We began this school year with the motto of "Do Something", based on the Scripture verse "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)
Throughout the year, we have been in awe of the tremendous blessings that the Lord has showered upon us and the strength that He has given us to do many things in His name.
As I sat and reflected with a group of eighth graders, we came up with the following list of memorable 2016/2017 blessings:
- Sponsoring Virginia, our Project International child from Indonesia
- Collecting and assembling 212 school bags for needy children
- Monthly letters written to congregational Shut-Ins by every class
- Collecting food for Hospitality House
- Various classrooms partnering with our International Friends and creating sweet friendships and memories
- Grades 4 and 5 decorating and delivering pumpkins to condo neighbors
- Preschool - Grade 2 hosting a "Pizza Palooza" night with the Exotic Zoo
- Grades 6 - 8 picking 15,000 lbs of corn for Forgotten Harvest
- Our "Color Out Cancer" Turkey Trot and raising over $7,000 for cancer research
- Making blankets for local animal shelter
- Grades 6 - 8 loading boxcars for Lutheran World Relief
- Winning championships for soccer, cross country, volleyball, and track
- Numerous classes visiting local nursing homes to sing or play bingo
- Hosting "Pancakes with Pastors" for young children to hear the true meaning of Christmas
- Collecting enough offering to send 15 disadvantaged children to summer camp
- 8th, 7th, and 5th grade DI teams hosting a Talent Show, Bake Sale, and a School Dance in order to help the homeless, abandoned animals, and fire victims
- Making and serving 400 lunches for the NOAH project homeless shelter in Detroit
- Hosting Dr. Micah Parker to come and speak to our congregation and students about trusting God
- Collecting and assembling contents for 220 Easter lunches for St. Paul Pontiac
- Four Destination Imagination teams advancing to the State tournament and two teams advancing to the Global Finals
- A fabulous spring musical of Peter Pan, Jr.
- 6 - 8 Grade participating in "Do Something" service projects
- 8th Grade's amazing adventure to New York City
And these are just the highlights! There are a multitude of daily blessings as well and for all of them, we give God the glory!
The staff of St. Matthew would like to thank you for a wonderful 2016/2017 school year, and we look forward to all that the Lord has waiting for us in 2017/2018!
Have a wonderful summer and have fun in the "Son"!
In His love,
Mrs. Palka