For the past several months, our students and staff have been circling together often to pray for our second grader, William Petroelje. He and his family have been anticipating a medical procedure that has been necessary for Will. As a member of this South Side community, it humbles me to see God at work and His children practicing what it is to live together for and with one another in His love. This procedure took place on Wednesday, and we celebrate God's faithfulness and goodness. Doctors report that the procedure went very well and, after a rough first night for Will and parents, he is now appearing to be on the road to recovery! Praise God!
Perhaps you have read and been challenged by Dietrich Bonhoeffer's book Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Faith Together. If you have not, I recommend it. In his book, Dietrich Bonhoeffer states "“God has prepared for Himself one great song of praise throughout eternity, and those who enter the community of God join in this song. It is the song that the “morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy” at the creation of the world. (Job 38:7). It is the victory song of the children of Israel after passing through the Red Sea, the Magnificat of Mary after the annunciation, the song of Paul and Silas in the night of prison, the song of the singers on the sea of glass after their rescue, the “song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb” (Rev. 15:3) It is the song of the heavenly fellowship.”
How humbling and inspiring to be a servant in this community and join together in fellowship singing the great song of praise throughout eternity for the glory of our God and King.
Perhaps you have read and been challenged by Dietrich Bonhoeffer's book Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Faith Together. If you have not, I recommend it. In his book, Dietrich Bonhoeffer states "“God has prepared for Himself one great song of praise throughout eternity, and those who enter the community of God join in this song. It is the song that the “morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy” at the creation of the world. (Job 38:7). It is the victory song of the children of Israel after passing through the Red Sea, the Magnificat of Mary after the annunciation, the song of Paul and Silas in the night of prison, the song of the singers on the sea of glass after their rescue, the “song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb” (Rev. 15:3) It is the song of the heavenly fellowship.”
How humbling and inspiring to be a servant in this community and join together in fellowship singing the great song of praise throughout eternity for the glory of our God and King.
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| Our William! |
All School program at Christ Memorial Church!
Our children have prepared praises, dances and speaking pieces for our Spring Program. You will receive information in your child's Friday folder regarding the details of this event. Please bring your child to Christ Memorial Church between 6:30-6:40 p.m. on Thursday, April 23rd. Please drop off your child at the Gathering Place, and you may pick up your child from this spot, The Gathering Place, as well. The program will take place beginning at 7:00 and should close a bit before 8:00. You will also receive a map detailing where your child's class will stand on the risers to help you choose a seat that is optimal for seeing your child singing his/her heart out before God :) If you are able, please dress your child nicely, but also keeping in mind that the stage can get toasty. We look SO forward to being led in worship by our children.
Our children have prepared praises, dances and speaking pieces for our Spring Program. You will receive information in your child's Friday folder regarding the details of this event. Please bring your child to Christ Memorial Church between 6:30-6:40 p.m. on Thursday, April 23rd. Please drop off your child at the Gathering Place, and you may pick up your child from this spot, The Gathering Place, as well. The program will take place beginning at 7:00 and should close a bit before 8:00. You will also receive a map detailing where your child's class will stand on the risers to help you choose a seat that is optimal for seeing your child singing his/her heart out before God :) If you are able, please dress your child nicely, but also keeping in mind that the stage can get toasty. We look SO forward to being led in worship by our children.
The Holland Christian Story Project
As you heard at the start of Spring Break, we are launching an exciting branding initiative for HCS called The Holland Christian Story Project. You’ll recall that a significant aspect of the project involves getting feedback from 450 people in the HC community. I encourage you to please sign up for a spot at one of the workshops on April 29-30 or May 11-12. You may attend one of the April events and/or one of the May events if you’re inclined to do so.
The central question across all of the workshops: Who is Holland Christian Schools at its best? The first wave of workshops (April 29-30) will focus on describing the personality of our school, much in the way you would if you were getting to know someone. The second wave of workshops (May 11-12) will then deal with the way we tell the story about ourselves to the community.
Here is the Eventbrite link to make it easy to sign up for a time that is most convenient for you.
Thank you for considering being a part of this reflective and growing opportunity!
Thank you for considering being a part of this reflective and growing opportunity!
Preschool Happenings
There are some important dates you will want to put on your calendar for May. Please take a moment to review the following dates.
May 6- No Preschool Enrichment due to Parade schedule
May 6 & 7- Preschool will dismiss early at 11:00 a.m.
May 21 & 22- Preschool last days for the year.
There is one more schedule date for Preschool and kindergarten visiting days. This is a great way to “sample” a preschool and kindergarten class! This opportunity is offered at both Rose Park and South Side from 9-10:30 am on the following dates
- May 14, 2015
or clampen@hollandchristian.org.
Upcoming Events:
April 23 - SS/PR Spring Program at Christ Memorial (7:00 P.M.)
May 6 - NO Preschool Enrichment class in the afternoon due to Parade
May 6-7 - Preschool EARLY dismissal (11:00 )
Tulip Time (11:30 dismissal)
May 8 - Tulip Time (Rain Date)
May 21 & 22- Preschool last days
May 25- No school, Memorial Day (observed)
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Adults and student volunteers are needed to assist our Landscape Maintenance Department with the spring bark application on Saturday, April 25 at South Side and the Transportation Building, and on Saturday, May 2 at Rose Park from 8 am - 12 pm. This is a service opportunity for students over age 12. Please contact John Wood at (616) 836-7537 or jwood@hollandchristian.org with the dates you are available. Snacks and refreshments will be provided! If possible, please bring wheelbarrows, scoop shovels, pitch forks, and/or rakes to assist with distributing the bark. Thank you!
Join us for Game On! May 15, 2015 at HCHS. Kirk Cousins' '06 football team is challenging AJ Westendorp's '08 State Championship football team to defend their title and settle the score at 7pm. Family Fun & Food starts at 5pm. Tickets, t-shirts, books, and more information are all available here: hollandchristian.org/game_on
Requested Announcements:
Challenge of the Children
For more information and registration details for the free Challenge of the Children conference at Hope College on May 14th you may click here.
Turning Pointe School of Dance, a Christian Ministry announces the debut of, It Is Well, April 23rd-25th at the Knickerbocker Theatre in downtown Holland. It Is Well is an original ballet inspired by the true story of Grand Rapids resident Diet Eman who was imprisoned under Hitler for her efforts in hiding Jews in the Nazi-controlled Netherlands. Tickets go on sale at the Hope College Ticket Office on March 23rd. Call 616-395-7890 to purchase over the phone. Special student pricing
Summer Camp Time
• Holland Christian Summer Camps are lined up for the summer! Please click this link for basic information including dates and times for each camp. Registration is available now.
• Camp Roger is now accepting registrations for summer camp! Please visit camproger.org for more information.
• Hope Soccer Camp is also accepting registrations for their summer camps. Please visit www.hopesoccercamp.com for more information.
• G3 Camp at GrandValley will take place June 23-25. Please visit www.gvsu.edu/g3 to register for this fun Grandparent/Grandchild opportunity.
• Kids Rock - Click here to see flyer.
• Grace Adventures - Please visit www.GraceAdventures.org for more information.
• Camp Geneva is now accepting summer campers. Please visit www.campgeneva.org for more information.
• Son-Life Camp - Brochures are in the office. For more information, go to www.son-lifecamp.org.
