Be the Change by Kristen Okabayashi
I hope your first week back to school went smoothly; I know my own family was pretty tired by the end of the week! But it’s great to be back in the swing of school and the routines that follow.
Our school theme this year is a little different than years past, and I just love it! The theme is “Be the Change”, based on Ephesians 2:8-10 which says, “8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” I like this translation, but some versions use the word “God’s masterpiece” instead of “God’s handiwork, which is wonderful to think about…. we are God’s creation, but not just His creation, we are His masterpiece! Sometimes we don’t feel like a masterpiece, right? But that is how God thinks of us, much like we as parents think of our own children.
And God created us to be the change in our communities. In creating our theme for this year, I thought of especially this year’s 8th grade class. They are a talented, bright, and athletic class in general. A flyer is going home today in the Tuesday envelopes regarding student council, and four of these 8th graders will be elected to be our student council officers this year. What will be this class’ legacy at Hope? I am excited to see how God uses them this year as our school leaders.
Calendar of Events
Wed. 9/10: 8:40 AM Chapel – Led by Mr. Kopecky
Wed. 9/17: 8:40 AM Chapel – Led by Rev. Kunkel
Wed. – Fri. 9/17 – 9/19: Sixth Gr. Outdoor Education @ Miracle Ranch
Boys Bathroom Update
Our boys bathroom is moving along and should be ready for use sometime this week. If you are a Facebook user, check our Facebook page for pictures and updates. This morning, the crew is installing all the plumbing fixtures so we are close! It looks lovely, if you can say that about a bathroom.
Lunch/Recess Help Needed
Thank you to those of you who have volunteered to help with lunch or recess duty; if you are interested in helping and have not signed up yet, please contact us in the school office as we still need help. PIP volunteer hours apply! You can also sign up for every other week if you are only available then. We will always have a staff person on duty as well. Lunches run from 11:45-12:45 in the fellowship hall; recess duty is from 12:05-1:05 in the north playground and then the lowers playground.
School Directory – Information Deadline Today
Every effort is made to publish a complete and accurate directory but we need your help. If you have had a change of address, phone or email since completing your registration form for 2014-15, please notify Mrs. Wallace by email at swallace@hopeseattle.org by today, September 9th. Our directory and handbook will be distributed on Tuesday, September 23rd.
Chapel Offering Envelopes
Offerings are collected during our Wednesday chapel service from the students using their weekly offering envelopes. Your students offering envelopes will be sent home each Tuesday. These offerings allow students to develop a pattern of giving as part of their Christian lives and to share God’s love by supporting missions and charities. Therefore, we encourage students to give from their own money (allowances, earnings and the like).
LEST Drama Auditions!
The highlight of each middle schooler’s year is attending the Lutheran Elementary School Tournament (LEST) at Concordia University in Portland over a 3-day period in mid-February. Detailed information will be coming your way later in the year; but in a nutshell, our students compete against other Lutheran schools in a variety of events covering academics, sports, fine arts, and dance/drill and cheer. Training for each event starts at different times of the year and the drama department is excited to announce its auditions for the LEST drama entry! Auditions will take place in the church commons on September 17th from 3:00pm – 5:00pm. If anyone is unable to come on Wednesday, we will hold another hour of auditions on Thursday, September 18th from 3:00pm – 4:00pm. Rehearsals will begin Wednesday, September 24th from 3:00pm – 5:00pm and continue every Wednesday going forward. There is no preparation needed for the auditions, other than to come with a great attitude and be ready to act!
Directors: Sandra Scragg and Mary Norton. For questions, please contact Sandra at sandrascragg@comcast.net
Bowl-A-Rama – WA D.C. Fundraiser
Don’t miss out on this exciting, fun filled event! We will host a Bowl-A-Rama on Friday, Sept. 26th from 4:00-6:00 at West Seattle Bowl. There will be opportunities to win prizes and participate in our “Pass the Hat” cash give-a-way. Deadline to register is Wednesday, September 24th. Click here for info.
Full Circle Culinary Classes
Let’s get cooking! All kids from 1st – 5th grade are invited to join Full Circle Culinary Cooking Classes. With the help of chef Micki the kids learn how to make delicious and healthy foods. In this 5 week after-school cooking class on Fridays Oct. 10, 17, 31 and Nov. 7, 14 from 3 – 4:30 pm at Hope Lutheran School, we will be cooking up something different each class. By the end of the session you will be able to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. 5 weeks of 1 ½ hour long classes are $89 and include all supplies. Please contact Micki Zelenak-Odegaard at 206-735-0076 or micki.fullcircle@gmail.com or click here for more info.
School Uniform Drive Ends This Week
We still have gently used uniforms that have been donated to the school. These are available to all families and are located in the 1st floor school hallway through Friday. Please feel free to take what you need and/or to donate items your children no longer use. Please call the school office at 206-935-8500 with any questions.
PIP Opportunities
Fall Sports Help: Hope Lutheran is looking for someone to assist with our 6th – 8th gr. Girls Volleyball & our 7th -8th gr. Boys Flag Football teams. Please contact Mr. Kapels if you are interested at Bkapels@hopeseattle.org for additional information. It is a great way to earn your PIP hours.
Hope Church Membership Class
HOPE 101- The new member information class is coming in October!! Classes will begin Wednesday, October 8 – Wednesday, November 19, 7:00-8:30 pm taught by Pastor Peter. If you are transferring from another LCMS congregation, we ask that you participate in the first two classes. Upon completion of the class, new members will be welcomed into the Hope family on Sunday, November 23 at the 10:30 service. Questions or to sign up, please contact patramueller@hopeseattle.org. We are so excited to help you make Hope your church home!
