Faith Christian School Blog

AHA!

Scott Grass — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 20:01:27 +0000

This past weekend, I had an opportunity to head to one of our state parks. It was a great day, and I was really encouraged to see many other people enjoying the outdoors, either with family and friends or just by themselves. This time alone gave me a chance to think and plan for the upcoming 4th Quarter at school. I believe that I owe my students the very best each day, and I especially want their 4th Quarter to be the best!

Healthy Lifestyles

I started thinking about healthier living and building healthy lifestyles in the lives of our students and families. I thought about not only the physical health, but also the spiritual health of our families as we move into the spring and summer months. I came up with a simple plan that I wanted to share with our faculty, staff, students and families that would seek to promote healthy living practices in their daily lives.

I thought about promoting Health and Fitness in the month of April – with a natural segue into our Eagle Fit program that culminates in the beginning of May.

I thought of the acronym – AHA = Active Healthy April.

Possible Components of Proposal

Healthy and directed activities in PE classes, recess, and our Aftercare program.
Promote healthy lunches, snacks, and drinks.
Consider turning the pop machine and snack machine off during school hours.
Emphasize “active” lessons. Determine practical ways and applications to have kinesthetic type of lesson plans.
Have goals of having Prayer Walks with our classes.
Promote spiritual health with directed morning devotions and prayer time. I would like our student body to read through Psalm 119 and pray for 3 specific prayer items each day.
Have designated exercise times after school for staff, students, families, etc..
Encourage families to walk, bike, and exercise together.
Encourage students, staff, and families to limit or stop all TV, video, computer games/social media in exchange for reading, spending time together with family, etc.
Encourage students, families, and staff to limit or stop all pop or coffee in exchange for water or healthy juices.
Encourage parents to pray with their kids each day and spend time in conversation.

Growing Healthy Together

Obviously, we have folks at various stages of each of these situations and activities, and we would ask that families discuss these opportunities and incorporate what they believe is the best plan for their families. The AHA month is just an opportunity to provide healthy information and nutritional alternatives for our students and staff.

We are looking forward to initiating this program next month! I’m sure that we will learn some things along the way, but I think that it has the possibility of being a very rewarding and fun way to grow as a school! I’m looking forward to hearing how families used some of these experiences to grow closer together as well as grow in their walk with the Lord!

GROWing In 2013

Opening Doors

Scott Grass — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 11:00:30 +0000

As many of you know, I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to Uganda over the Christmas break and during J Term. I was part of a group of students, alumni, and parents that participated in “partnership strengthening” along with Hope Christian School, in Masaka, Uganda. In a word, the trip was absolutely AMAZING! I believe that the Lord was glorified and that our two schools were blessed in several ways.

JOY

Joy quickly became a theme of our trip. It seemed like every school, church, and group that we visited sang, “This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it”. The students, teachers, and individuals didn’t just say the words, but it was very apparent that they truly believed and trusted that this promise was really true. I cannot begin to express how sincerely joyful the people of Hope Christian School are! They overwhelmed us with their thankfulness and their hospitality. Through their joy and thankfulness, they testified how rich in Christ they really are! I don’t believe there has ever been such an extended period of time in my life that has been characterized by joy, sincere thankfulness, and generous hospitality.

STRENGTHENED

I could also characterize our trip as a strengthening exercise in several key areas. As a group, we were able to paint the entire campus of Hope Christian School. We were able to complete their new pit latrine to help with some of the sanitation needs of their students. We conducted a Vacation Bible School program for their students as well as ministered in several churches. I had the unique opportunity to conduct three days of teacher workshops for the faculty of Hope Christian School. Personally, one of the true blessings that I received was to spend some focused time with our students. It was great to share time together along with the opportunity to have devotions together, work together, and just have fun together.

FUTURE

I came away from the trip thinking, “What’s next”? To balance the various overall goals and initiatives of Faith Christian School with the partnering opportunity of Hope Christian School likely will be challenging. Some of the unique future opportunities may include the following: Provide scholarships for Ugandan students to attend Hope Christian School; start a teacher exchange program with FCS teachers traveling to Hope Christian School for several weeks in the summer and helping them in a variety of ways; hosting Hope Christian School leaders at various conferences and training opportunities that might occur here at Faith; and continue to take J Term trips every 2 – 3 years to continue the investment in this wonderful ministry. I believe that Hope Christian School is also looking forward to the future. I want to share an excerpt from an e-mail that I received from their director at Hope Secondary School. He says, “I am convinced that the J Term Trip provided the key to unlock the door, to understand the world, the people in other lands, challenges facing Ugandans, appreciate God’s diversity and feel challenged on how to find solutions. God has blessed us with almost everything except that we just have an empty tank that requires only a little fuel and we shall move from where we are. Through the partnership of Faith Christian School and Hope Christian school, together we can rise up to the tasks lying before us, demonstrate love, and respond in creative and meaningful ways to the challenges that plague Uganda. Eccles 4:9-10 With God’s divine leading and provision we can together enhance the Father’s Kingdom on Earth as we prepare the next Generation for Him.”

