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. :)