Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Once In A Lifetime Opportunity

Conestoga Christian School provided the opportunity of a lifetime for its students and parents -- an educational trip to Spain.  CCS students were in Spain from 11/24-12/4 and visited Granada, Seville, Cordoba, Madrid, and Barcelona.  They improved their Spanish, ate delicious Mediterranean food, learned about Spanish history, took a salsa lesson, saw a Flamenco show, visited an olive farm, took a horse and carriage ride around Seville, met with high school students in Madrid, rode bikes all around Barcelona, and got wet in the Mediterranean sea!  It was a marvelous and life-changing trip!!
CCS students and parents in Alhambra

I would have loved to join this group as they toured Spain; just by looking at the pictures I am inspired.  Some of our students called this a life-changing trip, an experience of a lifetime.  While I have not been to Spain, I can understand the excitement and enthusiasm of our students.  I too had a life-changing experience, a one-of-a- kind miraculous event that changed me forever.  I experienced a life-changing event when I was introduced to the person of Jesus Christ.  Like these students, my life was changed; I was not the same person I was before my encounter with Jesus.  Just as Romans 12:2 states, my mind was transformed and I was no longer conformed to the bondage of my sin.  I began living for God once Jesus entered my heart; I have been growing closer and closer to Him ever since.

God used a Christian school to bring me to a saving knowledge of who He is.  I had the head knowledge of who God was, but I did not have a relationship with Him.  Through the Truth of the Scriptures and the faithfulness of my baseball coach/Bible teacher, I accepted Jesus as my Savior as a sophomore in high school.  Conestoga Christian is just like the Christian school I attended when I was in high school - everything is centered and focused on God. Every program, every project, every strategy keeps God at the center.  I hope someday you might find your way to Spain, Italy, Jerusalem, or some destination that would be awe-inspiring, but more importantly, I pray you find Jesus and make Him the Lord of your life.  Once you accept Jesus as your Savior, you will never be the same. 

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Thanksgiving Praises

Thanksgiving was a wonderful time of praises for the Parris family; I pray it was the same for you.  Our family had a "first" this Thanksgiving; our oldest daughter, Alyssa, hosted the Thanksgiving feast.  Alyssa and Danny (Alyssa's husband) live in New Jersey and were married in June 2012.  It is a blessing to have Alyssa only an hour away, but even a greater joy to watch the Lord work in and through her.  We had 9 people in Alyssa's small 3 bedroom home - the perfect size to celebrate God and our family.  As I reflect on how God has orchestrated the growth of our family, I can see how He has done the same at Conestoga.

God, in His sovereignty,  has placed each faculty and staff member at CCS this year.  For some this is their first year at Conestoga, for others it is many more; but whether it is their first or forty-third year (yes, someone has been at CCS that long), we are a family.  Just as God grows our personal families, He also grows our CCS family.  One of the true blessings this year was the introduction of our newest family member - Marcus Garcia.  Marcus was born on September 7, 2014 to our very own Spanish Teacher, Liz Garcia.  Mrs. Garcia has been on maternity leave but plans to join us again in the new year.  Just as Marcus is a new blessing to CCS, so is Jared Park, Mrs. Garcia's substitute teacher.  Jared and his wife Naldy are missionaries with ABWE to Santiago, Chile.  While Jared and Naldy were waiting for all the necessary paperwork and support to come through before they could leave for Chile, Jared agreed to sub for Mrs. Garcia.  Thank you, Jared and Naldy, for serving CCS!  Side note: if you want to learn more about Jared and Naldy and their service to the people of Chile, log on to their website at www.jaredpark.org.

The people, new and old, at Conestoga Christian make up our family.  Just as you and your family celebrate events and get together from time to time, so do we at CCS.  December is a great time for class and campus activities.  Here are a few things happening on campus in December. I hope you can be a part of each and every one:
  • Cougar Basketball Games - Tip-Off Tournament Dec. 5 with ladies playing at 7:00 pm and the guys playing at 8:30 pm
  • Christmas Program - hosted at Hopewell Christian Fellowship on Dec. 12 at 7:00 pm
  • Nursing Home Visits - classes going to 4 nursing homes in our area the morning of Dec. 19; any parent who wishes to join us is encouraged to do so.
  • Class Celebrations - happening Dec. 19; hope to see you on campus :)

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Technology and SAT Scores - All Good!



