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The Itsy Bitsy Spider

by Principal Sue Palka | February 28, 2020

 "For God so loved the world that He gave His One and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16

Have you ever experienced "panic power cleaning" as you prepare for the arrival of company? Once, I had offered to host a Bible Study at our house that included a combination of dear friends and brand new acquaintances.  Feeling like I needed to have everything "perfect", and despite my better judgment that none of these people would really care, I spent hours dusting spindles, washing molding, wiping down light fixtures, etc. However, I did stop myself at scrubbing the bathtubs figuring I would be safe there!
 
When the big night finally arrived, the table was set, the food was prepared, everyone was in attendance, and the evening was going well, until midway through the leader's discussion, as I was intently listening to his lesson, something strange caught my eye!...

We Love Because He First Loved Us -1 John 4:19

by Principal Sue Palka | February 14, 2020

Many years ago, when I was a teacher in the primary grades, Valentine's Day was always such an exciting day for me! It was so enjoyable watching the faces of my students as they opened and examined the cards that each of their classmates selected just for them. As a parent, you have probably witnessed this same joy as your child has dumped the entire contents from his/her Valentine container all over your living room carpet!
 
However, one of the saddest Valentine stories that I've ever heard occurred many years ago when my nephew was in a very large Kindergarten class. His last name begins with the letter "Z", and as a result, typically he always was the last person on the class list. Unfortunately, when his Kindergarten teacher copied the class list for the students to write their Valentine cards, his name was cut off...

Don't Miss...Protect Young Eyes Parenting Workshop Next Wednesday!

by Principal Sue Palka | February 7, 2020

"Equipping Children to Thrive in an Increasingly Hostile Online World"

As parents, we strive to do everything that we can to keep our children safe. However, there are times that in order to do this well, we need seek education from experts.

The internet is a wonderful tool that can provide a wealth of information. However, there are also significant dangers that children may face when online.  In order to help parents understand the risks as well as how to develop healthy habits in regards to  keeping children digitally safe, St. Matthew is hosting a "Protect Young Eyes" parent workshop.  Please join us on Wednesday, February 12, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in Room 304 where participants will learn about the features in popular apps such as YouTube, YouTube Kids, Snapchat, Instagram, and many others that can present risks to children who are not properly equipped to utilize them.
 
Participants will also obtain a better understanding for how...

Make Me a Servant! - 8th Grade Serves at NOAH Project

by Principal Sue Palka | January 31, 2020

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

This week, it gives us great joy as we thank and praise God for our school during "National Lutheran Schools Week". However, we intentionally designed the beginning of this celebration by putting the initial focus on Kingdom work.  As a result, 140 children and parents gathered last Sunday to assemble 300 lunches for the NOAH Project, a homeless shelter located in downtown Detroit. The evening was filled with much excitement as passionate disciples gathered together to help those in need.
 
Early Monday morning, the eighth graders had the amazing opportunity to take the lunches to NOAH and assist with their meal preparation and distribution. As their principal, I was so incredibly proud of this group of students as I watched them distribute lunches, serve coffee, and engage in kind conversations.
 
When we returned and debriefed, it was even more powerful to hear their reflections and reactions....

Lunch Bags of Love For The Homeless!

by Principal Sue Palka | January 23, 2020

Sign Up for Family Outreach Project Ends this Friday!!

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

Supervising the lunchroom for many years, I have learned a lot!  I have been extremely impressed with how willing children are to eat the healthy foods packed in their lunches.  I have learned about family favorite meals, such as "pizza casserole", "taco pie", and "slimy chicken".  I have watched our current third graders demonstrate their promising culinary skills by making daily food "creations", such as pickles and cheese on top of applesauce or potato salad smeared on pizza.  However, there is nothing more exciting than a loving note found inside a lunchbox.  Often, I am greeted by an excited child waving a piece of paper and proclaiming, "Look what I got!"...

Welcome Back Braedon!

by Principal Sue Palka | January 17, 2020

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever!"  Psalm 136:1

After being gone for the past sixteen weeks due to a liver transplant, January 14th was such an awesome day as God allowed for Braedon Breeding to return to school!
 
To help express our joy for this day...

Dancing Into a New Year!

by Principal Sue Palka | January 10, 2020

"But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added onto you as well."   Luke 18:30

As a mom of three children, I have received a great number of treasured gifts that my children have made and given to me over the years. I still have a 22 year-old ceramic tile jewelry box made by my son in first grade that sits on my dresser and continues to lose a few pieces of tile each year. I have an angel ornament on our tree that was made many years ago in Preschool by my daughter that still has a ton of glitter on its halo.  I have a glazed piece of pottery on my night stand that has "I love you" carved in the bottom, and I also have a hand-drawn and framed picture that my daughter painted of the two of us where we both have our arms and legs coming out of our heads!
 
As my children grew older, the gifts became a little more unique...

How Firm is Your Foundation?

by Principal Sue Palka | December 12, 2019

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." Matthew 7:24

Last week, I was greeted by a dear friend who started the conversation with the opening, "So when something happens, I always try to figure out what God is trying to teach me, and here's what happened to me this past weekend." She then pulled up a photo on her phone that portrayed her painful experience. The photo revealed her Christmas tree laying horizontally on the floor with hundreds of shattered pieces of beautiful glass scattered around the fallen tree.
 
The pain from this experience was still so raw that tears immediately returned as she started to explain what had happened:...

Jesus is the "Key" to Everything!

by Principal Sue Palka | December 6, 2019

For the past twenty-three years, my children have provided me with a wealth of writing material for my weekly devotionals.  However, now that they are older, it is even more enjoyable when they even realize that their own antics or bizarre experiences would make a great correlation to a Biblical truth!  Last week, I knew it was going to be an entertaining story when my daughter's text message started out with the words, "Have I got a great newsletter story for you!" Thus...enjoy and see if you can relate...

Happy Thanksgiving!

by Principal Sue Palka | November 21, 2019

"Give thanks in all circumstances." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

There is nothing more delectable than the smell of the house when Thanksgiving dinner is being prepared. At times, it is as if you can close your eyes and envision the delicious delicacies that are roasting in the oven. However, I do recall one particular Thanksgiving at my mother's house when this was not the case. As we walked through the door, we were greeted by a very peculiar aroma. I traced its apparent path of origin; it seemed to be emerging from my mother's oven.
 
Wondering if she was attempting a new recipe, and not wanting to offend the host who was willing to cook for everyone, I opted not to question her culinary skills.
 
However, there is nothing like the transparency of an articulate four year-old to identify the elephant in the room and so eloquently inquire loud enough for everyone to hear, "What stinks so bad?"...

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