and hand warmers.  You may bring your donation items to the office anytime this week.
Please return the attached signup sheet by Wednesday so we know how many meals to prepare.

National Geography Bee
Students in the 3rd through 8th grades will be participating in the National Geography Bee. After preliminary work in the classrooms, the finalists will compete on November 15th at 1:15pm in the Fellowship Hall. Parents are invited and encouraged to join us for the final competition.

All-Church Thanksgiving Worship
          K-8 students will be singing and Handchime Choir will be performing during the Thanksgiving worship service this Sunday, November 19th.  Please have your children at church by 10:10am.
 There will be a potluck following the service.  Please make plans to join us.
Parent’s Night Out
          Thank you to everyone for your donations.  We collected almost $400 for future PTF projects!

Meet Your Teachers Monday
The answer to last week’s Meet Your Teacher trivia question was Ms. Mittelstadt. Congratulations to the Hackmann family for guessing the correct answer!  Make sure to check the school’s Facebook page for this week’s question.

November Birthdays
God’s richest blessings on your birthday!
Ms. Snyder             11/21
Evangeline G.         11/24


Thursday, November 2, 2017

Parent Connection November 1

Signs
          To a certain extent, I think that our lives are controlled by signs. Certainly, while driving we need to be aware of and obey all of those triangular, rectangular, square, and octagonal signs along the roadway. We need to pay attention to those flashing signs, too. Pedestrians do well to obey those signs placed there for their protection.
          There are other types of signs which we would do well to heed also. Minor aches and pains could be signs of bigger problems in the future. Dimming eyesight could be a sign of a cataract or other malady.
          At the time when Jesus was on earth, the Pharisees asked him to perform a miraculous sign to prove he was the Messiah. Jesus knew their hearts and told them that the only sign he would give them was the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah was in the great fish for three days and nights, Jesus would be in the belly of the earth for three days and nights. He continued to tell them that the people of Nineveh, the people to whom Jonah preached, would stand in judgment against this generation because they had repented when Jonah preached to them. Now someone greater than Jonah had come; but they would not believe. They could have seen the signs all around them but they refused to believe.
          What about us? There are signs of the times all around us. They tell us that Jesus is coming back to destroy this world and to take those who belong to him home with him. Dare we not heed the signs and prepare ourselves for that Day? The only way to be prepared for that day is to have faith in your heart, believe that Jesus is your Savior and you will be saved.

Basketball Schedule
·         Nov. 2 Anchor Lutheran at The Center   4:00pm Girls 5:00pm Boys
·         Nov. 7  at Birchwood                  4:00pm Girls 5:00pm Boys
·         Nov. 9 at Peters Creek Christian            4:30pm Coed
·         Nov. 21 at Birchwood                 4:00pm Girls 5:00pm Boys
Thank you!
          Thank you to all those who volunteered and donated for the Trunk or Treat!  We had a spectacular turn out from the community.

K-4 Field Trip
          Kindergarten through 4th grade will be going to see Journey to Oz at the Alaska Jr. Theater tomorrow, November 2nd.  They will leave school at 9:25am and return around 11:30am.

Library trip
          The fifth through eighth grade will be going to the library on Friday, November 3, 2017. Our next book will be a fiction book, preferably science fiction or fantasy. We will also be going out to lunch. 

Set Your Clocks Back
          Daylight Saving time ends at 2am Sunday morning.  Before you go to bed Saturday night, remember to set your clocks back one hour. 

Spirit Wear
The deadline to order t-shirts and sweatshirts is Monday, Nov 6th.  If you need an order form, they are located in the box by the office door.

Insect Invasion
Toddlers to 4th graders and their parents are invited to come and explore the wonders of God’s creation with devotion, crafts, and snacks on Saturday, November 4th, 10:00am - 12:00pm at Faith.   

PTF Meeting
          Join us on November 8th at 7pm for the next PTF meeting.  We will be planning spring activities and a Christmas bake sale.

Parent’s Night Out
          Drive In Movie Night – Friday, November 10th, 6:00-9:00pm.  Parents can drop off their preschool (potty-trained, please) through 8th graders for a night out.  Movie goers will decorate a “car” then enjoy a movie and movie-time snacks.  There is a signup sheet in the school hallway beside the water fountain.
          If you have boxes big enough to make “cars” with, please drop them by Ms. Snyder’s classroom.

Lost and Found
          There was a school uniform skirt size 8 left in the Fellowship Hall last Thursday, October 26th.  If this is your student’s, please pick it up in the office.

Meet Your Teachers Monday
The answer to last week’s Meet Your Teacher trivia question was Mrs. Tegen. Congratulations to Connor Klebs for guessing the correct answer!  Make sure to check the school’s Facebook page for this week’s question.

