Christmas Chapel Service

December 21st at 8:15 a.m.

Families welcome!!

Christmas Craft Day and classroom parties to follow! 

Christmas Program

Join us for 

Bethlehem Lutheran School's Christmas Program!

Sunday, December 18th

7:00 p.m. 

(Pre-service music starts at 6:30)

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events!!

December 1st and 3rd-Boar's Head Performances-7:30 p.m.

December 4-Boar's Head Performance-4:00 p.m.

December 5-No School

December 18th-Christmas Program at 7:00 p.m.

December 20th-Bowling Field Trips

December 21st-Christmas Chapel and Craft Day (School Dismisses at 11:30)

Happy Veteran's Day

Here is a really neat video made by some of the 8th grade boys today. Technology is cool!! Veterans are even cooler!!! Have a great Friday!! Click the link below to watch!!

https://spark.adobe.com/video/B2XzKzapBenES

You are....

I am sorry that it has been so long since I last posted.

I guess I should start by saying....We have been SO busy. We finished MAP testing in September, our sports' teams finished their fall seasons, students have been singing in church, we had a family worship service, our kids have been learning and practicing new things, our teachers have been perfecting instructional strategies and differentiation in the classrooms, and the list goes on and on.

And so while it is not an excuse, it is true that we have been busy here at Bethlehem. I am so thankful for our faculty, staff, families, students, and the church who supports God's work here at our school.

GOD IS ON THE MOVE!

Today, when I was visiting the Kindergarten classroom, I was moved to tears. I am not sure that we (me included because I am a parent too!!) understand or can grasp the full significance of what our students are blessed to experience in a Lutheran school. 

Let me set the scene for you.....Our student teacher, Rebecca Smith, was sitting in the rocking chair at Jesus time playing her ukulele while our little Kindergarten friends gathered  around on the carpet. They were singing, "This is the day!" You know the song I'm sure...."This is the day, this is the day that the Lord has made..I will rejoice, I will rejoice, and be glad in it." Their little faces where shining with joy. You heard me right, JOY, not happiness necessarily though most of them WERE happy I assume, but JOY. Pure joy that comes from knowing and believing that you are a child of the one true King. 

They reviewed the story of Moses they had been learning and Ms. Smith reminded them of three very important points. I want to share these with you:

1.) God intricately weaved us together

2.) We, as daughters and sons of Christ, are members of the royal family of God

3.) We are called to be brightly burning lights for Jesus

I mean, is there any better message that we want our children to know? I don't know about you, but I know that these truths are the truths that will sustain them through all of life. So today, I am once again proud and blessed to be a part of Bethlehem Lutheran School. 

Please join me in praying for our teachers, our students, our families, and our school that God continues to do His work here. Much love to you all! 

PTL Open House

PLEASE JOIN US TONIGHT FOR OUR FALL

P.T.L. OPEN HOUSE!

Dr. Frederick and Mr. Sharman will lead devotions starting at 7:00 p.m. in the church.

A short informational meeting introducing school communication tools will be followed with visits to the classrooms to see what is happening this school year. 

Fellowship and refreshments will end our evening together!

Hope to see you there!

So What's in a Fist Bump?

You might be wondering why I choose to give my students a fist bump at morning drop off instead of shaking their hand or giving them a high five. Well, here's my reason....the fist bump is fun!!! And it is a powerful exchange of energy. 

Sometimes students return it with force and some return it gently.  Some students follow with an explosion or even a buh la la la (Big Hero Six movie fans) and sometimes their hands are so full they return it with their elbow. It doesn't matter to me how they do it as long as they return it and don't leave me hanging!!! 

So, regardless of how it's done, it becomes a powerful expression of...

You are an AWESOME CHILD OF GOD. 

WELCOME to this NEW day! 

You are valued just as you are... precious, cherished, growing, blessed, special, adored, called, forgiven, strong, unique, important, and chosen. It serves as a reminder to each child that I am SO glad that they are here with me.

It's important that we exchange smiles and that I have the opportunity to wish them a great day! Everyone needs that encouragement in the morning!! I think I need it as much as they do. 

