Parent Connection December 17,2018

This Is Justice?

          A frightened man takes his seat at the defendant’s table and faces the judge and jury. He is charged with first degree murder and, if convicted, faces the death penalty for his crime. The evidence against him seems to be irrefutable. Everything seems to be against him but he pleads not guilty. Maybe he’s hoping that his lawyer can get him freed on a technicality.  Maybe the court will have mercy on him, convict him of a lesser crime, and give him a lighter sentence. But justice demands a just penalty for the crimes committed.

          This predicament should feel familiar to each of us since we will all be standing before the Righteous Judge when our time on earth is over. The evidence against us is absolutely irrefutable. We are sinners. No earthly testimony or human argument can lessen our guilt. Justice demands the eternal death penalty, eternal suffering in the fires of hell. Our situation is hopeless and our fate is sealed. This is justice.

          But wait! We hear the Judge declare that we are not guilty! He announces that all of the damning evidence has been removed and all charges have been dropped. He proclaims that we are justified, righteous in his sight. This is justice?

          Yes! With love for us sinners, God planned for our justification by sending His Son that first Christmas to be our Redeemer. It is Jesus’s blood that blots out the mountains of evidence against us. Jesus took the punishment we rightly deserved and paid all that debt we owed. For His sake our sins are forgiven. “All…are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:24. This is why we celebrate at Christmas and every day. This is God’s justice.

Christmas Dress up Days

          Don’t forget to show us your Christmas spirit by wearing red and/or green on Wednesday and your nice Christmas clothes on Thursday.

Pizza Party

          One of our FLS families has graciously offered to buy pizza for the students on Wednesday, December 19th.  Please return the sheet indicating your pizza choice by tomorrow, December 18th so they know how much pizza to buy. 

Advent Services

          We invite you to join us and your children as we celebrate our last Advent worship service on Wednesday, December 19th 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.

Holiday Performance Dimond Center

          K-8 students will be singing and playing hand chimes on Tuesday, December 18th at 2:00pm in the Dimond Center.  For parents who volunteered to drive, please be here by 1:30pm.

Christmas Service Practice

All FLS students, preschool through 8th grades, will be going to the UAA Fine Arts Building on Thursday, December 20th, at 9:00am to practice for the FLS Christmas Service. 

Please sign and return the attached permission slip by Wednesday.

Early Dismissal and Christmas Break

          School will dismiss at noon this Thursday, December 20th.  There is no aftercare available.  Christmas break begins Friday, December 21st.  

          Classes will resume on Monday, January 7th, 2019.

Christmas Program

Our preschool and school will perform “What Child is This” Children’s Christmas Service on Thursday, December 20th at 6:30pm in the recital hall at the UAA Fine Arts Building.  Students should by at the UAA Fine Arts building by 6:15pm.

This is a mandatory school function, and all FLS students are expected to be present.  Students put much time and effort into preparing for this special opportunity to share their Christmas joy with you.  Invite family and friends to join us!

Students need to wear their best church clothes such as dresses, dress pants, button-up shirts, etc.  No jeans or t-shirts please. 

Permission to Film

Mr. Bob Walker has volunteered his time and talents to film the Christmas performance so that parents, families, and friends are able to watch it without having to record it on their own.  All DVD copies will be provided free of charge.

Bake Sale Thank you

Thank you to all who donated and participated in the bake sale.  With all of the support we received, almost $1050 was raised.  What a blessing!

December Birthdays

          Miss Kruger – December 21

Kathrin K. – December 27

Christmas and New Year’s Services

Christmas Eve - 6:00pm Christmas Eve Service

                      10:00pm Candlelight Service

Christmas Day - 10:00am Christmas Service

New Year’s Eve - 6:00pm New Years’ Service

Parent Connection December 10

There’s Always Hope for Tomorrow

          All of us want to have hope. No matter what the situation, we need to hope for a brighter future. The basketball player who missed the free throws that could have won the game, the young mother who has suffered through the worst day of her life, or a little toddler who scraped their knee while learning to ride a bike; all need to feel that things can be better than they feel right now. Sometimes all it would take might be an ice cream cone, a night out for dinner, or just a kiss from Mom to raise a person from the hopeless feelings they have.

          But there are going to be times when a kiss or an ice cream will do nothing to raise our spirit. Things may get so bad that there doesn’t seem to be any hope, no light at the end of the tunnel. But even then, there is hope.

