PILGRIM Journey October 2012
Moving forward. We are thankful that God provided us with an administrative team that is passionate about providing excellent, faith-forming Christian education. We have consultants providing us with wise counsel. And we have teachers and staff who are committed to ensuring that our students’ hearts and minds are being transformed for Christ. Moving forward in the right direction. We’re refining our governance model and clarifying our mission statement so that it accurately reflects the significant work that we do here every day. And we’re seeking a new Head of School, confident that God has already chosen that person and is preparing him or her for the position. Moving forward with you. For more than 60 years, LCS has been working with parents to provide faithforming, academically excellent education. We are committed to building upon the strong foundation that God has blessed us with. We praise God for you and for your partnership in advancing the kingdom of God through Christian education. With Hope in God, The Lansing Christian School Board of Trustees
Parents, grandparents and staff surrounding students in prayer at the end of the First Day Chapel.
STAY CONNECTED. BRANCH OUT. Our theme verse this year, John 15:5, provides a great visual of Jesus as the vine and his followers the branches.
I AM THE VINE; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5
Grapevines are a labor intensive crop. The vines grow well in soil that has adequate drainage and is weed free. Vines must be pruned so that they don’t grow wild, or grow fruitless branches or produce smaller, poorer quality grapes.
Like a grapevine, we too need a firm foundation and need to be constantly nurtured. We receive our nutrients from God, through His Word. If we desire to grow as a Christian, we must remain in him. He will constantly prune back our branches so that we can produce more fruit. Pruning is often unpleasant, but it brings us closer to God and allows us to produce real fruit. Join us as we pray that God will allow us individually, and as a school, to produce much fruit this year.
Lansing Christian School 2012-13 Board of Trustees Front: Rod Moore (Secretary), Ken Granger, Gillian Granger ‘88 (Chair) Back: Rina Woodland ‘85, Dave Greydanus, Laura Moody, Brad Banasik, Troy Jamieson, Chris Cooper
RETREAT 2012—CAMP GENEVA Retreat is a time to focus on building relationships with one another and on growing in our relationship with God in the context of Christian community. High School students got to know one another better through the annual student volleyball tournament, homeroom discussion groups, senior bonfire, and lots of meals together! Chapels were definitely a highlight. Pastor Marvin Williams from Trinity Church spoke to students and staff about what it looks like to be followers of Christ, clothed in compassion, 6TH GRADE— kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. In order to wear this kind of clothing, we have to take FIRST RETREAT off all of the other stuff that is a part of our old-self. Each of us were challenged to consider: what does it look like at school and in life to wear compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience?
Sixth grade students, the Class of 2019, paused for their first class picture at their first retreat!
Middle school students working in mixed-grade-Ievel Family Groups for teambuilding activities gave students the opportunity to problem solve, use one another's ideas and strengths, encourage one another and work together. During evening chapels, Bible teacher Mr. Jeff Stoel led praise and worship. Pastor Joel Wayner from South Church shared what it means to be worthy in God's eyes because each of us is created in God's image for a specific purpose. Bible teacher Mr. Bryant Russ ‘07 used his creative and fun story-telling to show how incomprehensible God's love is, and how God's love applies to each one of us.
THE LEGACY PROJECT
Hello Hospital!
8th grade students in Mrs.
Elementary students love field trips — and learn a lot. First grade students donned gowns to become doctors, nurses, anesthetists and patients during one of their field trips this fall.
Amanda (Robinson ‘04) Reese’s language arts class used iPads to research, write, design and publish picture books for Lansing’s Riddle Elementary School students. LCS students delivered the books and $500 that they raised to purchase
Fall Sports @ LCS
books for language arts at Riddle.
iPADS AND SMILING FACES Four COWS (carts on wheels, with iPads) distribute these learning tools to classes throughout the school’s three wings. Here, 2nd grade students in Mrs. Carrie Belanger’s class pause to smile over their iPads!
2- PILGRIM Journey
LCS High School Pilgrim athletes are having a busy season: Volleyball and swim/dive for girls; soccer, football and tennis for boys. The cross country team was co-ed. To follow the Pilgrims, click the “Athletics” tab on lansingchristianschool.org.