Do you know what ASP stands for?  What about Conestoga Christian’s average SAT scores?  Do you know what they are?  Without continued and intentional communication, we can easily “fall out of the loop” as to what is happening at Conestoga Christian. 

ASP stands for Accreditation by School Progress and is the protocol our school is following to keep our accreditation through the Association of Christian Schools International and Middle States Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges.  The ASP protocol asks our school to identify a project that will help our school move forward while maintaining the standards set through previous visits.  The project our school identified for our ASP protocol was technology.  The following link will allow you to see 3 things:
  1.  Our ASP Proposal 
  2.  ACSI Accrediting Team's Report
  3. Our Acceptance Letter from ACSI
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1eGQ58ITl4GT3JMTXdXa3pWVWs/view?usp=sharing

Please spend some time reading about our ASP project and then talk to teachers, students, and staff to hear what is being done on our campus . . . it is exciting!

Also exciting is what is happening in our high school.  John Storey, Regional Director for ACSI, recently sent out an article stating the average SAT scores nationwide.  ACSI reported in their November issue of CAPE:

The headlines in early October captured some of the story:  "2014 SAT Scores Remain Stagnant," "Student Performance Stalls on SAT."  They reflected what the College Board itself reported:  SAT scores for the 2014 crop of high school graduates were stubbornly stuck at levels "similar to other recent senior classes."

They also mentioned:

Mean SAT scores for public school seniors were 492 in reading, 478 in writing, and 501 in math.  Comparable scores for students in independent schools were 535, 542, and 580.  Meanwhile, students in religious schools scored 533, 527, and 537.

You may be wondering what Conestoga Christian average SAT scores were for 2014; well here they are:
  • Reading 576
  • Math 542
  • Writing 563
There are wonderful things happening at Conestoga Christian!  God is blessing us in many areas because we are seeking Him first in all areas – Matthew 6:33.

Just wanted to "Keep You in the Loop."

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Perspective

As I get ready to celebrate another Lord's day at church, I am reminded of the wonderful things happening in my life right now.  God has allowed me to be encouraged by other Christian schools, the students at our school, and the Christian influences around me.  Of course the most important encouragement I have is salvation through my Savior, Jesus Christ.  I am energized at the dawn of each new day because God sent Jesus to save me from my sin.  John 3:16 says that God sent His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.  I do believe in Him, and He gives me the strength to face each new day!  As Christ leads me, He shows me His love through the people He brings into my life every day; here is a glimpse of the people He has brought into my life recently:

  • Christian Schools.  I had the wonderful opportunity to serve on an  ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) accrediting team recently.  Our team went to an ACSI school that was renewing its accreditation.  This school has been in existence for 42 years, and the administrator of the school has been the administrator for every one of those 42 years!  When our team walked into the school and Dr. McKee gave us a tour, this wonderful, Christian man knew every student by name.  Because Dr. McKee loved his students and staff, he took the time to know each one; the school had 420 students and over 40 staff members - Dr. McKee KNEW each one by name.  Dr. McKee encouraged me!
  • CCS Students.  This past Thursday and Friday our school put on another fall drama, And A Child Shall Lead.  This drama depicted the life of children in a Nazi detention camp during WWII.  The topic is of course sobering, the storyline emotional, and our students phenomenal!  The sensitivity and inspiration of their acting brought a lump in my throat and tears to my eyes.  Janna Weiler (Director) and Celia Stratton (Student Director) brought the best out of our students.  God has truly blessed our school with wonderful talent; I praise Him that our students are able to use their talent for His glory and honor.  All the proceeds from the play, after expenses, went to support Zoe International.  Zoe International is a mission agency in Thailand ministering to children caught in child trafficking.
  • Friends and Family.  My church, our school, and my family continue to encourage and strengthen me.  My Christian brothers and sisters correct me, laugh with me, and love me through my weaknesses.  Proverbs 17:17 states that a friend loves at all times, and 18:24 shares that there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.  I am blessed to have people in my life that exemplify those verses!!  Just a few verses earlier in Proverbs 18, we also read that he who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord . . . again true for me.  Michelle is a blessing in my life beyond what words can tell.
I praise God for what He is doing in my life; my question for you - do you realize what He is doing in yours?  Are you taking time to "smell the roses" as they say, and see the blessings God has placed around you?  If the business of life has blocked some of your view, see Christ first and everything else will fall into place. :)

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Lancaster's Extraordinary Give



On Friday, November 21, the Lancaster County Community Foundation will once again host Lancaster’s largest online giving event.  The Lancaster County Community Foundation hosts this event to bless non-profit organizations in Lancaster County.  This online event is called the Extraordinary Give.  Please check out their website at: http://www.extragive.org/.

