Parent Connection January 28

Who’s in Charge?

“Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor” Romans 11:34.

          When things do not happen the way we think they should, we are tempted to question God’s ways. “Why, God?” We demand that He explain himself and justify his actions. “Why do You permit so much evil and violence? How can You allow so many babies to be murdered before birth? Why did You let my parent become an alcoholic? How could You let my sister become a drug addict? Why did You give me an unfaithful spouse? Why am I sick? God, You messed up again!”

          Dare we blame God? Blame Him for what? Incompetence, impotence, or a lack of love or understanding? Perhaps God needs us to tell Him how to run this universe. Surely our advice would soon straighten out this mess. If only we were in charge!

          Oh, really! But what kind of counselors would we be? We are so selfish, so vengeful, so merciless and unforgiving.

          Thank God that He doesn’t rely on our confused and self-centered counsel! How dare we challenge the all-knowing, all-wise, and almighty Lord God? How dare we try to make Him accountable to us?

          We can trust the wisdom of the One who devised and executed salvation for us. He is our ever-faithful Savior-God, who assures us that nothing happens to us by chance. Our Lord God promises that it is His unfailing love that controls all things in order to bless us. Thank God that He is in charge!

Volleyball Practice and Game Dates

          Practice continues on Tuesday and Thursday at The Center from 3:45pm-5:00pm. 

The following games and tournament will be played at Lumen Christi (8110 Jewel Lake Rd):   

          Feb 1st 3pm – 6pm

          Feb 14th 3pm – 6pm

          Feb 16th 9am – 1pm

          Note:  Exact game times have yet to be determined.  

100th Day of School

To celebrate our 100th day of school on Thursday, January 31st, grades K-8 will be going sledding at Sitka Street Park (1500 Sitka St).  We are asking that students bring a sled, if they have one.

If parents would like to join us, we could use help transporting students.  We will leave the school at 1:00pm and be back at 3:00pm.  Please return the attached permission slip by Wednesday, January 31st.

Library Visit

Grades 5 – 8 will be visiting the Loussac Library on Friday, February 1st.  Students are reminded to bring their library cards, any books that are due, and money for lunch.

Breakfast for Dinner

          We invite all of our families and friends to attend our fundraiser dinner this Friday, February 1st, at 6:00pm.

          If you haven’t notified the office that you will be attending, please call 563-3499 or email office@faithalaska.com as soon as possible.  We want to make sure we have enough food for everyone.

          Volunteers to help set up and decorate, prepare and serve food, or clean up can sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0a44a5a723a20-breakfast

Calendar Change

          We have to postpone our Safari Expedition which was originally scheduled for Saturday, February 9th.  As soon as we are able to reschedule it, we will let you know the new date. 

Preschool News

After much prayer and consideration, Miss Mittelstadt has decided to accept her call to serve as Director at First Steps Early Learning Center in La Crescent, MN.  She will remain as our director and teacher until the end of this school year. 

Preparations are being made to call another Preschool Director.    

Swimming at the YMCA

          Mr. Zarnstorff is still in the process of confirming dates and times for swimming sessions at the YMCA.  We will let you know more information as soon as it is available.  

Parent Connection January 22

Tested and … Refined

          A test involves pressure. Whether an engine, a structural beam, or a person is being tested, the method is the same. Pressure or stress of some kind is applied to the object of the test. Without stress, the test wouldn’t really be a test. Giving a second grade math test to eighth graders wouldn’t be a true test.

          The purpose of all testing is the same too. A test is meant to uncover any weakness so that it can be corrected, so that the product can be improved. If the object passes the test, it has been proven to be genuine, the real thing. It is fit for its purpose.

          The Apostle Peter speaks about the trials in the Christian’s life. He speaks highly of those trials, they are important tests and have wonderful results because God’s own purpose is behind them. “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith- of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire- may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” I Peter 1: 6,7.