We have the amazing opportunity in that we serve the one, true God – the God of the nations! Please join us in praying for Hope Christian School and the future partnership with Faith Christian School. If you have ideas or suggestions in this partnership, I would be very interested in discussing these with you, and I look forward to the future opportunities that the Lord will provide each of us.

Generations

Jonathan Lambeth — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 20:00:09 +0000

Everyday Talk

Have you heard it said that what children become is often more “caught” than “taught?” What we say about what we believe (or should believe) about God and His will is very important, but so is what we say and do when going to the grocery store, talking about other people, making our goals and plans, watching a basketball game, discussing the weather, sitting at the dinner table, etc. This “everyday talk,” as described by author John Younts, “reveals us as we really are—our character and our priorities. Our children model our everyday talk because that is what they hear most of the time. By it, we teach them our worldview, our ethics, our theology, and our relationship with God.”

Throughout Your Generations

The words we share (or don’t share) are a vital component of what is passed on from generation to generation. Every generation has a critical role to fulfill. Almost 40 times through the first few books of the Bible, God instructs His people to continue many practices or teachings “throughout their [or your] generations.” This does not happen automatically. So, how do we get the job done? The Biblical models of parenting and discipling give us clear illustrations. Scroll over these Scripture references and observe the common theme of these passages:

Deuteronomy 6:7, Ephesians 6:4, 2 Timothy 2:2, Psalm 145:4

Grandparents

Our annual Grandparents’ Day in early October tries to bring generations together in a simple way to help accomplish this mission–“Partnering with parents to help train and equip students to live effectively in God’s world.” The elementary school loved having over 500 guests this year to welcome and honor. They even gave generously to impact the future of their grandchildren’s education. It’s the time they get to spend together, though, that is the real treasure and provides huge opportunities for influence.

Carrying on what I have learned

My own mom would have come to be with my boys for Grandparents’ Day, as she had many times before. But, she had recently been diagnosed with cancer. Then, on Oct. 28, she entered heaven by God’s grace through faith in Christ. While looking through her Bible I found many Scriptures she had marked, plus a variety of notes. One message she lived out and wrote down to share with future generations was, “I can’t, but He can! When we say ‘I can’t,’ we discount the power of God in us! Ephesians 3:20; Galatians 2:20.” I have thought of this multiple times in the last two weeks. If she can suffer terminal cancer without complaining or grumbling, while praising God and blessing others up until the day she died, then I can accept with joy, and for God’s glory, what He lays before me. That is certainly a lesson I want to pass on to my own children and students at FCS!

I’d love to hear how you think parents and Faith Christian School can keep partnering together to equip and encourage this generation of students.

No related posts.

Caleb Livesay, class of 2011

Guest Contributor — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 19:43:25 +0000

Hello, my name is Caleb Livesay. I graduated from Faith Christian School in 2011. I am a sophomore at Ball State University. Chirp Chirp! I am majoring in Pre-Medicine with the ambitions of attending IU School of Medicine directly following my senior year here at BSU.

I am an active member of CRU, which stands for Campus Crusade for Christ. Through CRU, I have made connections to various upperclassmen and faculty who challenge me to grow in my own personal faith everyday. Through this organization, I have grown more in my spiritual walk than any other time in my life. I am also a brother of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity here at Ball State, which has allowed me to get to know so many people and to socialize both in the classroom and outside of it. Through this fraternity, I have a steady foundation of brothers whom I can trust and depend on. These two years at Ball State have truly been amazing, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Amanda Kloeppel, class of 2005

Notes from Our Nation’s Capital

Guest Contributor — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 09:00:40 +0000