Conestoga Christian School was blessed to be a part of the Extraordinary Give in 2013. and we are once again participating in the Extraordinary Give on the 21st.  Last year our school was able to help purchase new playground equipment with money raised in the Give.  Here is how the Extraordinary Give works:
  • Friends, families, and businesses plan on donating to CCS on November 21, 2014.  Gifts can be as low as $25, but some gifts last year were as much as $1,000.  The gift doesn’t matter as long as you give . . . last year we raised over $12,000 in giving!
  • The Extraordinary Give begins at 12:00am on Friday, November 21, 2014 and all giving must be done online.  Why is it important to identify the start time of 12:00am?  That time is important because the FIRST 10 organizations that receive 50 gifts of $25 or more receive a FREE $1,000 from the Give!  CCS can receive a free $1,000 just for being 1 of those 10 organizations.
  • From 12:00am on November 21 until 12:00am on November 22 gifts can be given online.  Throughout the day sponsors of the Extraordinary Give randomly select organizations to receive free money, just like the $1,000 in free money described above.  You can check out all the incentives on the Extraordinary Give website (listed above).
  • Once the Give is over, all monies donated are tallied.  Last year there was over a million dollars donated to the Give by friends, families, and businesses of the 300 non-profits registered.  Once the total amounts of gifts are tallied, THE LANCASTER COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION KICKS IN AN ADDITIONAL $250,000!  Each organization receives a share of that $250,000 based on the donations received.
The Extraordinary Give is a part of CCS’s Annual Fund Drive . . . will you consider being a part of this year’s Give?  The more $25 gifts we receive the better the chance we will receive a free $1,000 gift from the Give.  Also, just as important as the $25 gift is the $1,000 gift – but only as the Lord leads.   Our goal for our Annual Fund drive is $70,000 this year, and remember all gifts are tax deductible.  Gifts given through the Extraordinary Give and gifts given directly to our office are tax deductible.  Please prayerfully consider giving to the Extraordinary Give this year and help us stretch our Annual Fund dollars by receiving FREE money from the Lancaster County Community Foundation.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me at ken.parris@conestogachristian.net or call me in the office at (610)286-0353 x406.

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Psalm 97:12

Psalm 97:12 states, "Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous, and praise His holy name."

The 41st annual BBQ/Auction is a testimony to this verse . . . we praise His name because of what He did this past weekend!  Beautiful weather, great food, wonderful fellowship! God was at the center of everything that happened once again.  Just a few highlights from the weekend:
  • We sold over 2,100 chicken dinners.
  • We hosted an alumni soccer game Friday night.
  • We exceeded our budgeted income projection. (We are waiting on receipts for expenses.)
  • We raised enough money to get air conditioning for the gymnasium.
  • We raised enough money to pay for our new refrigerator.
  • We were given 3 new ovens for the kitchen.
  • We were blessed to have family, friends, alumni, and grandparents come together for this special event.
How can we not praise His holy name for what He has done?

A special thank you must go out to Heather Schreier, our BBQ/Auction Chair, and the multitude of men and women that supported her.  For the past year our Auction Committee has been meeting and praying for this weekend, and I know many other families were praying too.  Thank you; your prayers were felt.

In the middle of this wonderful praise I have a special prayer request.  Melissa Cochran, our elementary principal, will be resigning from her position.  Mrs. Cochran's last day will be this Friday.  Mrs. Cochran is resigning because her husband, Dan, lost his job about 2 months ago and was recently hired at a company in Connecticut.   Yes, I said Connecticut.  We will all miss Mrs. Cochran!  Mrs. Cochran has been our elementary principal for a little over a year and has been a true blessing as she has supported, challenged, and encouraged our elementary teachers and students.  Please pray for the entire Cochran family as they will be sorely missed.  The joy we have in all of this is knowing that God has the Cochran family and CCS in the palm of His hand; this may be a shock for all of us, but not for our God.  The Cochrans are looking for a home in Connecticut now; they are planning on moving in November.  Please show your support and love for the Cochran family with a kind word or note before they leave.

I leave you with the words from the Apostle Paul from Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."

