Closing Out January

As January rapidly comes to a close, I am encouraged by the things that are happening on campus.  Yesterday, January 22, our Elementary Science Explorers kicked off their winter session!  It is encouraging to see our high school Science teacher Mr. Kolb investing in the lives of our elementary students.  In addition to our Science Explorers, the elementary hosted another testing session for our Math Club.  You might think that taking a math test is not very fun, and when 4^th and 5^th grade students only receive 5 WORD problems to try and solve, you might think it even gets worse; but let me tell you, my son Kenny has been attending and WAS very encouraged after his last Math Club test.  It is amazing what God has done and is doing with our students.  And speak about AMAZING, did you know that our BBQ/Auction made budget?  Through God’s blessing and the efforts of many volunteers, we raised $46,910 for CCS.  The complete breakdown is as follows:

• Receipts                      80,376
• Expenses                    33,466
• Net Proceeds              46,910

Our budget for the BBQ/Auction was $43,300 leaving us $3,610 over budget . . . Praise God!

Science Explorers, Math Club, and BBQ/Auction are great examples of God’s blessings but so is our special Pastors Luncheon that is coming up in February.  On Thursday, February 12, we have the privilege of hosting the Children’s Directors, Youth Pastors, and Senior Pastors of the churches represented in our patron body.  These ministry workers will be treated to a catered lunch and enjoy the company of the children and youth from their church – how cool is that!

Every time I think about the blessings God brings into my life, and the life of CCS, I am reminded of the words from the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 13:14, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”  I am reminded of that verse because I feel that grace, love, and fellowship . . . I hope you do too.

Kind Words

Proverbs 12:25 states, "An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up." Similarly, Proverbs 15:23 shares, "A man finds joy in giving an apt reply - and how good is a timely word!"

Think about the second part of verse 23 . . . and how good is a timely word; so true!  Think about the times you have been encouraged with a 'timely' word of encouragement.  I know for me, just last week someone reached out to encourage me - they made my day!  With just a few words of encouragement I was energized, validated, optimistic, and even brought closer to my Lord and Savior.  Yes, a kind word can allow us to refocus and see God in the small stuff.  Be an encourager this week; give a kind word and watch what God will do through you and for you.  Not only will you encourage another, but you might just be encouraged yourself.  Here is a great video that might help you remember to say more kind things:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5yCOSHeYn4#t=141

Your kind words will definitely be an encouragement, but so are your prayers.  Will you please pray for:

1. Hurting Families.  You may or may not know who is hurting, but God does.  Please pray that families will be drawn close to God and feel His embrace in times of struggle.
2. Enrollment.   Enrollment for the 2015-2016 school year will begin in February.  Please pray for wisdom as families make decision about enrolling at CCS.
3. Elementary Principal Search.  Please pray that God reveals the person He has already chosen for this position, and that our search committee will be patient and allow God to lead.
4. Budget.  The Board of Trustees will be determining the 2015-2016 budget in the months to come; please pray for wisdom and unity for our Board.

Have a great Monday!!

Philippians 1:20

What is going to be your mantra for 2015?  As I was reading Oswald Chambers' My Utmost For His Highest, I came across Philippians 1:20 which states:

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death."

What a wonderful prayer to have - that I would have the courage to exalt Christ in my body in all situations! Please pray with me and for me as I pray the same for you.  I might not pray for each of you by name each day, but as I pray for the body of Christ - you are included.

If you are like me, you have much to be thankful for as we begin 2015.  The Christmas break was a wonderful time to enjoy family and good food - a wonderful time of celebration.  The New Year will also be a time for celebration; 2015 will hold many joys and of course a few sorrows.  Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the perfecter of our faith, and watch as He pours His blessings out on all of us.

Here are a few exciting things happening on our campus:

1. We have a new Development Director!  Ken Thompson, long-time CCS patron and fundraising guru has joined our staff as our new part-time Development Director.  Ken Thompson has been involved in the development of CCS as he has served on the Auction, Booster, and Playground Committees.  Ken loves CCS and loves to talk about his school - great qualities to have in a Development Director.  Although Ken's youngest daughter Hannah will be graduating from CCS this year, Ken will be around for many years to follow.  If you see Ken in the halls or at a basketball game, congratulate him on the new job!
2. We are still looking for an Elementary Principal.  If you know of anyone who has administrative experience and would love to work with our elementary team, please give them my name and ask them to email me at ken.parris@conestogachristian.net.
3. We are going to celebrate our pastors on Thursday, February 12, with a Pastors' Luncheon.  No matter if you have elementary, middle, or high school students - their pastors are going to be invited for a special luncheon.  Keep an eye out for more information as January creeps along; just know that all of our students will have a chance to eat with their pastors on Thursday, February 12.
4. Our annual Music Recital is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17. This is a night to come out and enjoy our students as they showcase a special number they have been working on.  Our Music Recital will be held at Conestoga Mennonite Church, and more information will be posted in the Cougar Update.

In addition to all these things happening, our Admissions Director, Michelle Parris, is planning on hosting special Admissions Open Houses.  A flyer with information will be coming out soon but be ready because in February, March, and April we are inviting the community to chapel with a tour of the school to follow.  We want the community to "experience us in action!"  Invite a friend and spread the word once you see our flyer and read about our Admissions Open Houses.

January has barely begun, and the excitement is already bubbling over!!  See you around campus. :)