PILGRIMS ON THE JOURNEY! The LCS All-Alumni Reunion brought alumni from across the state and country. Pictured here is (l-r): Tami Campbell ‘81, Tom Graddy ‘82, Kristin (Clark) Peters ‘82, Linda (Smith) Hornberger ‘85, Bennett Bassette ‘87, Andrea (Clark) Bassette ‘87, Heather (Green) Gleason ‘87, Gillian (Lipsey) Granger ‘88, and Todd Granger ‘88. 40 years! The Class of 1972 celebrated their 40th reunion at the home of Rob and Lisa Sepeter. Pictured are: Steve Burgess, Lou Ann (Townsend) Sellers, James Bowden, Teri (Campbell) Nelson, Rob Sepeter, Karen (Center) Kokkinos, Bryan Bytwerk, Warren Cameron, Janet (Doctor) Bush, Sara (Holmes) Dankert, Wilma (Miller) Buck, and Chris (Whittaker) Glatzel. (Photo by Tom Potter ‘72) )
Hello my fellow Alumni! I’m happy to be joining LCS in their endeavors to reconnect alumni with the school. I’m looking forward to hearing and reading stories of how God has continued guiding you as you place your hope in Him to achieve your plans for the future. So, don’t be a stranger. Whether we are classmates, parents, or current students we have one thing in common… We are Pilgrims journeying through this life together. Sincerely, Cathy Bowden Bytwerk ‘69 Alumni Coordinator alumni@lansingchristianschool.org
KEEP IN TOUCH! On the web at lansingchristianschool.org Or, on Facebook
CALLING ALL GRAPHIC DESIGNERS We need your creative talent to update the LCS Pilgrim Athletics mascot. Deadline: December 1 Unveiling: February 15 Homecoming 2013 Visit the News section of the LCS website for complete contest details. Winner will be recognized at the 2013 Homecoming game, receive a complete Pilgrim’s Package, and a gift certificate for dinner.
TRIVIA ISRAEL 2012
Why is the Pilgrim our mascot? It represents our pilgrimage through life as Christians — conveying strength, courage, forward progress and overcoming obstacles.
LCS Bible teacher Mr. Tim Blamer led 24 Pilgrims, including eight LCS students, on a two-week journey to Israel. Some excerpts from their reports and blog: God amazed us each and every day by letting us experience Him and the Bible in ways we could never have imagined. We lived the stories of David, Samson, Elijah, Abraham and Jesus and saw the Bible come alive in new and powerful ways. This trip has been life changing for every single one of us, and just as the disciples did following Pentecost, it is our job to bring the gospel out with us . The country, the people, the stories, the history, the land, and all of my experiences touched my heart more than anything ever has in my life. Israel didn’t just change my life, Israel changed me. To learn more, visit lcsisrael.wordpress.com.
Have you noticed?
Thanks to a group of LCS parents who have donated time, talent and money, the “Illumination project” — to install fixed lighting on our soccer field — is near completion. The ability to play evening games at LCS will provide our community with another experience to foster relationships while providing the students with a unique playing opportunity.
3- PILGRIM Journey
3405 Belle Chase Way, Lansing, MI 48911 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
GROWING MINDS. NURTURING FAITH. PREPARING LIVES.
JOIN US! November 19 Fall Association Meeting November 20 Grandparent’s Day December 18 Christmas Concert @ South Church February 15 Homecoming 2013 March 14 Black & Gold Celebration @ Eagle Eye For details on these and other LCS events, visit lansingchristianschool.org.
FUN WAYS TO SUPPORT LCS! This fall 100 students, parents, alumni and friends raised nearly $10,000 at the Athletic Boosters Golf Outing. The annual outing provides Pilgrim athletes equipment, uniforms and other items as needed. Over 200 runners braved the damp fall day to run in the 2nd annual 5K Walk/Run and Kid’s Fun Run. Congratulations to everyone! The time to beat for next year is 18:19.1! The event raised over $2,500 for tuition scholarships and grants for LCS students.
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