And you know...my days start off so much better when I am able to exchange morning fist bumps. 

Yes. We. Are.

Even after almost 18 years in the field of education, I go to sleep the night before the first day of school with butterflies in my stomach. I know that I am just as nervous and as excited as the students.

We sang the song below in chapel today and it is a prayer that I have for all of our boys and girls...I want them to feel a part of our family.

Bethlehem Lutheran School is definitely my second home, and it is my prayer that our students feel the same way when they walk through the doors. We are family!

Please join me in praying for an amazing school year where our children grow and flourish while using all of their God given talents and abilities to His glory!

God is on the move...so here we go!!! Welcome Back to School!!!

2016-2017 School Theme

Wow! We have had amazing weather this summer. Bright blue skies. Warm breezes. Fluffy white clouds. Green grass. Beautiful flowers. Warm lake waters. Sandy beaches. All signs of a wonderful summer here in Pure Michigan. I have enjoyed seeing many of the pictures posted to Facebook of  summer vacations spent with family, friends, and neighbors. From service projects to building relationships to using God given gifts, talents, and abilities, God is definitely on the move in the lives of our faculty, staff, families, and students. It makes me smile.

I am excited to announce the 2016-2017 school theme-God is on the Move!! Our truth from scriptures for this year is from Ephesians 3:20 "With God's power working in us, God can do much, much more than anything we can ask or imagine."

Our theme song is from Seventh Time Down and it is called "God is on the Move" Please check it out below and sing it over and over in the next several weeks so that you are ready to praise Jesus with me on the first day of school in chapel!! I can't wait to worship our Lord and Savior with you!!

Prospective Student Open House

Bethlehem families are encouraged to bring a family member, friend, or neighbor who might be looking for a different school option for the upcoming school year! 

There's something different about Bethlehem Lutheran School so encourage someone to come check us out! Dr. Frederick will hold free educational consultations with all families considering Bethlehem as an option. 

School families who bring a guest to tour the school during the open house can enter their name in a drawing for a $1000 scholarship.  Bethlehem families who refer new families that register for school will receive a $100 credit!! 

Spread the word!! There's something different.....

FUN FAIR

June 7th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

This year we have all new games built by members of the Bethlehem congregation. They are amazing!!

Come join us for some fun, food, and lots of fantastic games and prizes!!

Don't forget we have doughnuts made by our awesome kitchen staff too!

Presale Tickets Go on Sale Tuesday, May 31st

4 for $1.00

Upcoming Events

It's hard to believe the end of the year is here! 

There are many events in the next few weeks, so be sure to mark your calendar!

June 1-Informational Parent Meeting @ 6:00 p.m.

June 2-3 year old graduation

June 3-Field Day/ 4 year old graduation

June 6-S.V.S.U Swimming (K-4)

June 7-Fun Fair (Half Day-11:30 Dismissal)

June 8-Awards Ceremony @ 9:00 a.m. (Half Day-11:30 Dismissal)

June 9-Closing Service-Dismissal 9:00 a.m.

Happy Mother's Day

Tonight's The Night!

Please join us to see what's different 
about Bethlehem Lutheran School!!

Silent Auction-Dinner Theater

PLEASE JOIN US!!!

1st ANNUAL SILENT AUCTION

CHICKEN DINNER

WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY PERFORMANCE

If you are looking for something fun to do this weekend, come on over to Bethlehem for dinner and a very entertaining play performed by our middle school students. 

ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TO OUR ANGEL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM!!!

Doors Open at 4:00 p.m. 

Take-Out Dinners 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Basket Viewing and Bidding Begins at 4:00 p.m. 

Dinner Theater Guests Eat at 6:00 p.m.

Play Begins @ Approximately 7:30 p.m.

Tickets On Sale NOW!!

Pre-Event-$10 (Adult) $6 (Children)

Day of Event-$12 (Adult) $8 (Children)

Call the School Office for More Information

755-1144

God is On the Move!!

I see evidence of this every single day in the lives of our families, friends, students, and teachers. I continue to be amazed at the way God is moving here on earth.

I had a young friend of mine here at school suggest this song for next year's theme song.

