Thankful Living by Patra Mueller, Family Life Minister
“Thankful Living” was the theme of our chapel last week led by Mrs. Hartley and her sweet first grade students. It brings me so much joy to watch the children lead worship. Their message reminded me that Thanksgiving isn’t one day to be thankful, but challenged me to “Thankful Living” each day. Something changes in us when we are overflowing with gratitude. As we prepare for Christmas, instead of getting caught up in the stress of preparations, consider choosing “Thankful Living.”
Perhaps “Thankful Living” looks like slowing down to spend time with our children by reading a book or playing a game together and pausing to enjoy the moment. Or maybe it is reminding our children of the abundance we have been given and consider giving a gift to someone in need. At Hope many of you support our Giving Tree outreach where we buy gifts for children in our public schools in West Seattle. If you did not pick up a tag and would still like to help, you can drop off new, unwrapped board games in the Fellowship Hall (Santa’s Workshop) or school office this week.
As we attempt to enjoy the next three weeks leading up to Christmas, “Thankful Living” might look like participating in special family traditions such as lighting an Advent wreath or opening an Advent calendar each day to find a specific Bible verse to read together as a family. Singing Christmas carols after dinner each night as a candle is lit is also another way to focus on the birth of Jesus and all the blessings in our lives. Advent devotion books are available in the Commons. A special Advent chain activity and devotion book will be sent home with our preschool families as well. You are also invited to experience the joy of Christ’s birth and worship with us on Sunday mornings at all the special upcoming concerts and programs.
Wednesday, December 6, 7:00 pm – First -Fifth Grade Christmas Concert
Friday, December 8, 6:30 pm- Preschool & Kindergarten Christmas Program
Sunday, December 10, 10:30 am – Sunday School Christmas Program
Wednesday, December 13, 7:00 pm – Sounds of Winter Middle School Concert
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services
4:00 pm- Family Contemporary Service
6:00 pm- Family Contemporary Service
11:00 pm- Candlelight & Communion Service
Christmas Day
10:30 am – Worship Celebration
New Years’ Day
10:30 am – Worship Celebration
May we be renewed through “Thankful Living” this Advent Season!
Calendar of Events – Click Here
Wed. 11/29: 8:40 AM Chapel led by Grade 3
Fri. 12/1: Free Dress Day
Sat. 12/2: 3:00 PM Hope Booth at Junction Tree Lighting
Wed. 12/6: 8:40 AM Chapel led by Kindergarten / 7:00 PM Grades 1-5 Christmas Concert
Fri. 12/8: 6:30 PM Preschool & Kindergarten Christmas Concert
Mon. – Fri. 12/11 to 12/15: Christmas Spirit Dress Up Days
Mon. 12/11: 6:30 PM Auction Meeting School Classroom
Wed. 12/13: No Chapel / 7:00 PM Sounds of Winter Concert
Fri. 12/15: 8:40 AM Chapel led by Grade 2 / Noon Dismiss for Christmas Break
Giving Day Today!
Today is Giving Tuesday, a day to support our communities. Help PTH continue to provide enrichment programs to students such as Science on Wheels, 5th Avenue Theatre, drama, classroom enhancements, classroom parties, and much more! PTH has created a Facebook fundraiser for Giving Tuesday. If you would like to donate, please follow this link:
https://www.facebook.com/donate/528159680890979/. Facebook and The Gates Foundation will be matching today only $1000 per non-profit fundraising until their goal of $2 million is met!
West Seattle Christmas Tree Lighting – December 2nd 3pm- 7pm
Hope students are encouraged to come to the Christmas Tree lighting this coming Saturday from 3 to 7pm to represent Hope School at the ornament booth where they will be assisting the community in creating snowflake ornaments for the community Christmas tree and serving hot chocolate. All are encouraged to come serve and/or enjoy the festivities of the Night Market at the Alaska Junction between 42nd and Alaska! PIP hours apply to parents who can help supervise in the booth! This is a fun way to get those hours in! Please click here to access the SignUp Genius to let us know you can help. You can do a shift or stay the whole time. Tree lighting is at 5:30 pm.
Christmas Spirit Dress-Up Days – Dec. 11-15
Monday Dec.11-“Merry Monday Morning”- come to school in your winter pjs like its Christmas morning!
Tuesday Dec.12 – Holiday scarves, ties, jewelry worn with your school uniforms
Wednesday Dec.13 – Holiday socks & tights worn with your school uniforms
Thursday Dec.14 – Holiday hats, antlers, headbands worn with your school uniforms
Friday Dec.15 – “Festive Friday!” Red/green clothes, Christmas sweaters & sweatshirts
Please note that only Monday & Friday are free dress days for Christmas Spirit dress up. If you chose not to participate on Monday school uniforms must be worn. Friday is already a free dress day.
Auction Save The Date – Hopecoming April 21
Planning is underway for the biannual PTH auction and gala, HOPECOMING. Our 1980’s themed class reunion is sure to be a night full of fun and we need your help to make it happen! Sign up to bring your talents to one of the following work groups: Auction Procurement, Food and Beverage, Venue/Logistics, Tickets/Marketing, and Communications. Contact Heather Paar at heatherpaar@yahoo.com or 206-300-5233 and start filling those PIP hours! Our next Planning meeting will be December 11 at 6:30pm. All are invited!
Extended School Care & Sand Dollar Club Closures
Please note that our Extended School Care and Sand Dollar Club will be closed during our Christmas Break December 18th through Monday, January 1, 2018. Resuming on Tuesday, January 2, 2018.
School Athletic Events – Click Here
Before & After School Clubs – Click Here
PTH & PIP Opportunities – Click Here
PTH Facebook Invite
The PTH is excited to invite you to join their facebook group. This is a closed group created for current parents and guardians and will serve as another communication outlet for our families. It will be a place to post school-specific events and other reminders, as well as volunteer opportunities (did someone say “PIP”?!). All posts and invites are monitored by the PTH. To join this group, search for Parents & Teachers of Hope Lutheran School.
To see all the great things happening around our school, don’t forget to follow Hope Lutheran Church & School on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hopeseattle/
Church News & Activities – Click Here
