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Don't Stress... Just Let Jesus Handle The Mess!

by Principal Sue Palka | November 29, 2018

"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

"We're going to be coming to Detroit next week... is it ok if we stay with you?"

I honestly love receiving these types of messages from family and friends, especially around the holidays, but I have to admit that things usually get pretty tense the night before our guests are scheduled to arrive. Cobwebs and dust that usually go unnoticed suddenly seem to appear in every direction now that we are striving to become a five star "bed and breakfast". Floors that we thought were clean now seem to appear to be dirty and need of scrubbing. And what originally seemed to be a well-stocked refrigerator now seems to be filled with numerous mysteries requiring us to play the game... "Can you identify this leftover?"

It's Time To Dream Small And Run With Compassion!

by Principal Sue Palka | November 15, 2018

St. Matthew Lutheran School 8th Annual Turkey Trot Is Tomorrow!

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

Collins is a little boy living in Northern Kenya. His mother died during childbirth, leaving his elderly grandmother as his only surviving relative and available caretaker. Many nights, Collins' grandmother would go to bed hungry because she would give what little food she had to Collins. Often, she would pray and ask God to help her and provide a way for her to raise her grandson.
 
One day, she learned about Compassion International and the sponsorships that they provided to children living in poverty. After meeting with the designated staff, Collins was accepted into the program and provided with a sponsor. As a result, Collins now receives adequate food and clothing as well as access to an education, all which have dramatically improved the quality of Collin's life. In addition, his sponsor family frequently sends letters of encouragement to Collins, reassuring him how much God loves him and his grandmother.

Calling All Turkeys and Students... It's Time To Trot! Turkey Trot 2018 "Dream Small And Run With Compassion"

by Principal Sue Palka | November 9, 2018

A few weeks ago, our school received this letter from Virginia, our school's Compassion Sponsor Child:
 
Greetings in peace of God
Dearest Sponsors,
 
How are you doing? I'm grateful to God that I can write this letter in a healthy body. I want to wish you very happy holidays. I believe that God will always bless you. Even though this is from such a distance, I keep praying for all of you to be healthy and strong in God.

I have a big hope that I can see all of you in person someday,
Virginia

Two years ago, our student body voted to sponsor a Compassion International child, Virginia Tesalonika Mamahit,

The Blessings of Parent/Teacher Conferences!

by Principal Sue Palka | November 1, 2018

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."   Jeremiah 29:11

There are many blessings that can result from Parent/Teacher conferences. Many years ago, a dear friend of ours was slightly anxious as he traveled to his first high school Parent/Teacher conferences for his freshman daughter. As he entered the gym and became acclimated to the new procedure, he decided that he should speak to her math teacher first, since that was the class that seemed to be most challenging for his daughter. After waiting for a significant period of time for the parents that were ahead of him in line, the teacher finally motioned for him to approach his table.

Soaring to New Heights!

by Principal Sue Palka | October 18, 2018

St. Matthew Lutheran School Implementing NWEA Standardized Testing

"Whatever you do, work at it will all of your heart as working for the Lord and not for men." Colossians 3:23

At the beginning of his freshman track season, my son's coach introduced him to the concept of pole vaulting. After learning the proper form and footing, he immediately had success with his first pole. However, my son soon learned that pole-vaulters can max out their success with a pole.

Having a Clear Vision

by Principal Sue Palka | October 11, 2018

"Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me" Matthew 25:40

If your eyes require corrective lenses, chances are you know the frustration of occasionally misplacing your glasses. Frequently, I joke with friends my age and in the "reading glasses" stage of life, that I probably own five pairs of readers and still have trouble locating at least one pair when I need them. However, last Monday, our 8th grade class experienced a perplexing Sherlock Holmes style mystery regarding "The Case of the Missing Glasses".
 
In the gym, there is a specific counter where all valuable items are placed, such as Mrs. Kendall's, our PE teacher, binders, bags, important pieces of equipment, etc. This same counter also serves as the designated area for student jewelry and eyeglasses. Following the typical routine that he has done for many years, one 8th grade boy came into the gym that day to volunteer being a character in a Peace Coaching skit and set his glasses on this designated spot at the beginning of this particular assembly. However,

How Does Your Garden Grow?

by Principal Sue Palka | October 4, 2018

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

Are you the type of family that enjoys gardening? One frequent comment that I hear from those who have been blessed with green thumbs is that is was a very bountiful summer for zucchinis and tomatoes, making it nearly impossible to gather all of the crops!

However... can you imagine the overwhelming task to harvest 43 acres of produce for needy families? Sounds like a great time to have a "small dream and watch God bless in BIG ways"!

It's a Match!

by Principal Sue Palka | September 28, 2018

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the Heavenly Lights." - James 1:17

What is some of the most exciting news that you have ever received? For former teacher and recently diagnosed cancer patient, Mr. John Carlton, I can only imagine the joy he experienced learning that his brother was a 100% bone marrow match! As a result, John has the ability to participate in a bone marrow transplant that has the potential to cure his recent leukemia diagnosis. It has been said that the bond of brotherhood runs deep, and for these two brothers, this bond only continues to intensify!
 
Mr. John Carlton served on staff at St. Matthew from 1987 until 1990. His wife, Ruth, also served as a PE teacher for over ten years at St. Matthew, while their four children attended our school for their kindergarten through eighth grade years.
 
Last spring, life changed dramatically for John when he received the diagnosis of leukemia. Beginning in August, John has spent many days as a patient at the University of Michigan Hospital, receiving the bone marrow transplant, chemotherapy, and numerous other medications that assisted in these processes or have assisted in alleviating some of the painful side effects.

From Trash to Treasure! An Explosive Tale Regarding The Landfill Harmonic Orchestra

by Principal Sue Palka | September 20, 2018

"We love because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19

If there was an instrument that you would love to learn to play, what would it be?
 
During a principals' conference this summer, I had the opportunity to hear an amazing story entitled, Ada's Violin, which is a true account based on a young girl named Ada Gomez. Ada lives in Caturea, a city in Paraguay, that is built on a landfill and is also one of the poorest cities in South America. Yet, Ada's dream was to learn how to play the violin.

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