Last year, all of the juniors at Faith were given the challenge to write an essay explaining why they would want to go to our nation’s capital. Seven students were selected based on their response and were given the wonderful opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. and explore the magnificent history that is found there. As seniors, Joshua Campbell, Carolyn Griffith, Blake Ketterer, Meisha Mohler, Laine Rader, Levi Starrett, and I counted it a privilege to leave school for a few days and travel to D.C. with Mr. Grass and Mr. Bolander. On top of all of the sightseeing, food, and interesting things that we learned, we students enjoyed getting to know one another on a more personal level. Whether we were doing homework in the hallway of the hotel, riding the metro, eating six pound milkshakes, reading the plaques on monuments, or standing three inches away from our Constitution, we seniors enjoyed one another’s company immensely. I learned so much on this trip, and I encourage every student at FCS to write the essay! Going to Washington, D.C. was definitely worth my while, and I hope that everyone will have an opportunity to “see the sights” for themselves. – Katie McAllister

DC Monuments

Levi Starrett – It was about six o’ clock in the evening when we arrived, and we’d been cooped up in a semi-smelly van for the greater part of eleven hours. Our mixed feelings of exhaustion and cabin fever were no surprise to us or our sponsors. On the agenda for the night was a quick drive to the National Mall in the middle of Washington, D.C. to see the various monuments and memorials. It was quite something to see all the structures and symbolism in the various displays. Everything seemed larger and more majestic than I remembered from the pictures in my history books. As we passed the Vietnam Memorial, my mood became more somber, and the lives of those lost in the name of our nation weighed on my mind, reminding me of the great blessing and privilege my rights are. My favorite was the World War II Memorial. The architecture was amazing, and the mix of lights, pillars, and carved scenes from the war were all instrumental in reminding me of the price paid. The best part was finding the word “Indiana” inscribed on one of the pillars, reminding me of how close to home the war was, and how this memorial belongs as much to me as to any other US citizen. It was a once in a lifetime experience and should be on every American’s bucket list.

Holocaust Museum

Laine Rader – This past week, six seniors and I had the amazing opportunity to visit Washington, D.C. One of the many places that we had the opportunity to experience was the Holocaust Museum. From the moment we entered the Holocaust Museum, we were all overcome with a somber feeling. Before the journey began, we were each given the “identity” of a real victim of the Holocaust. As we continued on our journey, we were to read one page of their story per floor. The exhibition was split into three floors labeled Nazi Assault, the Final Solution, and the Last Chapter. Spread throughout the museum were shocking images and videos that showed real victims. Along with the images, were items such as uniforms, newspapers, from the time of the Holocaust. One of the most striking items that we had the opportunity to see was a train car that transported prisoners to concentration camps. This car was the roughly the size of half of one of our classrooms. The shocking part of this exhibit was that 50-100 people were shoved in this very small area. Standing in that train car, you could visualize the lack of space and the extreme stench; it was overpowering. Yet another shocking exhibit in the Holocaust Museum featured a video of real survivors telling their courageous stories. The museum ended with a wall that featured activists who aided the victims of the Holocaust and fought to end the tragedy. All in all, the Holocaust Museum had a shocking and lasting impact on each of us who visited. It gave us a better understanding of the tragedy that occurred and how to help prevent it from ever occurring again.

Arlington National Cemetery

Joshua Campbell – The Washington, D.C. trip was a phenomenal experience for me. One of my favorite memorials was Arlington National Cemetery. This cemetery is the ceremonial grave of deceased men and women who have given their lives in the U.S. military from the Civil War era to the modern day. As we walked throughout the cemetery, I marveled at the thousands of gravestones representing thousands upon thousands of selfless individuals who sacrificed their lives for the sake of our freedom. The Tomb of the Unknowns, arguably the most serene area in the whole burial ground, is a large unmarked tomb where several unidentified soldiers have been buried from WWI and beyond. It is patrolled 24/7 and 365 days a year in exactly the same fashion as it was when the tomb was completed in 1932. The sentinel who patrols the tomb does everything in intervals of 21: he marches 21 steps down the black mat behind the Tomb, turns, faces east for 21 seconds, turns and faces north for 21 seconds, then takes 21 steps down the mat and repeats the process. They chose twenty-one to keep with the tradition of the twenty-one gun salute, the highest military honor that can be bestowed. This is to honor the anonymous soldiers with the highest honor for service to their country. When we witnessed the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, I was awestruck at the amount of detail that was put in to ensure the upkeep and protection of this memorial.