November Birthdays
God’s richest blessings on your birthday!
          Evangeline G.         11/24


Monday, October 23, 2017

Parent Connection October 23

No guarantees?
          Someone once said that the only things certain in life are death and taxes. If you pay attention to the news, you might tend to agree, at least with the death part of the saying. The media is full of stories of people who unexpectedly came to the end of their lives on this earth. They were at various times in their lives, some just starting out, others were teens or early adulthood, and still others were later in their lives.  All of them came face to face with their mortality. Their death came in various ways but I’m certain very few of them were aware that they would die that day.
As people, we know that death is coming for us sometime but we prefer to think of it as something far into the future. We feel we have many days ahead of us before we have to be concerned about death. But we don’t know for certain if there is a tomorrow for us. “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” Prov. 27:1. We cannot lay claim to tomorrow! Only God’s grace can give us another day! Today is the time of grace given us by God to prepare ourselves for our eternal future. How do we do that?  Using each day to grow closer to your Savior would be a good start! The Psalmist reminds us, “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Ps. 90:12. I’m not saying that we shouldn’t plan for tomorrow but make sure you plan for your most important tomorrow!
         
Basketball Schedule
This is our schedule as it currently stands. Changes will be announced as soon as possible.
·         Oct. 24 at Anchor 6:00pm Girls 7:00pm Boys
·         Oct. 26 practice APU 3:45pm - 5:15pm
·         Oct. 28 Holy Rosary coed game (tentative)
·         Nov. 2 Anchor at The Center  4:00pm Girls 5:00pm Boys
·         Nov. 7  at Birchwood (tentative)
·         Nov. 9 at St. John’s (time and place TBD) coed
·         Nov. 21 at Birchwood  4:00pm Girls 5:00pm Boys

Group Photo
          We will be taking our school-wide group photo on Wednesday, October 25th at 9:30am.  Please have your student wear their blue uniform shirt to school.

End of Quarter
          Parent teacher conferences are Thursday, October 26th and Friday, October 27th.  Please use the following link to sign up for times: 
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090844aaae2aa0fc1-parent1
If you have multiple students at Faith, be sure to sign up for each student. 

Trunk-or-Treat
          Join us this Friday in your best costume to enjoy some trick-or-treat fun.  We will have several trunks decorated and full of candy.  There will be popcorn, hot cocoa, a photo booth and pumpkin decorating.  The fun begins at 5:00pm and wraps up at 7:00pm. 

Trunk or Treat Volunteers
          Donations are still needed for CANDY and BAKED GOODS.  Candy can be dropped off anytime in the office until Friday.  Any items for the cake walk should be dropped off by Thursday.  Please have your goodies divided up into 1-4 servings size.         
          All volunteers who are helping with set up or trunks, please plan on arriving between 3:30pm and 4:30pm.  We would like to have the cars lined up by 4:30pm.  We can fit in a couple more decorated trunks if you are interested. 
          For any questions or to volunteer, please contact Sheila Lillo at 229-7901.

Picture Retakes 
We need to know by THIS Thursday, October 26th if you want to have your child’s picture retaken.  If you do not RSVP by Thursday, you will need to have retakes done at Focus Alaska instead of at the school. Please call or email the office at 563-3499 or faithlutheran@gci.net. 

No School
There will be no school on Friday, October 27th or the following Monday and Tuesday, October 30th and 31st.   Parent Teacher Conferences will be held on the 27th. Our teachers and pastors will be attending the Alaska Conference of Pastors and Teachers on October 30th and 31st

BoxTops for Education
          Please bring any BoxTops for Education you have been collecting to school and place in the collection box or give to your teacher.  The deadline for this submission is October 27th

Reformation Service
          This year marks the 500th anniversary of Martin Lutheran hammering his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church marking the beginning of the protestant reformation.  Faith Lutheran Church will host the annual reformation service for the WELS Alaska churches on October 29th at 4:30pm.  The Jr. Choir will sing during the service.  All families are invited to the service and to stay for a potluck following the service.

Brrrrr…It Is Cold Outside
          Parents, now that there is snow on the ground, please make sure your student brings warm winter gear to school for recess.  Children must have a hat, gloves, a winter coat, boots, and snow pants.

Handchime Choir
The Handchime Choir will play during this Thursday’s chapel service. Handchime members, please meet in the sanctuary at 8:15 am to prepare.

Spirit Wear
We will be taking t-shirt and sweatshirt orders until Nov 6th.  There are order forms by the office door if you need one.

Parent’s Night Out
          Drive In Movie Night – Friday, November 10th, 6:00-9:00pm.  Parents can drop off their students for a night out.  Movie goers will decorate a “car” then enjoy a movie and movie-time snacks.  This night is best enjoyed for kids in preschool through the fourth grade.  Ms. Snyder will be coordinating this fun evening. 
          If you have boxes big enough to make “cars” with, please drop them by Ms. Snyder’s classroom.

Photo/Video Release
          After Christmas, we are hoping to do some advertising for Faith Lutheran School and Preschool using photos and videos of our students.  In preparation, we are asking you to sign the attached release form so that when it’s time to film we are ready.
Interested in helping us with this project?  Start now by taking your own photos and videos during school events and extracurricular activities.  Just make sure you turn your phone or camera horizontal when taking pictures.  More details coming soon!