What do you think??

God does show up and show off often here at Bethlehem Lutheran School, so I am encouraged that this might be a great fit!!

What's Different About Bethlehem?

When we talk about our school, we all say "There's something different about Bethlehem" and today I am going to tell you a very personal story about our school and my own daughter.

So here goes....you see, the science fair is coming up next week and my daughter who is in 4th grade has been struggling to find an idea that peeks her interest. And I am sure many of you can commiserate with me on this one...it looks a little something like this....

Me: Please work on finding a science fair project...

Her: I can't...

Me: Yes, you can, just go on the Internet and look there are a ton of projects....

Her: I can't find one...
Me: Let me help you...How about this one?
Her: No
Me: Well, what about this one?
Her: No

And the battle goes on and on...

I believe in teaching my children about natural consequences of not following through with personal responsibilities, so I informed her that she would have to do the work or receive whatever grade she got for choosing not to do it. She was okay with that. :)

However, I love school and understand the importance of the learning process and as her parent I do not want to see her fail, so I have been worrying about this.....

Today, I decided that I was going to talk to her teacher about it and let her know the impasse we had come to regarding the science fair project...and I did. I asked her teacher if she could speak with her about it and help motivate her just a bit to get some work done. I know that she loves my daughter and wants to see her succeed. We are a team!!

A few hours later, her teacher excitedly came to me and said, "You need to come and see what she made." When I walked into the classroom and they displayed a science fair question and demonstration I stood in awe. Her teacher and a classmate helped her find something she's excited about and willing to work on to get the project completed in time.

I didn't even know what to say, but as I walked down the hallway back to my office the only thing I could think of is...THIS is what's different about Bethlehem.

You see....we do life together. We count on each other. We support each other. We motivate each other. And my daughter's life has been changed as a result of amazing teachers who are not only her cheerleaders, but who love her as their own. We are a family!

THIS IS WHAT'S DIFFERENT ABOUT BETHLEHEM! 

I'm telling you.....God continues to show up and show off here. 

If you are looking for a school home, please consider checking us out!!!

(This blog has been printed with my daughter's permission!!) 

Sinking Deep

Sometimes we come into seasons of hope and joy. We look around and can visibly see God's blessings in our life. And then there are times when we come into seasons where we need Him to be relentless in pursuing us so that we can be stirred by His amazing grace...A time when we need to do nothing but sink deep into His presence.

Seasons can be hard. But I am so thankful God provides a beautiful shelter from whatever it is we need to weather. He showers us with His love and just waits for us to make Him our everything, our one true desire.

I love that He is ever present because I can praise Him and rejoice in Him for the many blessings He gives me in one season, but without any doubt, I can cry out to Him and He will be there and He will be faithful in every way in the very next season. That's the beauty of who He is.

Sometimes the lion roars, but have no fear! God is bigger than the lion!! He is your safety and shelter from any and every storm.  And He deserves all of the glory!

Prayer: Lord God, most Heavenly Father, thank you for your protection and faithfulness. Thank you for always being ready for our cries, both in rejoice and in need. You know us so intimately and you know our needs so well. Help us to trust in You and Your goodness. We praise you for our blessings and seek you as our one desire, our everything. We love you Lord! Amen

Psalm 91: 1-13

 1-13 You who sit down in the High God’s presence,
    spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow,
Say this: “God, you’re my refuge.
    I trust in you and I’m safe!”
That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps,
    shields you from deadly hazards.
His huge outstretched arms protect you—
    under them you’re perfectly safe;
    his arms fend off all harm.
Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night,
    not flying arrows in the day,
Not disease that prowls through the darkness,
    not disaster that erupts at high noon.
Even though others succumb all around,
    drop like flies right and left,
    no harm will even graze you.
You’ll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance,
    watch the wicked turn into corpses.
Yes, because God’s your refuge,
    the High God your very own home,
Evil can’t get close to you,
    harm can’t get through the door.
He ordered his angels
    to guard you wherever you go.
If you stumble, they’ll catch you;
    their job is to keep you from falling.
You’ll walk unharmed among lions and snakes,
    and kick young lions and serpents from the path.