          “So that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4. In these words, God tells us why He gave us His word. As we read the Bible, God talks to us. He encourages us. He gives us strength to endure. Endurance is the ability to stand up under heavy pressure, our ability to put up with difficulties, even the darkest times. In the Scriptures, God gives us examples of how he has delivered his people in the past. He says, “I still have the same power and the same love to help you today and every tomorrow you will face.” That is our hope.

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 12th and 19th 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. 

Bake Sale

Faith Lutheran School and Preschool will be hosting a bake sale on Thursday, December 13th, 12:00pm to 4:00pm in the church entry way.  If you are able to donate something for the sale, we need items such as cakes, cupcakes, cookies, candy, breads, nuts, and jellies are all great.  They can be small or large, sweet or salty.

Items can be dropped off all day Wednesday or Thursday morning in the kitchen.  Please label them for the bake sale. 

Holiday Performance Dimond Center

          K-8 students will be singing and playing hand chimes on Tuesday, December 18th at 2:00pm in the Dimond Center.  Parents are welcome to come and watch too!

Early Dismissal and Christmas Break

          School will dismiss at noon on Thursday, December 20th.  There is no aftercare available.  Christmas break begins Friday, December 21st.  

Christmas Program

Our preschool and school will perform “What Child is This” Children’s Christmas Service on Thursday, December 20th at 6:30pm in the recital hall at the UAA Fine Arts Building.  Students should by at the UAA Fine Arts building by 6:15pm.

This is a mandatory school function, and all FLS students are expected to be present.  Students put much time and effort into preparing for this special opportunity to share their Christmas joy with you.  Invite family and friends to join us!

Students need to wear their best church clothes such as dresses, dress pants, button-up shirts, etc.  No jeans or t-shirts please. 

Permission to Film

Mr. Bob Walker has volunteered his time and talents to film the Christmas performance so that parents, families, and friends are able to watch it without having to record it on their own.  All DVD copies will be provided free of charge.

December Birthdays

          Miss Kruger – December 21

Kathrin K. – December 27

Parent Connection December 4

Don’t Worry!

          That’s pretty easy to say, isn’t it? But what if you are hurtling down a runway taking off on your first airplane ride? Or maybe it is your first day on your new job? Or you are sitting at home waiting for the phone to ring with news from your doctor about the biopsy results? Or you are sitting in a classroom with your students ready to begin the day, when the room begins to move, and doesn’t stop right away, and the lights go out? Don’t worry?

          Looking back over the few days since Friday, I can say that there were some very anxious moments.

          And yet, there was calm, too. I don’t remember actually thinking about it at the moment when everything was moving this way and that, but the knowledge that whether we were inside the classroom or in our homes or in our cars somewhere in between; we are safely cupped in the hands of the Almighty God. In that position, we are protected from everything that would harm our soul.

          In Peter’s letter to the church, he relays a piece of divine counsel for us to remember at times when we would be tempted to worry: “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (I Peter 5:7) This passage is a gracious invitation to pray to our God at any time. At the same time, this is a promise that God will hear and answer our prayer.  He cares for us! Why worry, when you can pray?

Basketball Schedule

          There will be no practice tonight.  We do not know if there will be practice on Thursday.

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 5th, 12th, and 19th 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. 

         

PTF Meeting

          PTF will meet Thursday, December 6th at 6:00pm.  We will be finalizing details for Parent’s Night Out and discussing plans for the bake sale.

Library Visit

Grades 5 – 8 will be visiting the Loussac Library on Friday, December 7th.  Students are reminded to bring their library cards, any books that are due, and money for lunch.

Parent’s Night Out

Drive-In Movie Night – Friday, December 7th, 6:00-9:00pm.  Parents can drop off their children (young children must be potty trained) for a night out.  Movie goers will decorate a “car” then enjoy a movie and movie-time snacks.  If you have boxes big enough to make “cars” with, please drop them by the office. 

Miss Mittelstadt and Miss Kruger will be coordinating this fun evening. 

Christmas Program

Our preschool and school will perform “What Child is This” Children’s Christmas Service on Thursday, December 20th at 6:30pm in the recital hall at the UAA Fine Arts Building.  Students should by at the UAA Fine Arts building by 6:15pm.

This is a mandatory school function, and all FLS students are expected to be present.  Students put much time and effort into preparing for this special opportunity to share their Christmas joy with you.  Invite family and friends to join us!

