Week 16-17

Happy belated Thanksgiving!  I pray everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving celebrations.  I love listening to all of the stories students share with me when we return from a longer break :)  One tradition I look forward to every year is picking out and cutting down a Christmas tree with my family.  We've traveled to Ekert's farm in IL every year (since before I was born!) to cut down a Christmas tress.  I hope there are traditions in your families that are carried on every year; these moments shared with family and friends build memories, and help us remember the love and blessings God has given to us.

Duck Dynasty Devotion: This is a video link that has been traveling around the web and facebook for a few weeks now; Mrs. Murray and I enjoyed our classroom discussions that came from a devotion we led based on this video.  It's so wonderful to see God in the spotlight every now and again, especially in a world that tries to shut Him out.  I would encourage families to use people and times like these to discuss worldly issues.  Take a few minutes to watch this viedo if you haven't seen it already...it's worth it!

http://www.faithit.com/dont-let-the-beard-fool-ya-theres-a-lot-of-wisdom-under-there/

A Christmas Prayer Garden:  I sent out an email Monday of this week with a reminder about our Christmas items drive taking place this week and next.  We are continuing our support of The Sparrow's Nest by bringing in garden/gardening items for a prayer garden to be built at their new maternity home.  While you are out shopping and preparing to Christmas spot by the gardening/outdoor section or pick up a Lowe's/Home Depot/WalMart gift card from the school office (don't forget "Together We're Better" supports Zion!).  Students were given a complete ideas list -- ask them to see it!

"A Christmas Carol": We greatly enjoyed seeing "A Christmas Carol" come alive on stage at Lindenwood University this past Tuesday.  Students are having fun acting out the play in Literature class; they are definitely learning some new vocabulary through the Old English terms and phrases.

Church Life: AdventI would love to see you at Zion Advent Services during this season of preparation:

Wednesday, Dec 11 10 AM/ 7 PM - 3rd and 4th grades 
Wednesday, Dec 18 10 AM/7 PM – 1st and 2nd grades 
Friday, Dec 20 8:10AM – 8th Grade 

Zion’s Parent’s Day Out, Preschool and Kindergarten will perform in their Christmas program on Sunday, December 15 at 4 PM in the church sanctuary.

Christmas Wreath Projects: 7th grade Christmas projects were turned in this week -- look at the beautiful creations you children made!  Hopefully these will find their way to decorating a door in your home this season.

Blessings on your preparations for Christ's coming,