History for All

Katie McAllister – One of the best things about Washington, D.C. is that all of the history found here does not belong to one person exclusively. As Americans, we get to share our history and preserve it for generations to come. Going to Mount Vernon, home of President George Washington, was quite the experience. I was expecting a small home with a few pieces of furniture inside. However, once we arrived at this beautiful landmark, I was shocked. Mount Vernon was massive! It stood majestically on a green lawn and looked over the Potomac River. Inside, every room was completely furnished and housed items that our first President used. One of the students on the trip made the comment that it was somewhat sad that such a beautiful estate wasn’t being lived on. But I am glad that Mount Vernon is not owned by one person. History belongs to the people, and I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to get to partake in remembering my country’s intriguing history.

No related posts.

Chad Musser, class of 2006

Guest Contributor — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 20:45:27 +0000

I am currently living in Lafayette, IN with my wife Stacey. Stacey and I met when we were both working at Olive Garden. It wasn’t until a couple years later that we started dating, then in October of 2011 we were married. We were both still working at the restaurant through the first few months of being married, but were graciously blessed with jobs in February of 2012. Stacey works in West Lafayette as a therapist for children with autism and absolutely loves it. I am on staff at Clear River Church as the full time worship leader. We spend a lot of our time involved with our church, which has been rapidly growing since it was planted in Lafayette six years ago. We are part of a no name church planting network currently consisting of eight churches. We long to see university cities have healthy, biblical, and relevant churches. In July of 2012 we were able to buy a house on the south side of town and get settled in. It’s been a huge blessing to have a home and to be able to use it to bless people around us. We’re excited for the future and can’t wait to see what God does with our lives!

Morgan Fox, class of 2010

Guest Contributor — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 20:42:01 +0000

My name is Morgan Fox, and I graduated from Faith in 2010. I am a junior at Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana, and yes, I am still a Purdue fan even though I am in the heart of Notre Dame country. Boiler up! I am studying Business Administration with a minor in Sports Management. After college, I would love to coach volleyball somewhere and find a job where I could use my Sports Management minor. I have a passion for outreach to inner city kids and families, so I would love to work somewhere that I could use sports as a ministry opportunity. I am a campus tour guide at Bethel, so I get to meet many high school students who are making one of the biggest decisions of their lives. I enjoy getting to know them and helping with their college choices. I also play volleyball for the Bethel Pilots. This year I am setting and hitting right side. After one round of playing the teams in our conference, we are midway through the pack. Our goal is to end up fourth in the conference and make it to NCCAA nationals. I am thankful for the opportunities I have at Bethel, and I am looking forward to seeing what God has in store for me in the future.

Ann-Marie Ferry (Markley), class of 2005

Guest Contributor — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 20:31:28 +0000

My name is Ann-Marie and I attended Faith during my junior high and high school years, graduating in 2005. While attending FCS I was unsure of what I was going to do after high school. During my senior year I was accepted to St. Elizabeth’s nursing program. Although, I was unsure of this step I continued on through my four years and graduated ready to be a nurse. The first year after college I worked in Indianapolis at one of the large downtown hospitals and during this time I met the man who would become my husband. The next year we were married and I moved to the St. Louis area. Two months after the wedding we found out that I was pregnant. Now we have a wonderful little six month old. She has her good and bad moments but when you become a mom you also become a sap and all those moments seem to turn into good ones by the end of the day. My husband works in economics and I continue to work part time in nursing. Most of our days are taken up by work and our daughter. However, we still find time to spend with our friends and church. That is the past seven years in a nutshell. It has honestly gone by so quickly.

Katie Kronberg (Allwes), class of 2007

Guest Contributor — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 20:19:03 +0000

I have been married to my amazing husband for four years now. We live in Indianapolis where John is a chemist, and I stay home with our almost 3 year old, Adelaide. She and I spend our days coloring, reading books, and going to the park; I never knew I could love someone so much. Life is really busy right now. I am due on October 30th with our second, Henry James. Also, we are moving near Zionsville to our first house. John and I attend College Park Church where we have met so many great families to be encouraged by and to grow with. I am so thankful to God for all of His blessings in my life.

Amanda Kloeppel, class of 2005

Guest Contributor — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 20:06:39 +0000

Life has sure changed a lot since graduation! After a stint overseas, I am back in Evansville, IN working as an Associate Financial Representative for Northwestern Mutual. I am also pursuing a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Southern Indiana. I will graduate in December 2013 and hope to find a job working with an anti-human trafficking organization. My church recently planted a second location so I have been very actively involved there volunteering and serving on several teams. In January, I will be traveling with a team from my church to Myanmar for a two week missions trip. I am very excited to travel again! In my spare time, I have been training for a half marathon and hope to run a marathon next year.