Students need to wear their best church clothes such as dresses, dress pants, button-up shirts, etc.  No jeans or t-shirts please. 

Early Dismissal and Christmas Break

          School will dismiss at noon on Thursday, December 20th.  There is no aftercare available.  Christmas break begins Friday, December 21st.  

December Birthdays

          Miss Kruger – December 21

Kathrin – December 27

Parent Connection November 26

“He Cares For You.”

          Every once in a while something may happen to make us wonder whether anyone really is concerned about us or not. Do we mean anything to anyone? Or are we just a number on a social security card, or credit card, or on a license plate?

          It should hardly be necessary for Peter to write as he does for our title today: “He cares for you.” Isn’t it quite apparent from personal experience? When day after day God supplies, not only what we need, but far more. We find joy in our work and God crowns our labor with a measure of success. We arise refreshed in the morning and we return home safely in the evening. Doesn’t all of this say simply but eloquently: “He cares for you.” When we look back over life, we can see how God has watched over us and brought us to this very hour. Maybe we can see how God has used even times of sorrow or trouble to bring about good for our lives.

          Above all these things, God has preserved His word for us. In His word, we learn about God sending His Son to be our Savior. On Calvary’s cross, more than anywhere else, we see God’s matchless love for us, a love that forgives, a love that restores us to His family.

          No, it should not have been necessary for Peter to write these words. But that we might not doubt it even in our darkest hour, God had him say it once more: “He cares for you.”

Basketball Schedule

          We have a busy week of games this week.  Go Huskies!!

          On Tuesday, November 20th, we will play Anchor Lutheran at APU.  Game time is 4:15pm.

          This year’s tournament is Thursday thru Saturday, Nov. 29th, 30th, and Dec. 1st.  Faith will play on Thursday either at 3:00pm or 5:00pm (we have not received confirmation) at Lumen Christi (8110 Jewel Lake Rd).

Basketball Spirit Week

          It’s basketball tournament time which means the whole school gets to dress up to show our support for our team.

Denim day Tuesday: Break out your denims!

Workout Wednesday: Pump up those muscles!

School Swag Thursday: Show off school colors!

Christmas Friday:  Get into the holiday spirit!

If you would rather not participate, dress in your school uniform instead. As always, please remember to follow all guidelines set forth under General dress standards at the bottom of page 14 in the Student/Parent Handbook.

Alaska Junior Theater

The students in grades K-8 are going to the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts to watch a performance of “Air Play” on Thursday, November 29th, at 10:00am. A bus will pick up students and chaperones at 9:30am and return them by noon. 

If you have not turned in a permission slip, please return it tomorrow.

PTF Meeting

          PTF will meet Thursday, December 6th at 6:00pm.  We will be finalizing details for Parent’s Night Out and discussing plans for the bake sale.

Parent’s Night Out

Drive-In Movie Night – Friday, December 7th, 6:00-9:00pm.  Parents can drop off their children (young children must be potty trained) for a night out.  Movie goers will decorate a “car” then enjoy a movie and movie-time snacks.  If you have boxes big enough to make “cars” with, please drop them by the office. 

Miss Mittelstadt and Miss Kruger will be coordinating this fun evening. 

Parent Connection November 19

The Best of Everything

          Do you remember a time in your life when you had a choice between two things, and in your innocent way of thinking, you chose based upon your perception of value? Maybe your Grandfather offered you the choice of having a big nickel or a little dime, and you chose the big nickel. Our idea of what is best, of what offers us the greatest worth, is not always so good. Someone who knows better must teach us the true value of things. We need to learn where and how to find life’s treasures.

          At this time of the year, we traditionally take time to thank God for the treasures He has given us to use while here on this earth. What do we put at the top of the list?

          In his first letter to the Corinthian Christians, Paul thanked God for teaching this group of believers to value the real treasures of life and for blessing them. He says that they have become rich in every way. How? He says, “For in Him you have been enriched in every way—in all your speaking and in all your knowledge.” I Corinthians 1:5.  

Notice that Paul says In Him, that is, in Jesus.  Even the unbelievers benefit from God’s creation, the physical wealth of this world. But only in Jesus Christ can a person become rich, rich in every way: physically, spiritually, and eternally! In Christ, we not only have all we need for our bodies and life, but also rich spiritual gifts. Love, joy, peace, and hope are all ours through His Holy Spirit. We also have the precious promise that Jesus is coming again. We will be free from all sin, death, and sorrow. The priceless gift – an eternity with the Lord – is ours already, set aside for us until Christ returns.