Please Spread the Word

"Are You Okay?"

This morning while I was on gym duty, I watched the following scenario unfold.....Two students were playing basketball and they were scrambling across the court when one of the students fell. Immediately the other student stopped, bent down, and said "Are you okay?"

I grinned as I watched this happen because this is what we are teaching our students. We are teaching them to stop and pay attention. We are teaching them to care about each other. We are teaching them to ask tough questions. And it was in that moment that this blog post came to my mind....

Are You Okay? 

It seems like such a simple question, but it can actually be a pretty tough one especially when you are not sure what the response is going to be.

We are all very busy in our lives, worrying about our own stuff, tending to our own needs, and as a result, we often overlook those around us who need a caring ear, a loving embrace, or a helping hand. Facial expressions, body language, short/curt answers are all signs that someone may not be okay and may need your love and support right in that moment. Do you take the time to stop and ask the question: Are you okay? Is there anything I can do for you?

I have a feeling that many of you do....that's why Bethlehem is the family it is....but I would encourage you to continue to be intentional in this area because I can see that our kids are getting it!!!

I John 4:19 "We love because He first loved us!"

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us and for sending Jesus to be the perfect leader and model of love here on Earth. I pray that you continue to fill our hearts with love, so that we can continue to be your hands and feet not only in our church and school, but also out in our community and across the world. Help us to ask the important question, "Are you okay?" to our brothers and sisters and give us the strength to walk through life together side by side offering whatever support is needed. Amen!

A Downpour of Unending Grace

Close your eyes and picture yourself standing outside on a warm summer evening in the midst of a beautiful rain shower. The kind of rain storm that helps cleanse the earth. Think about the idea that God's grace is a downpour just like you would feel in that rain storm.   What a reassurance this is to me on so many days!

I don't know about you, but I know that I need a heavy shower of grace to cover me in my brokenness. And I am so grateful for the unending love that God shows me in the way of grace and mercy that is so undeserved.

When I read the Psalm below I am reminded that He loves me. He is with me and is just waiting for me to cry out to Him. He is ready to deliver me from whatever I ask....... He saved me!

 Just think about that....He saved me!!! I am humbled that I serve a Lord who loves me so much!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, most precious Savior, thank you for loving me enough to send a downpour of Your grace to cover me. There are so many times that I see the great work you are doing in my life, and today I thank You and praise Your name for showing compassion for me and for protecting me from the things I didn't even know I needed protection from. Thank you for saving me. Please continue to surround me with Your presence as I grow in my faith and try to walk out Your ways here on earth. I love you! Amen!

Psalm 116

1 I love the Lord, for he heard my voice;
    he heard my cry for mercy.
2 Because he turned his ear to me,
    I will call on him as long as I live.

3 The cords of death entangled me,
    the anguish of the grave came over me;
    I was overcome by distress and sorrow.
4 Then I called on the name of the Lord:
    “Lord, save me!”

5 The Lord is gracious and righteous;
    our God is full of compassion.
6 The Lord protects the unwary;
    when I was brought low, he saved me.

7 Return to your rest, my soul,
    for the Lord has been good to you.

8 For you, Lord, have delivered me from death,
    my eyes from tears,
    my feet from stumbling,
9 that I may walk before the Lord
    in the land of the living.

10 I trusted in the Lord when I said,
    “I am greatly afflicted”;
11 in my alarm I said,
    “Everyone is a liar.”

12 What shall I return to the Lord
    for all his goodness to me?

13 I will lift up the cup of salvation
    and call on the name of the Lord.
14 I will fulfill my vows to the Lord
    in the presence of all his people.

15 Precious in the sight of the Lord
    is the death of his faithful servants.
16 Truly I am your servant, Lord;
    I serve you just as my mother did;
    you have freed me from my chains.

17 I will sacrifice a thank offering to you
    and call on the name of the Lord.
18 I will fulfill my vows to the Lord
    in the presence of all his people,
19 in the courts of the house of the Lord—
    in your midst, Jerusalem.

Praise the Lord.[a]

Your