Friday, October 3, 2014

What Are You Passionate About?

Bill Hybels is the Senior Pastor at Willow Creek Community Church and in his book Courageous Leadership defines vision as a picture of the future that produces passion.  Think about that for a moment . . . vision is a picture of the future that produces passion.  The next thought that comes into my mind, what am I passionate about?  My question for you - what are you passionate about?

I have the blessing and privilege to work with passionate people.  The teachers here at Conestoga Christian School passionately love the Lord and love the students they are entrusted to teach.  The parents of CCS are passionately committed to the growth of our school.  It is a joy to work with moms and dads who freely give of their time for the benefit of CCS.  The Board of Trustees embody the vision that Hybels talks about because they see Conestoga in 10 years and get excited about what we can be!  Every staff member, parent, grandparent, and alumnus know that God truly did begin a good work at Conestoga Christian School in 1952 and carries it on to completion until the day Jesus calls us home, just as we are told in Philippians 1:6.

When you think of the future of CCS, do you get excited?  I do!  I get excited about the future because of what I see on campus today.  Have you stopped and thought about what is happening on campus now?  Let me share just a few things:
  • In the elementary building we have started Girls on the Run, Science Explorers, and a Math Club.
  • In the middle and high school we have student leaders setting the culture of the school by leading in worship, focusing on prayer (evidenced in “See You at the Pole), and serving as chaplains and class officers.
  • In athletics we are building community by sitting in the stands and on the hillside watching our student athletes compete for God’s glory.
  • In our parents we have leaders stepping up to organize and run the BBQ/Auction, sacrifice to not only pay tuition but fund major projects like air conditioning for the gym, and be the policy makers of the school as they serve on the Board of Trustees.
These are just a few exciting things that are happening RIGHT NOW, but God also has us working on the future.  On March 20, 2015, we will hold our first Founders Dinner with our guest speaker Dr. Ben Carson.  We are expecting 1,000 people from Lancaster, Berks, and Chester counties to be in attendance - 1,000 people!  Who could have seen that coming?  God did!

Psalm 139 tells us that God knows everything about us.  In verse 16 we are told that all our days were written in His book before even one of them came to be.  God knew Dr. Carson would be at Conestoga, God knew that our students would lead in ministry, God knew our elementary school would participate in Girls on the Run - God knows everything.  In Jeremiah 29:11 God says that our future is one of hope and prosperity . . . now who can’t get excited by that!!

Monday, September 29, 2014

Ending Strong

Today is September 29, 2014 and our September in Prayer is quickly coming to an end.  Our school has focused this month on prayer for our BBQ/Auction that is scheduled for October 17-18, 2014.  First, let me thank you for your prayer and support.  Second, let me encourage you to keep on praying.  God is not done with us yet, please keep taking our school before our God for strength, wisdom, and patience.

I was reading Luke 14: 28-33 and reflecting not only on our BBQ/Auction, but on our school as a whole.  This passage in Luke talks about "counting the cost" before you do anything.  Jesus is talking to a large crowd and asks if a tower maker considers the cost of materials before he embarks on building a tower, and then later (verse 31) asks if a king considers the strength of his opponent before he goes off to war?  Both situations will have dire consequences if there is no consideration of the cost.  In the example of the tower builder, if the builder runs out of materials before the tower is complete he will be ridiculed; and in the example of the king, his army could be slaughtered if he is greatly outnumbered.  Both scenarios could end in disaster - what does this mean to us?  For me this is a great passage to keep me focused on God and not on man.  Our Board of Trustees and  Administrative Team continually ask, "What does God want for CCS?"  Our Board and our Team filter our programs and policies through a Biblical worldview not a humanistic or constructivist one.  We know that whatever is accomplished will be done through His strength and not our own.  Asking the question - "What Would Jesus Do" or "How Can God Be Glorified Through Us" keeps our perspective right.

October is only 2 days away . . . how can God be glorified through you as we conclude September and begin October?

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Psalm 5:3

Psalm 5:3 states, "In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation."  What does it look like to wait in expectation?