Where do we look for the best of everything?  Money, a fine home, and expensive entertainment may be wonderful things, yet they often disappoint us. And I don’t think it’s a secret that these things do not last. Look to the Savior for the very best life has to offer. In Him, we are rich in every way.

Basketball Schedule

          We have one game this week on Tuesday, November 20th.  Game time is 4:30pm at Lumen Christi (8110 Jewel Lake Rd).  

Hand Chime Choir

The Hand Chime Choir will practice at 12:30pm on Tuesday this week so that we can be ready to play during chapel service on Wednesday.

Chapel & Thanksgiving Food Drive

          Due to the holiday this week, we will have our chapel service at 8:30am Wednesday morning.

          We have so much to be thankful for!  This is the time of year to share our blessings with those in need.  Instead of a monetary donation for chapel this week, we are asking our students to bring a non-perishable food item.  Some examples of non-perishable foods include:  canned goods, pasta, cereal, dried nuts, dried fruit, crackers, rice, beans, lentils, chips, stuffing mix, instant potatoes, peanut butter, and powdered milk. 

Thanksgiving Hot Lunch

Hot lunch this month will be Wednesday, November 21st.  This hot lunch is a special time to thank God for all the wonderful blessings He has bestowed on us and our school.  There will be no charge for this hot lunch.  We do ask that you return your student’s hot lunch slip so we can prepare enough food.  Parents and family are invited, just let us know you are coming.

PTF is asking for help with this hot lunch.  We will need donations of paper goods/decorations, help preparing/serving/ cleaning up, and food for lunch.   The menu will be Ham, Mac’n’Cheese, Green Beans, Rolls and Pies.  If you are willing to help in any way, please contact Sheila Lillo by email Sheila.Lillo@gmail.com or call/text at 907-229-7901.

No School

          There will be no classes Thursday, November 22nd or Friday, November 23rd.  The pastors, teachers, and staff of Faith Lutheran School wish each one of you a blessed Thanksgiving holiday. 

Alaska Junior Theater

The students in grades K-8 are going to the Alaska Junior Theater for a performance of “Air Play” on Thursday, November 29th, at 10:00am. Please complete the bottom portion of the permission slip and return it by Wednesday, November 21st.

National Geography Bee

          Congratulations to Olivia Z. 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. 

          Also, congratulations to Connor S. for winning in the K-2 division! Everybody did a great job!

Lights, Camera, Action!

Drive-In Movie Night – Friday, December 7th, 6:00-9:00pm.  Parents can drop off their children (young children must be potty trained) for a night out.  Movie goers will decorate a “car” then enjoy a movie and movie-time snacks.  Miss Mittelstadt and Miss Kruger will be coordinating this fun evening.

Cash Back on Purchases

Will you help Faith Lutheran Church and School earn money back from your holiday purchases by linking your Fred Meyer rewards card and your Amazon account to Faith?

To link your rewards card, go to www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards then search for our non-profit number Y1503.  Every time you shop and use your rewards card, the school will earn a donation.  You will still earn your rewards points, fuel points, and rebates just as you do today.

To link your Amazon account, go to https://smile.amazon.com/ch/926010511, or smile.amazon.com then look for Faith Lutheran Church, Anchorage, AK.  Every time you shop, start at smile.amazon.com to earn rewards for Faith.

November Birthdays

          Colton M. – November 20

Evangeline G. – November 24

Note:

Mrs. Traver will be out of the office all week this week, but will be back on Monday, November 26th.

Parent Connection November 12

A Gift that Keeps on Giving

          Many years ago, a large company encouraged its customers to “Give a gift that keeps on giving.” It was a catchy slogan and it made sense to many people. Why buy flowers that soon die while a blender, or toaster, or some other electrical appliance could be used day after day after day? But the truth is that many of those appliances have been thrown into the trash because they gave out and stopped giving. The slogan was just a slogan and not a guarantee.

          But our Father in heaven gave us a gift which truly keeps on giving. Jesus, our Redeemer, made it possible for us to be adopted into God’s family. Then “God sent  the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’ “ Galatians 4:6. The word “abba” would be equivalent to our Dad or Daddy or Papa.  With the Holy Spirit in our hearts, we Christians have the continuous assurance that God is our Father and we are His dear children. The Holy Spirit in our hearts teaches us to pray, “Abba, Father.”