Meet Your Teachers Monday

The answer to last week’s Meet Your Teacher trivia question was Pastor Ewings. Congratulations to Tricia Hackmann for guessing the correct answer!  Make sure to check the school’s Facebook page for this week’s question.

Monday, October 16, 2017

Parent Connection October 16

Don’t Lose the Trail!
          During my years in Alaska, I have traveled my share of trails. I have walked, biked, driven ATVs and snow machines, and even followed trails in a boat. There have been times that I have felt lost because of the weather conditions or unfamiliar territory. There have been times when I was following a friend who was hauling materials in to build a cabin. It was dark and snow was falling heavily and blowing up from the snow machine in front of me. White out conditions made it hard to find the trail. Other times, it was a thick fog that made all landmarks disappear.
          As we travel through our earthly life, our enemies (the devil, the world, and our own flesh) will try to make us lose our way, the trail laid out for us. They will try to confuse us and turn us around, make us travel in circles. They will try to lead us down the wrong path or get us lost in a cloud so thick you can’t see your hand in front of your face.
          Thank God that He has provided a guiding light so powerful that our enemies cannot put it out or cover it up. The Psalmist wrote, “Your Word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.”  Ps. 119:105.  His Word shows us the only path to salvation: faith in Jesus as our Savior. There is no other “trail” that will take us to our heavenly home. Every other path leads only to destruction. Don’t lose the “trail.” Follow His Light!

Hot Lunch
          We will have hot lunch this Thursday, October 19th.  The menu is: tacos, carrots, fruit and dessert. 
          For those of you new to Faith, PTF sponsors a hot lunch once a month.  Lunch is served in the fellowship hall and enjoyed with

the entire school.  Parents are welcome to join their children for lunch. The cost is $4, and participation is optional.  If your student would like to participate simply complete the hot lunch form and return with payment.  You may pay by check or cash.  Checks should be made out to Faith Lutheran PTF.  Because this is sponsored by PTF, the charge cannot be added to your TADS account.

Basketball Practice
          Basketball practice continues this week at The Center, 4855 Arctic Blvd, located on the East side of Arctic between Tudor and International.  Tuesday players may be picked up at The Center at 5:30pm and Thursday at 5:15pm.  If picking up at the school, please arrive at 5:45pm or 5:30pm respectively.

End of Quarter
          Our first quarter ends on Friday, October 20th.  School dismisses that day at noon.  Parent teacher conferences will be held on Thursday, October 26th and Friday, October 27th.  Please use the following link to sign up for times: 
If you have multiple students at Faith, be sure to sign up for each student. 

Trunk or Treat Donations and Volunteers
Volunteers are needed to decorate a car, help with the photo booth, organize pumpkin decorating, donate candy and goodies for cake walk, and get lights and such for the parking lot.  Candy and other items may be dropped off in the office. Please sign up to volunteer at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0a44a5a723a20-trunk. You can also contact Gabrielle or Sheila.

BoxTops
            Please bring any BoxTops you have been collecting to school and place in the collection box or give to your teacher.  The deadline for this submission is October 27th

No School
There will be no school on October 27th, 30th and 31st.   Conferences will be held on the 27th. Our teachers and pastors will be attending the Alaska Conference of Pastors and Teachers on October 30th and 31st

Reformation Service
          This year marks the 500th anniversary of Martin Lutheran hammering his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church marking the beginning of the protestant reformation.  Faith Lutheran Church will host the annual reformation service for the WELS Alaska churches on October 29th at 4:30pm.  The Jr. Choir will sing during the service.  All families are invited to the service and to stay for a potluck following the service.

Calendar Change
          All FLS teachers will be attending the Pacific Northwest District’s Teachers Conference on February 15th and 16th, 2018. Therefore, we will not have school on those two days.

Picture Retakes 
We need to know by October 26th if you want to have your child’s picture retaken.  If you do not RSVP by this date, you may not be able to have a photo taken at the school. You can stop by, call 563-3499, or email the office at faithlutheran@gci.net

Brrrrr…It Is Cold Outside
          Parents, be sure your student is bringing proper winter gear to school.  Students enjoy their time outside when they can keep warm and dry with hats, gloves, winter coat, boots, and snow pants.

Parent’s Night Out
In November, we will have a Parent’s Night Out drive-in movie night, date to be determined.  Please save any boxes large enough to sit in so the kids can decorate them like ‘cars.’

Singing in Church
          Thank you to the all of our preschool and kindergarten students for singing in church last Sunday.  We enjoyed listening to you praise God with your voices.

Family Art Gallery
          Thank you to everybody who came to Paint Night.  All of the beautiful paintings are hanging in the hallway downstairs. 

Meet Your Teachers Monday

The answer to last week’s Meet Your Teacher trivia question was Mrs. Z. Congratulations to Emma Robbert for guessing the correct answer!  Make sure to check the school’s Facebook page for this week’s question.