My pastor shared with me once long ago that children wait in expectation for Christmas morning or for their birthday.  They wait in expectation for the presents they hope are coming.  I can remember being that child that was so excited because I thought I might get what I asked for.  Do we, do I, have that same excitement as I wait on the Lord?  Psalm 5:3 gives me insight on how I can obtain the excitement of a child and wait expectantly on the Lord.  First, call out to God in the morning.  Psalm 121 tells us that God does not sleep nor slumber; while we may need sleep, God does not.  As verse 8 shares, He watches over our coming and our going both now and forevermore.  God loves us and takes care of us.  Second, after  calling out to God in the morning, lay your requests at His feet.  Philippians 4:4-7 tells us that when we lay our requests at His feet He will guard our hearts and minds in Christ.  The God who created everything is quite capable of taking care of me.  Knowing that God is always there and that He will guard our heart and mind should give us the joy to wait expectantly.

While we wait on Him, so that we do not grow weary, He always give us blessings.  We have been praying for the Auction, waiting expectantly for God to do something wonderful through His people.  I asked you to pray specifically for our solicitation efforts; here is what God has already done for us:
  • God has placed it on the heart of a family to donate their car to the Auction.  We have a 2003 Honda Civic that will be auctioned off.
  • God worked in the hearts of several families and businesses to donate meat for the auction.  The most recent businessman said he just wanted to do something nice for our school and reduced the price of a steer for us.   The story around that donation is incredible and too long to write; please ask me about it when you see me. God worked in the heart of that man!
  • God has allowed us to work to try and restore a Harley Davidson Sprint motorcycle, given us a fur coat, provided us with furniture, and the list goes on.
Many people have been praying for many months for the BBQ/Auction - don't stop now.  God is going to do something very special this year . . . I cannot wait to see what He does.



Monday, September 8, 2014

What Are You Excited About?



What gets you excited?  There are so many things that are happening today that could excite the average individual: the high temperature in Lancaster, PA is supposed to be 78 degrees today, football is back and both the Eagles and Steelers won yesterday, we hosted 225 middle school students this past Friday for a TCS event (Tri-County Christian Schools), we are able to start each day with prayer, the list goes on and on ….  The question still remains, what gets YOU excited?

Robert Morgan states in his book, The Red Sea Rules, that when you are confronted with life’s perplexities, you should trust God to deliver in His own unique way.  When the Israelites were caught between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army, God had Moses step into the Sea, hold out his staff, and then God held back the water so that the Israelites could walk across on dry land.  (Exodus 14:21-22)  Now THAT’S exciting!  I am sure scared people were in the crowd, and people cursed Moses for bringing them out to die, but at least one person was looking for God to do something miraculous.  Are you looking for God to do something miraculous today?  If you are and He does – how exciting would that be?  God doesn’t have to part waters to show His miraculous right hand; just keeping my family safe in a sin-filled world is miracle enough for me.  How about you?

Finally, as we continue to pray for the BBQ/Auction, will you praise God for the blessings He pours out on our school?  God moved in a family’s heart, and they are donating a 2003 Honda Civic to the Auction.  Yes, God once again has provided a car for this year’s Auction . . . thank you, Lord!  Please keep praying, one car will not net us the $65,000 we need to raise at the BBQ/Auction.  Ask the Lord where He is leading you and what you might be able to contribute to this year’s Auction.  Have a great day and keep looking around for things to get excited about!

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Praises

Where do you find praises throughout your day?  We have started a "September of Prayer" for our BBQ/Auction happening in October, and I was reading about praises this morning in Psalm 18.  Have you had the opportunity to read Psalm 18 lately?  If not, I recommend reading it today.  David writes Psalm 18 as a victory psalm and shares the praises he has found in the Lord.  In verse 16 David says that the Lord reached down from on high and took hold of him and drew him out of deep waters; are you in deep waters today?  In verses 31-35 David shares that God is his rock, that God arms him with strength, enables him to stand, trains him for battle, and gives him His shield of victory; is God your shield of victory?  In verse 46 David declares that the Lord lives and that He should be exalted as our Savior!  Do you have the confidence that God is your Savior?  If God is your Savior, has given you His shield of victory, and you are in deep waters today - you have reason for praise!  Romans 8:31 asks us, "If God is for us, who can be against us?"  Live in that power today and you WILL find praises throughout your day.

Please pray to day for our BBQ/Auction coming up on October 17-18; pray that God will be seen in a mighty way and that our community will come together for two days of excitement and encouragement as we celebrate with family and friends.