          What a difference our Redeemer makes in everyday life! If today you face all kinds of anxiety at work, remember Abba. If school days are difficult, you are not alone. Abba cares. If there are family problems that don’t seem to get better. Abba is near you. If you are alone, if you are ill, if you need any reassurance today at all, call to Abba. You can never call too often, you can never ask too much. The Father, Abba, sent His Son so that He might keep on giving us His love.

          When the Apostle John thought about this, he exclaimed, “How great is the love the Father has lavished upon us, that we should be called children of God!  And that is what we are!” I John 3:1.

Basketball Schedule

          We have two games this week.  Tuesday, November 13th, we play at Eagle River Christian School (10336 E. Eagle River Loop Rd, Eagle River) against St. John’s Orthodox Christian School.  We will be leaving Faith by 3:15pm. 

Thursday, November 15th, we play at 5:00pm at Birchwood Christian School (22208 Birchwood Loop). 

Next Tuesday, November 20th, we will play at 4:30pm at Lumen Christi (8110 Jewel Lake Rd).

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 Wednesday, November 14th at 1:15pm in the Fellowship Hall. Parents are invited and encouraged to join us for the final competition.

PTF Meeting

          Join us this Wednesday, November 14th at 6pm for the next PTF meeting. 

Singing in Church

          Sunday, November 18th, the preschool and kindergarten students will be singing in church.  Please be sure to have your child here by 10:15am.  The service begins at 10:30am.

Junior Choir

          Junior choir will be singing Sunday, November 18th, at Shephard of the Hills during the 10:30 am services.  Please be there by 10:10am.

          If you need a ride to the church, speak with Miss Kruger or contact her at 928-812-0311 or missheidikruger@gmail.com

Thanksgiving Hot Lunch

Hot lunch this month will be next Wednesday, November 21st.  This hot lunch is a special time to thank God for all the wonderful blessings He has bestowed on us and our school.  There will be no charge for this hot lunch.  We do ask that you return your student’s hot lunch slip so we can prepare enough food.  Parents and family are invited, just let us know you are coming on the attached hot lunch form.

PTF is asking for help with this hot lunch.  We will need donations of paper goods/decorations, help preparing/serving/ cleaning up, and food for lunch.   The menu will be Ham, Mac’n’Cheese, Green Beans, Rolls and Pies.  If you are willing to help in any way, please contact Sheila Lillo by email Sheila.Lillo@gmail.com or call/text at 907-229-7901.

Faith Logowear

          Orders for clothing with the Faith Lutheran School or Huskies logos are due tomorrow.  Please include payment with your order form. 

Cash Back on Purchases

Will you help Faith Lutheran Church and School earn money back from your purchases by linking your Fred Meyer rewards card and your Amazon account to Faith?

To link your rewards card, go to www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards then search for our non-profit number Y1503.  Every time you shop and use your rewards card, the school will earn a donation.  You will still earn your rewards points, fuel points, and rebates just as you do today.

To link your Amazon account, go to https://smile.amazon.com/ch/926010511.  You can also go to smile.amazon.com and select Faith Lutheran Church, Anchorage, Alaska to link your account.  The most important thing to remember is, in order for us to earn the donation, you must go to smile.amazon.com each time you order.  

November Birthdays

          Colton M. – November 20

Evangeline G. – November 24

Parent Connection November 5

The Master’s Plan

          When we look ahead in life, we often see a blur. Even as we experience life, it is usually out of focus. But when we look back, we see life with 20/20 vision.

          Peter had been arrested and thrown into prison. King Herod had executed James and seen how that had pleased the Jewish leaders. He had the same thing in mind for Peter, but God had other plans. One night in prison Peter had a dream, at least, he thought that it was a dream.  In his “dream,” a man came to his cell and the chains holding him there dropped off. The man told him to get up and get dressed. The man led him passed the first and second set of guards and came to the gate leading out of the prison into the city streets. The gate swung open by itself. After they had walked the length of one street, the man (angel) left Peter. “Then Peter came to himself and said, ‘Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent His angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating.’ “ Acts 12:11.

          All Christians can look back on life and see the Lord’s guiding hand. His guiding may not be as exciting as it was with Peter but His goal is the same. God has arranged lives to bring Christians to faith and to strengthen them in that faith. The chance meeting and the passing event may have seemed of no importance at the time. Years later the Christian sees how the Lord arranged them for the believer’s eternal welfare. Only heaven itself will reveal how carefully the Lord has guided us along the way.

