God's Got The Itinerary All Figured Out!
June 04, 2026
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3: 5 & 6
Earlier this week, Mr. Topel and I had the amazing opportunity to take 36 eighth graders and their parents to New York City for our annual Class Trip. For some of them, this was their very first time on an airplane, and for many of them, this was their very first time in New York.
During these three days, God blessed us in abundant ways! However, New York is huge, and with so many places to see and things to do, the schedule is hectic; the pace is intense. As a result, the students quickly learned that they didn’t need to know all of the details, such as navigating the subway, learning the ferry schedule, or memorizing the itinerary. Their job was just to follow the directives of the chaperones. Their responsibility is simply to trust the adults who have planned the trip and have their best interests in mind.
In a similar fashion, this also provides a beautiful illustration of our daily walk with Jesus.
As followers of Christ, we often find ourselves wondering what the future holds. As parents, we also find ourselves pondering similar questions regarding our children and their futures. The truth is that we rarely know the full itineraries of our lives.
But God does!
Just as students trusted all of their New York chaperones to guide them safely through an unfamiliar city, Christians are called to trust God as He leads them through life's uncertainties. We may not understand every step, but we can trust the One directing our path.
The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight."
Students on a class trip don't spend their time worrying about every route or schedule change. Instead, they enjoy the journey because they know and trust the ones leading them. Likewise, when we place our confidence in God, we can move forward with peace, knowing that He sees what we cannot see.
God's guidance does not always mean the journey will be easy, but it does mean we are never traveling alone. He knows the destination, understands the challenges ahead, and promises to be with us every step of the way.
We thank God, as well as all of our students and parents, for an amazing school year! Throughout this exciting 2025/2026 journey, there have been tremendous blessings and, sometimes, some surprises and curveballs. However, God is always faithful and always leading us towards His good purposes. We are so extremely grateful!
Wishing you God’s richest blessings for the summer, knowing that He is in control!
Enjoy the “Son-shine” this summer!
Mrs. Palka
Jesus, Your Way Truly is Better! An End of Year Reflection
May 28, 2026
As we close another incredible school year, our hearts are filled with gratitude for all God has done during the 2025 - 2026 school year. This year’s theme, “Jesus, Your Way Is Better,” reminded us daily that God’s plans are greater than our own and that walking in His way brings purpose, peace, and joy.
Throughout the year, our students grew academically, but more importantly, intentional effort was placed on their spiritual growth. From classroom lessons to Chapel services, to outreach events, to prayer requests, we witnessed God’s faithfulness. In addition, we learned that even during challenges and difficulties, Jesus leads us with His wisdom, love, and power.
Some highlights from the 2025/2026 school year include:
- Collecting and assembling 212 hygiene kits for Lutheran World Relief to distribute to people facing disaster and challenging situations
- Our school’s precious “Senior/Homebound Ministry”, where classrooms communicating in various ways with senior members of our congregation
- Offering Fabulous Friday Parent Coffee and Prayer Time on the first Friday of each month with parents gathering for fellowship and pray for our school
- Numerous classrooms being prayer partners with various International classes and experiencing opportunities to share the Gospel message with them through pumpkin carving, a “Taste of Christmas”, and dying Easter eggs
- Providing monthly support as a school family to six year old “Shiyana” from Indonesia and eleven year old “Mayea” from Zambia through Compassion International and World Vision
- Students, alumni, parents, and staff members participating in World Vision half and full marathons this year in Berlin, Chicago, Detroit, New York, and London. In addition, 82 participants completed last week’s Global 6K and raised $5,300 for children in need of clean water.
- Preschool and Kindergarten enjoying PBJ fellowship events
- Upper grades serving at Forgotten Harvest, Camp Retore Detroit, and the Wixom Community Garden during Days of Service
- This year’s “Color Out Cancer” Turkey Trot raising $12,000 for Jameson Strong, a non-profit organization that sends Christian care packages to pediatric cancer families
- Members of the National Lutheran School Accreditation team on site in November, and receiving a fantastic score as we were granted “re-accreditated” status
- Science of Reading and AI in the Classroom professional development training opportunities for our teachers
- Packing 200 weekend bags of food for children in need through Hospitality House for our “Kick-off” of celebrating Lutheran Schools Week
- Mr. Welte driving over 50 pizzas to The Noah Project Warming Center in Detroit during a cold January day from St. Matthew Lutheran School
- Working with all MI Lutheran Schools to help raise funds for “Lead a Child” Christian outreach
- Hosting the Detroit Pistons during this year’s Open House
- Seventh grade enjoying a week of Outdoor Education at Camp LOC
- Five Destination Imagination teams representing St. Matthew this year during the State Tournament and two teams participating at the Global Competition
- Student Council leading us through many school experiences including celebrating National March Reading Month
- A fabulous production of “Mary Poppins Jr.” occurring in May
- Many successful sports seasons, including sending 15 students to the State Track meet this weekend
As we look back, we are reminded of Proverbs 3:5 - 6:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
This verse perfectly reflects our theme. When we trusted Jesus this year, He guided us every step of the way, and we give Him all the glory for each of these accomplishments.