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

CCS Auction

Conestoga's annual BBQ/Auction is quickly approaching.  I hope everyone has October 17-18, 2014, circled on their calendar and plans to be here at CCS celebrating with us.  The BBQ/Auction is important in the life of the school for many reasons, but let me share two:
  1. First, the BBQ/Auction is one of the school's largest fundraisers.  I say one of the largest because our efforts and prayers in EITC/OSTC are being blessed (if you do not know what EITC/OSTC stand for, please email me and I will tell you).  At the BBQ/Auction our school is trying to raise $65,000 - an amount that can only be done through God's powerful hand; we rest in the promise of Matthew 19:26, "...but with God all things are possible."
  2. Second, the BBQ/Auction provide an opportunity for past and present families as well as grandparents and community partners to come together on our campus.  The BBQ/Auction has something for everyone: there is food (great food!), games for children, fellowship, laughter, and of course good-natured bidding on our auction items.
Please plan on joining us at this year's BBQ/Auction; and just as important as joining us, will you please pray for us?  Please pray for the BBQ/Auction committee members below:
  • Auction Chair – Heather Schreier
  • Advertising and Public Relations – Michelle Parris
  • Art Solicitation – Ken Thompson
  • Apple Dumplings – Tina Martin
  • Auction Floor – Robyn Vannoy
  • BBQ Drive Thru – Katrina Myers
  • BBQ Kitchen – Mindy Italiano and Nelah DiAddezio
  • Chicken Cooking – Mike Tumolo
  • Children’s Area – Marilyn Beam
  • Class Baskets – Cindy Carter 
  • Clerk Coordinator – Kimberly Blest
  • Computer Services – Bryan Denlinger 
  • Solicitation – Keith Morris
  • Food Tent – Sharon Valentino
  • Gift Certificate Store – Heather Colón
  • Meat Packages – Bryan and Luanne Hahn
  • Parking and Shuttles – Don Nafziger
  • Ticket Sales – Pat Collins
  • Quilts – Katrina Myers and Cammy Brantzeg
  • Volunteer Recruitment – Cinda Dagar
There are still a few spots to fill, but please pray for these volunteers.  Pray that God will strengthen them these next two months and that His grace will shine down on them.

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Back to School Night Highlights

Our annual Back to School Night was a huge success!  Our gym was packed and our campus was hopping - praise God!

There were three very memorable activities that happened at Back to School Night:
  • First, the PTF sponsored a welcome back family picnic.  What a blessing to see so many new faces fellowshiping with familiar ones!  This year we are welcoming 22 new families and 34 new students.  The PTF cooked hot dogs and provided a cool beverage while our families brought side dishes and dessert - no one left hungry.
  • Second, our welcome back gathering was very informative.  Parents, students, and staff all gathered in the gym to hear from various ministry leaders.  We heard from the PTF, Auction, Booster Club, Music Conservatory, and Technology Student Association on how parents can get involved this year; CCS has a place for everyone to get plugged in.  This was the also our maiden voyage for live streaming!  If you were not able to physically be in the gym, we brought the gym to you.  Our stream is saved on highschoolcube.com.  You can go to the High School Cube website and type in Conestoga Christian School or click on the following link: http://www.highschoolcube.com/event/conestoga-christian-school-back-to-school-night-358492.  I love technology!!
  • Finally, Owen Watkins, the chairman of our Board of Trustees, shared the state of the school.  Owen gave a condensed version at Back to School Night because he made a video for everyone to see; the video will be posted on our website shortly.
This is going to be a great school year.  Keep in mind the Scripture passage Owen shared at Back to School Night, I Corinthians 12 . . . "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone."

Monday, August 25, 2014

First Day

I have just seen the last parent leave the parking lot and all of our students are in their classrooms; the first day of school has officially begun.  We had a wonderful "Back to School Night" last Thursday, but nothing beats having all the kids here today.

I find it appropriate that the devotion in My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers for today is titled The Fruitfulness of Friendship.  Oswald refers to John 15:15 where Jesus tells us that He no longer calls us servants; He calls us friends.  Just two verses earlier, in John 15:13, Jesus tells us that there is no greater love than to lay down your life for a friend.  Jesus is the epitome of what a friend is; He gave His life for us on the cross.  Because of Christ's example, because of His sacrifice, because of His love - we can know love!

It would be awesome this year if every student, staff, and parent had the mindset of Christ and thought of others more than themselves (Philippians 2:3-11).  Please join me as we pray to that end.  God is going to do something great this year at CCS; let's join together as the body of Christ and praise Him as the year unfolds and we see His majesty.