Basketball Schedule This Week

This week’s games will be Tuesday at 4:30pm at Lumen Christi (8110 Jewel Lake Rd) AND Friday at 5:00pm at the Subway Sports Center (11111 Omalley Centre Dr).  Note:  Warmup for Friday’s game begins at 4:30pm. 

We will still practice on Thursday at the regular time and place.

Picture Retake Day

Lifetouch will be here tomorrow, November 6th, to do picture retakes, class group photos, and the all-school group photo. They will begin photographing at 9:00 am. 

All K-8 students are asked to wear a black uniform shirt and khaki pants for these photos.  If they are having retakes done, they will be allowed to change into dress clothes then change back into their uniform. 

You DO NOT have to fill out the attached order form unless you are having your child’s portraits redone.  To have photos retaken, fill out a new order form and return your original portrait package on retake day.  Siblings of students and students who missed the first picture day should be ready to be photographed by 9:00 am.

Open House

Faith Lutheran School’s open house is Wednesday, November 7th, from 5:30-7:30 pm.  We are praying that all parents and friends of our current and former students will attend to help us promote our school. 

Early Dismissal

          This Friday, November 9th, school will dismiss at noon for teacher in-service.  There will be no aftercare available.

Change to November Calendar

          Junior choir will be singing a week from Sunday on November 18th, at Shephard of the Hills during the 10:30 am services.  Please be there by 10:10am.

          If you need a ride to the church, speak with Miss Kruger or contact her at 928-812-0311 or missheidikruger@gmail.com

Morning Arrival

Teachers need their time before school begins to finish preparing for the day.  If it is necessary for your children to arrive at school before 8:10 am, they should go directly to the fellowship hall for before care.  Mr. Koenig will excuse the children to their classrooms at the appropriate time.  

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.  They also need dry shoes to change into in the classroom when they take off their boots.

Faith Logowear

          Orders for clothing with the Faith Lutheran School or Huskies logos should be returned to your student’s teacher or the school office by Tuesday, November 13th so we can get the order placed.  Please include payment with your order form. 

Parent Connection October 29

Listen to His Voice

          Over the weekend, I noticed a comic in the paper that made me think. It was a simple drawing of a man and his dog out in nature somewhere. The man is cursing the fact that he can’t get any reception with his smart phone.  The dog is thinking, “Nature speaks to me of God’s presence, yet God is a total stranger to the restless world of men.”

          This struck me as an indictment of humankind. The world in which we live testifies to us about God. The Psalmist David reminds us, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the earth.” Psalm 19:1-4.

          Even though nature gives clear testimony about the truth that there is God, we cannot learn who God is and what He has done for us. We need to learn these things from what He has revealed about Himself in His Word. In His Word, He reveals His love for us as He sends His Son to be the sacrifice to pay for our sins. Listen to and study His Word often.

Basketball

          Our next game is tomorrow, October 30th, at Anchor Lutheran School (8100 Arctic Blvd).  We will NOT practice on Thursday due to ACPaT. 

No School

We will not have school this Thursday or Friday, November 1st and 2nd.  Our teachers and pastors will be attending the Alaska Conference of Pastors and Teachers at Grace Lutheran Church in Kenai.

Chapel will be held on Wednesday this week.

Turn Your Clocks Back

          Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday morning (November 4th) at 2:00 am.  Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour before you go to bed Saturday night.

Picture Retake Day

Lifetouch will be back Tuesday, November 6th, to do picture retakes, class group photos, and the all-school group photo. They will begin photographing at 9:00 am.

All K-8 students are required to wear their uniforms for these photos.  If they are having retakes done, they will be allowed to change into dress clothes then change back into their uniform. 

To have your child’s photo retaken, fill out a new order form and return your original portrait package on retake day.  Siblings of students and students who missed the first picture day should be ready to be photographed by 9:00 am.

Open House

During our Trunk or Treat event, we gave families from the community an invitation to come back to see what our school is like during an open house.  Our main reason for doing this is to bring more students into Faith Lutheran School. 

The open house will be on November 7th from 5:30-7:30 pm.  Of course we think our school is great, but it’s our parents who say it best!  So we are encouraging all parents and friends of our current and former students to attend to help us promote our school. 

 

Early Dismissal

          On Friday, November 9th, school will dismiss at noon for teacher in-service.  There will be no aftercare available that day.