To our graduating students and families moving on to new adventures: may you continue to follow Jesus boldly, knowing His way is always better.
Thank you to our students, staff, and parents for making this school year a blessing. We pray everyone has a safe, joyful, and refreshing summer filled with God’s peace and love.
Looking forward to everything that the Lord has waiting for us in the 2026/2027 as we prepare to let our lights shine and set the world on fire with the love of Jesus…(Hmmmmm... Kind of sounds like a great future school theme??)
In His Love,
Mrs. Palka
Bonded Together by Jesus and Duct Tape!
May 21, 2026
Ten students, possessing endless creativity—
Inspiring.
Two encouraging coaches—
Essential.
Four carloads of supporters—
Endearing.
Twenty-four suitcases
packed with props, costumes,
pins, endless rolls of duct tape,
and big dreams—
Necessary.
One volcano—
Slightly concerning.
Two assigned International Buddy Teams—
one from China,
and one from Turkiye—
Exciting.
Countless brainstorming sessions
and problem-solving moments—
Challenging.
A trip to Kansas City this week
for Destination Imagination Globals—
Amazing.
Having the opportunity
to represent our School,
our State,
and Our Savior
on a global stage—
Priceless.
Today, both our fifth grade and third grade Destination Imagination teams will arrive in Kansas City to compete in the 2026 Global Finals! Both teams have worked incredibly hard to prepare for this exciting opportunity and are ready to showcase their creativity, ingenuity, and teamwork!
Now, we place this journey in God’s hands, trusting Him to guide each step of this incredible path.
Please keep both teams in your prayers as they compete in their Central Challenges on Friday and their Instant Challenges on Saturday. In addition, Michigan was one of the states selected to be partnered with an International team. As a result, our third grade team has been “buddied” with a team from China and our fifth grade team has been “buddied” with a team from Turkiye. Please pray that through our interactions, the love of Jesus will be seen and shared.
We are excited to see how God will bless this incre-DI-ble experience!
To God be the glory!
Mrs. Palka
Finishing Strong!
May 14, 2026
“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Hebrews 12: 1 & 2
From the first field event to the final relay handoff, our St. Matthew Girls Track Team raced their way into becoming Conference Champions last Friday night! In addition, our St. Matthew Boys Track Team also had a very strong night, achieving many Personnel Records as well as placements. We are so proud of the effort, sportsmanship, and heart shown by all of our runners, jumpers, and throwers.
A special “SHOUT OUT” and congratulations to our individual Conference Champions:
Sixth grader: Kelsey - 100m & High Jump with a new school record and tied the conference record!
Eighth grader: Audrey - 100m (new school record), 200m (new school record), High Jump & Long Jump
Eight grader: Mason - High Jump, 2nd in Long Jump, and 3rd in a very fast 100m
In addition, we want to congratulate those who placed in the top ten for the 4th - 6th grade (B) division and the 7th/8th grade (A) division:
Seventh grader: Logan placed 2nd in Shot Put, 5th in Long Jump, and 6th in 100m
Eighth grader: Mark placed 3rd in Shot Put
Eighth grader: Katelyn placed 3rd in Shot Put
Fifth grader: Owen placed 4th in Shot Put
Seventh grader: Joseph placed 5th in Shot Put
Fifth grader: Sammy placed 7th in Shot Put and 4th in 800m
Eight grader: Avery placed 8th in Shot Put
Fourth grader: Judah placed 8th in Shot Put
Fourth grader: Vanni placed 10th in Shot Put
Eighth grader: Noelle placed 2nd in High Jump, 7th in 200m, and 4th in Long Jump
Sixth grader: Nia tied for 4th in High Jump
Sixth grader: Olivia tied for 4th in High Jump and placed 6th in 100m
Fourth grader: Luke placed 5th in Long Jump and 3rd in 1600m
Eighth grader: John placed 6th in Long Jump and 9th in 200m and 100m
Fifth grader: Chase placed 7th in 200m
Fourth grader: Kylie placed 4th in 200m
Seventh grader: Kyle placed 5th in 200m
Seventh grader: Mariam placed 9th in 200m
Seventh grader: Allie placed 2nd in 400m
Seventh grader: Ellis placed 9th in 400m
Seventh grader: Angelina placed 7th in 800m and 3rd in 1600m
Fourth grader: Abby placed 3rd in 1600m and 7th in Long Jump
Fourth grader: Ellie placed 7th in 1600m
Fourth grader Natalie placed 8th in 1600m
Seventh grader Nora placed 10th in Long Jump
Fifth grader Margaret placed 10th in Long Jump
Eighth grader Avery place 8th in Shot Put
(A) Boys 4x100m Relay placed 2nd: Kyle , John , Logan , and Mason
(B) Girls 4x100m Relay placed 2nd: Olivia , Margaret , Nia , and Kelsey
(A) Girls 4x100m Relay placed 3rd: Allie , Ellis , Kathelyn , and Nora
(B) Girls 4x200m Relay placed 2nd: Nia , Olivia , Margaret , and Kelsey
(B) Boys 4x200m Relay placed 3rd: Sammy , Owen , Chase , and Simon
(A) Girls 4x200m Relay placed 4th: Katelyn , Nora , Ellis , and Allie
(A) Girls 4x400m Relay placed 2nd: Noelle , Ellis , Mariam , and Allie
(B) Boys 4x400m Relay placed 3rd: Luke , Owen , Sammy , and Simon
(B) Girls 4x400m Relay placed 4th: Kylie, Ellie, Avery, and Abby
Next is the Regional Track meet this Saturday, May 16, at Lutheran High North: 16825 24 Mile Rd, Macomb, MI.
