Blog

Calling All Turkeys and Students... It's Time To Trot! Turkey Trot 2018 "Dream Small And Run With Compassion"

A few weeks ago, our school received this letter from Virginia, our school's Compassion Sponsor Child:
 
Greetings in peace of God
Dearest Sponsors,
 
How are you doing? I'm grateful to God that I can write this letter in a healthy body. I want to wish you very happy holidays. I believe that God will always bless you. Even though this is from such a distance, I keep praying for all of you to be healthy and strong in God.

I have a big hope that I can see all of you in person someday,
Virginia

Two years ago, our student body voted to sponsor a Compassion International child, Virginia Tesalonika Mamahit,

The Blessings of Parent/Teacher Conferences!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."   Jeremiah 29:11

There are many blessings that can result from Parent/Teacher conferences. Many years ago, a dear friend of ours was slightly anxious as he traveled to his first high school Parent/Teacher conferences for his freshman daughter. As he entered the gym and became acclimated to the new procedure, he decided that he should speak to her math teacher first, since that was the class that seemed to be most challenging for his daughter. After waiting for a significant period of time for the parents that were ahead of him in line, the teacher finally motioned for him to approach his table.

Soaring to New Heights!

St. Matthew Lutheran School Implementing NWEA Standardized Testing

"Whatever you do, work at it will all of your heart as working for the Lord and not for men." Colossians 3:23

At the beginning of his freshman track season, my son's coach introduced him to the concept of pole vaulting. After learning the proper form and footing, he immediately had success with his first pole. However, my son soon learned that pole-vaulters can max out their success with a pole.

Having a Clear Vision

"Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me" Matthew 25:40

If your eyes require corrective lenses, chances are you know the frustration of occasionally misplacing your glasses. Frequently, I joke with friends my age and in the "reading glasses" stage of life, that I probably own five pairs of readers and still have trouble locating at least one pair when I need them. However, last Monday, our 8th grade class experienced a perplexing Sherlock Holmes style mystery regarding "The Case of the Missing Glasses".
 
In the gym, there is a specific counter where all valuable items are placed, such as Mrs. Kendall's, our PE teacher, binders, bags, important pieces of equipment, etc. This same counter also serves as the designated area for student jewelry and eyeglasses. Following the typical routine that he has done for many years, one 8th grade boy came into the gym that day to volunteer being a character in a Peace Coaching skit and set his glasses on this designated spot at the beginning of this particular assembly. However,

How Does Your Garden Grow?

"Whatever you do for the least of these, you've done unto Me."  Matthew 25:40

Are you the type of family that enjoys gardening? One frequent comment that I hear from those who have been blessed with green thumbs is that is was a very bountiful summer for zucchinis and tomatoes, making it nearly impossible to gather all of the crops!

However... can you imagine the overwhelming task to harvest 43 acres of produce for needy families? Sounds like a great time to have a "small dream and watch God bless in BIG ways"!

It's a Match!

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the Heavenly Lights." - James 1:17

What is some of the most exciting news that you have ever received? For former teacher and recently diagnosed cancer patient, Mr. John Carlton, I can only imagine the joy he experienced learning that his brother was a 100% bone marrow match! As a result, John has the ability to participate in a bone marrow transplant that has the potential to cure his recent leukemia diagnosis. It has been said that the bond of brotherhood runs deep, and for these two brothers, this bond only continues to intensify!
 
Mr. John Carlton served on staff at St. Matthew from 1987 until 1990. His wife, Ruth, also served as a PE teacher for over ten years at St. Matthew, while their four children attended our school for their kindergarten through eighth grade years.
 
Last spring, life changed dramatically for John when he received the diagnosis of leukemia. Beginning in August, John has spent many days as a patient at the University of Michigan Hospital, receiving the bone marrow transplant, chemotherapy, and numerous other medications that assisted in these processes or have assisted in alleviating some of the painful side effects.

From Trash to Treasure! An Explosive Tale Regarding The Landfill Harmonic Orchestra

"We love because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19

If there was an instrument that you would love to learn to play, what would it be?
 
During a principals' conference this summer, I had the opportunity to hear an amazing story entitled, Ada's Violin, which is a true account based on a young girl named Ada Gomez. Ada lives in Caturea, a city in Paraguay, that is built on a landfill and is also one of the poorest cities in South America. Yet, Ada's dream was to learn how to play the violin.

Dream Small, and Run With a BIG Vision!

"We love because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19

Did you know that nearly 1,000 children under age 5 die every day from illnesses caused by contaminated water, poor sanitation, and improper hygiene? Even though this is such an overwhelming and staggering statistic, Mr. Czinder is "dreaming small" in regards to helping reduce this tragedy by running in the Detroit Marathon as a member of the World Vision "Clean Water" Team.

On October 20, 2018, Mr. Czinder will join over 100 World Vision teammates to run 26.2 miles through the streets of Detroit. Every dollar that Mr. Czinder raises will help children in remote parts of Africa gain access to clean water.

Pardon Me, I Think You're In My Seat?

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17

The birthday card that came from my husband this summer read "pick a concert of your choice" and I gladly took him up on this offer. My love and appreciation for live music began in the 8th grade when my best friend's mom took my friend and me to see Elton John at the Pontiac Silverdome! (How's that for dating myself?) Ever since then, my concert attendance for various musical genres has grown abundantly!

Immediately, I began to search the internet to view all of my options. However, in my quest, I was absolutely thrilled to learn that Lauren Daigle, the current winner of the Dove "Best New Christian Artist" Award, was coming soon to Toledo, Ohio. As I searched for available tickets, I was disappointed to learn that the concert was already sold out, so I immediately checked out my options on Stub Hub. During my initial search, I just couldn't justify paying the inflated ticket prices that averaged triple the original ticket price. However, in my determination to attend that concert, I continued to stalk the Stub Hub site on a daily basis. Finally, very late one evening, my persistence paid off when two main floor tickets at the original cost appeared for sale. With lightening speed, my finger clicked the purchase button and my joyful and victorious squeal woke Ken out of a sound sleep.

Pages

Ready To Learn More?