          The grief we suffer comes in many forms: it may be a cross – suffering because of our confession of Christ. It may be the loss of people or things dear to us. Sometimes these griefs involve physical pain or weakness, or disappointment, or another kind of trouble. In all of these, we know that our loving God is working through these trials to purify, prove, refine, and strengthen our faith for our eternal good. Knowing that God has His good purpose behind these tests leads us to rejoice greatly in His hands.

Volleyball Practice and Game Dates

          Practice continues on Tuesday and Thursday at The Center from 3:45pm-5:00pm. 

          The following games and tournament will be played at Lumen Christi (8110 Jewel Lake Rd): 

          Jan 25th 3pm – 6pm

          Feb 1st 3pm – 6pm

          Feb 14th 3pm – 6pm

          Feb 16th 9am – 1pm

          Note:  Exact game times have yet to be determined.  

Spelling Bee

          Congratulations to Amy R. for winning the 1st & 2nd grade Spelling Bee and Lexi K. for winning the 3rd-8th grade Spelling Bee!

Open House

Faith Lutheran School is having an Open House Saturday, January 26th, from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM. 

We would love to have a variety of people present - school parents, students, 

alumni, and church members - to share experiences and knowledge about our church and school with prospective families.

We are sending home flyers one last time today. Please hang them on local community boards around town.

Jr. Choir Sings

          Junior choir will be singing Sunday, January 27th, at King of Kings during the 10:30 am services.  Please be there by 10:10am.

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

Breakfast for Dinner

          We invite all of our families and friends to attend our fundraiser dinner on Friday, February 1st at 6:00pm.

          If you haven’t notified the office that you will be attending, please call 563-3499 or email office@faithalaska.com as soon as possible.  We want to make sure we have enough food for everyone.

          Volunteers are also needed to help set up and decorate, prepare and serve food, and clean up. 

100th Day of School

To celebrate our 100th day of school on Thursday, January 31st, grades K-8 will be going sledding at Sitka Street Park (1500 Sitka St).  We are asking that students bring a sled if they have one.

If parents would like to join us, we could use help transporting students.  We will leave the school at 1:00pm and be back at 3:00pm. 

Chapel Mission Offerings

          Our mission offerings for the first semester of the school year was designated to WELS mission work in Russia.  We have collected $693.65 for that mission. Thank you to everyone who donated!!

          Second semester chapel offerings have been designated for WELS mission work in Nigeria.

Christmas Program Recording

          The video from the children’s performance has been completed, and we are in the process of making copies to hand out.  If you would rather have a copy on a flash drive instead of a DVD, please let the office know. 

Calendar Change

          We have to postpone our Safari Expedition which was originally scheduled for Saturday, February 9th.  As soon as we are able to reschedule it, we will let you know the new date. 

January Birthdays

We forgot one very important birthday this month!

          Pastor Wagenknecht – January 24

Parent Connection January 14

Stand in Hope

          To say that his situation was precarious would be somewhat an understatement. He had been arrested and imprisoned. With the help of a smooth-talking lawyer, his enemies had brought some very serious accusations against this man. He was standing before the Governor who had the power to sentence him to a long prison sentence, or even death.

Yet, despite the danger he was facing, this man was undaunted and unafraid.  Without worry or care, he boldly defended himself in the governor’s court.

In his defense, he explains the reason for his confidence. He declares that he has “hope in God.” He is sure that “there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.” Because of this hope and knowledge, he could scoff at the prospect of a long imprisonment. He could even stand in this confidence if his enemies put an end to his life.

This man was Paul, the governor was Felix, and his defense is found in Acts 24:15, “And I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.”

In this world, we too must face danger and hardship. But no matter how great the danger may be, we need not be frightened or upset, if we hold fast to Jesus in faith. In His Word, Jesus assures us that all things, including the gravest danger and deepest sorrow, must work together for the good of those who love God.

In every peril and danger, let us stand up for Jesus boldly and courageously. For we have the sure hope that Jesus is at our side to defend us and deliver us.

Volleyball Practice and Game Dates

          Practice will be on Tuesday and Thursday this week at The Center (4855 Arctic Blvd) from 3:45pm-5:00pm.  Players can be picked up at 5:00pm at The Center.