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.  They also need dry shoes to put on in the classroom when they take off their boots.

Faith Logowear

           If you are interested in purchasing clothing with the Faith Lutheran School or Huskies logos, forms are available in the box outside the office door.  Please include payment with your order when you return the form. 

Chapel Mission Offerings

          Our mission project for the first semester of the school year will go to WELS mission work in Russia.  We collected $263.10 with our first quarter chapel offering. 

Parent Connection October 22

Faithful to the End

          There were some who may have wondered, “Why, Lord? Why did he have to die? He was such a faithful follower of Jesus. He actively served the Lord and was sorely needed by the early church. Why did the Lord take him so soon?”

          The questions are familiar to many of us. When Stephen was stoned, he was a well-respected church member. But why did he have to die in such a way and at what seemed to be the prime of his life? The answer is simply: it was God’s will. Stephen was faithful to his Lord to the end. His death remains one of the finest examples of being faithful. When he was being murdered, he did not lash out with curses for his executioners, nor did he question the Lord’s wisdom. Rather with his last breath he confidently prayed, “Lord Jesus receive my spirit.” He also prayed for those ending his life, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” Acts 7: 59-60.

          What an example Stephen is for us! He was faithful to the end. He accepted God’s will as good. We, too, can find the peace and hope that Stephen found in his Lord, even though in this life the will of God can seem hard to understand. We can use the story of Stephen to offer peace and courage, strength and conviction, to those who are experiencing difficult times in their lives. Through us, the Holy Spirit offers that same hope of eternal glory which Stephen had in Christ. May God plant that hope in each of us and give us the courage to share that hope with those who need its comfort.

It’s Game Time!!

Our first game of the season will be tomorrow night, Tuesday, Oct. 23rd at 5:00pm at Birchwood Christian School (22208 Birchwood Loop Rd, in Chugiak.)  We will have regular practice on Thursday at APU again. 

PTF Meeting

The PTF will be holding a meeting on Wednesday, October 24th at 6:00 pm to finalize the Trunk or Treat event. We are still looking for volunteers to either decorate a trunk or help with the photo booth and games.

Parent Teacher Conferences

Parent teacher conferences will be held Thursday evening, Oct. 25th and Friday morning, Oct. 26th.  Parents need to schedule a conference online at:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0A44A5A723A20-parent

There will be no school on Friday.

Free Flu Shots

The Municipality of Anchorage Dept. of Health & Social Services is offering multiple free flu clinics.  This outreach is for FREE Flu vaccines open to ALL insured or noninsured (Public, ASD students, staff, and family).

For anyone who is interested, we have attached a flyer indicating when and where future clinics are being held.  Consent forms and vaccines will ALL be provided by MOA.

Trunk or Treat

This Friday, October 26th from 5-7pm we will be having our Trunk or Treat event. We would like to have six more trunks available for your visitors.  Please sign up at 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0a49aca922a6f49-trunk2

          Please bring candy donations in as soon as possible.  Any leftover candy will be used in our goody bags for students at Christmas.  If you have any questions, contact Melissa Mittelstadt.

Deadline for Box Tops

          Please bring any Box Tops 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 Friday, October 26th. 

Chapel Mission Offerings

          Our mission project for the first semester of the school year will go to WELS mission work in Russia.  We collected $263.10 with our first quarter chapel offering. 

No School

We will not have school next Thursday or Friday November 1st and 2nd.  Our teachers and pastors will be attending the Alaska Conference of Pastors and Teachers at Grace Lutheran Church in Kenai.

Picture Retake Day

Lifetouch will be back Tuesday, November 6th, to do picture retakes, class group photos, and the all-school group photo. They will begin photographing at 9:00 am.

All K-8 students are required to wear their uniforms for these photos.  If they are having retakes done, they will be allowed to change into dress clothes then change back into their uniform. 

To have your child’s photo retaken, fill out a new order form and return your original portrait package on retake day.  Siblings of students and students who missed the first picture day should be ready to be photographed by 9:00 am.

Open House

During our Trunk or Treat event we will be giving families from the community an invitation to come back to see what our school is like during an Open House.  Our main reason for doing this is to bring more students into Faith Lutheran School. 

The open house will be on November 7th from 5:30-7:30 pm.  Of course we think our school is great, but it’s our parents who say it best!  So we are encouraging all parents and friends of our current and former students to attend to help us promote our school.