Monday, November 26, 2018

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. 

Friday, November 16, 2018

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.

Monday, November 12, 2018

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

Monday, November 5, 2018

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.