          The following games and tournament will be played at Lumen Christi (8110 Jewel Lake Rd): 

          Jan 25th 3pm – 6pm

          Feb 1st 3pm – 6pm

          Feb 14th 3pm – 6pm

          Feb 16th 9am – 1pm

          Note:  Exact game times have yet to be determined.  

Report Cards

          Report cards were sent home last Friday.  If you haven’t done so already, please go over them with your child then sign and return the envelope. 

Please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher with any questions about the report

Hot Lunch

          Hot Lunch will be on Thursday, January 17th.  The menu for this month is grilled cheese, chicken vegetable soup, fresh fruit, and dessert.

The cost for the meal is $4.00. Please return the attached form and money by Wednesday so that we can provide the right amount of food.  Parents are welcome to join their students for lunch.

Spelling Bee

          We will have our Faith Lutheran Spelling Bee for grades 3-8 on Wednesday, January 16th at 1:15pm.  Family and friends are welcome and encouraged to join us. 

Martin Luther King Day

          In observance of Martin Luther King Day, there will be no school on Monday, January 21st. 

Open House

Faith Lutheran School is having an Open House Saturday, January 26th, from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM. 

We are sending home more flyers today. Please continue to hang them at local community boards around town.  Businesses remove the flyers often so, even if you’ve already put up one up somewhere, check to see if it needs replaced.

Breakfast for Dinner

          Plan now to attend our fundraiser dinner on Friday, February 1st at 6:00pm.  Please use the attached cards to help spread the word to family, friends, and coworkers 

Christmas Program Recording

          The video from the children’s performance has been completed, and we are in the process of making copies to hand out.  If you would rather have a copy on a flash drive instead of a DVD, please let the office know. 

January Birthdays

Miss Mittelstadt – January 16

Parent Connection January 7, 2019

God’s Answer

          Sometimes, as a teacher, when I ask a question, I anticipate the answer. I already have in mind what I think the response to my question should be. But quite often the answer I receive isn’t at all what I was looking for.

          When I go to a store or a restaurant and I ask for a particular item, I expect to receive what I am asking for. That’s the reason I make the request.

          So when we address our prayers to God and plead with Him to help us in our time of need, we know how we want Him to answer our prayer. We want Him to remove the trouble that afflicts us. That’s the answer we are looking for. Isn’t that what it means to pray confidently, trusting in God’s almighty power? Doesn’t He assure us of His loving concern for our well-being? These things are certain! But remember, God answers our prayers according to His divine wisdom and not necessarily according to our wishes, or our timeline.

          The Apostle Paul prayed fervently that God would remove a “thorn in his flesh” that he felt was detrimental to his ministry. Paul knew the answer he was looking for but God didn’t give him that answer. God told Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9.

          We are objects of God’s grace. It is by His grace that we are His children and can approach Him as our dear Father and place our petitions before Him. He will answer according to His grace and purpose, to His glory and our good.

Volleyball Practice

          Due to earthquake damage at APU, we will begin practicing at The Center, 4855 Arctic Blvd, on Thursday, January 10th from 3:45pm-5:00pm.  Players can be picked up at 5:00pm at The Center.

Hand Chime Choir

          There will be no practice this week.  We will resume next Thursday, January 17th. 

PTF Meeting

          PTF will meet this Thursday, January 10th at 6:00pm. 

Library Visit

Grades 5 – 8 will be visiting the Loussac Library on Friday, January 11th.  Students are reminded to bring their library cards, any books that are due, and money for lunch.

Report Cards

          Report cards will be sent home on Friday, January 11th.  Please go over them with your child then sign and return the envelope.  If there are any questions about the report, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher.

Spelling Bee

          We will have our Faith Lutheran Spelling Bee for grades 3-8 on Wednesday, January 16th at 1:15pm.  Family and friends are welcome and encouraged to join us. 

Martin Luther King Day

          In observance of Martin Luther King Day, there will be no school on Monday, January 21st. 

January Birthdays

Miss Mittelstadt – January 16