These runners worked incredibly hard throughout the season to earn these accomplishments. Staff members have become accustomed to the team’s warm up routines, especially our coach’s “secret conditioning weapon” of having the team run up and down the basement stairs before every practice!
Eventually, every runner learns that success on the track is all about pacing. If you sprint too fast at the beginning, there may not be enough energy left for a strong finish. But by the time runners reach that final curve, the strategy changes completely and that’s when it’s time to forget the controlled pace, turn on the jets, and give everything they have to finish strong.
In a similar fashion, we are in that final curve of the 2025/2026 school year! Just as track runners receive thunderous cheers and encouragement from their fans, we too receive daily gifts of encouragement from our Heavenly Father. When situations seem challenging and/or overwhelming, God tells us to "cast our burdens on Him." When things seem confusing and unclear, God encourages us to "trust in Him and lean not on our own understanding." And when we are frightened or scared, God reminds us that we "can do all things through Him who gives us the strength." Each day, as we run the race of life, our Heavenly Father is sitting in the stands cheering us on, telling us "Keep going," "Stay strong," and "You can do this with My help." The Lord wants us to stay strong and run the race that He has laid out for each of us and glorify Him in the process.
This has been a fantastic school year, filled with an abundance of blessings, but we still have a few weeks left in this race, so finish strong!
Have a wonderful last few weeks, running the race that He has marked out for you.
In His Love,
Mrs. Palka
How Beautiful Are the Feet of Those Who Bring Good News!
May 07, 2026
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.” Romans 10:5
We have a dear family friend who served as a fireman/paramedic and eventually was promoted to Assistant Chief of the West Bloomfield Fire Department. As a result of his profession, as well as his God given storytelling talents, he has the ability to tell some of the most amazing stories. Some of his stories are pretty comical and many have miraculous conclusions. However, there was one story that often comes to mind, especially when I am driving down Pontiac Trail.
The story occurred many years ago when our friend was serving as a paramedic. His squad was responding to a car accident that occurred on one of the winding parts of Pontiac Trail. A combination of treacherous road conditions and numerous curves in the road had caused a car to go off the pavement and flip over. When the squad arrived on the scene, their first sight was the bottom of the vehicle, and they were not even sure if the driver had survived. However, the driver, who was trapped upside-down inside the car, made a very profound statement once he was freed from the wreckage. He claimed that he felt helpless being trapped and not knowing the extent of the damage that had occurred. He also claimed that he had no idea if anyone had witnessed the accident or if help was even coming. However, as soon as he saw and recognized the approaching boots of the paramedics and firefighters, he felt relief because he knew that help had arrived. Once he saw the feet of his rescuers, he knew he was in very capable hands. Upon hearing the victim’s statement, our friend was reminded of the Scripture verse in Romans 10:15 which states, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.”
At St. Matthew Lutheran School, one of our top priorities is partnering with parents to cultivate and nurture children’s relationships with the Lord. In addition, we want to provide our students with opportunities to live out their faith by helping and serving others, and to be the “beautiful feet” of those who are sharing the Good News of Jesus in the process.
Next Saturday, we’re excited to invite families to come together and put their “beautiful feet” into action by walking, rolling, biking, or skating 3.7 miles in the World Vision 6K. This distance reflects the average journey many children make each day just to access clean water. With every participant who joins, that burden to obtain water is lightened, helping bring hope and change to children around the world.
This is my third year participating, and I can honestly say it’s an incredibly rewarding experience; it is also a lot of fun to come together as a school and church community and make a meaningful difference for those in need.
To register for this amazing event, please click HERE. Use promo code "TEAMWORLDVISION" for $10 off of each registration!
Let’s turn compassion into action. By signing up for the 6K, you’re not just taking steps—you’re helping change a child’s future with something as essential as clean water.
Together, we can make every step count!
Mrs. Palka