Words of Hope for Tueday, June 3, 2014
Sacrifice by Jonathan Kopecky, Hope Church Youth Minister
Sacrifice.
We all know that word. What it means. The hurts, the struggles, the pursuit of a fulfilled dream. Sometimes our sacrifices go unnoticed for years. Sometimes our kids will never know the sacrifice we made for them. We may never know the sacrifices our children are making for us.
How do we know what a good sacrifice is? Spending overtime at work versus spending time with family? Spending time with friends versus spending time with a spouse? Spending time serving others versus spending time serving family? There are numerous agendas pulling at us all the time. But how do we know which one is the best choice? What if we make a mistake? Is it possible to mess up?
In the Old Testament, there is a book called Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes is a book about life from a human perspective. Ultimately, it suggests there is a void in our lives that cannot be filled by power, prestige, popularity, or pleasure. It needs to be filled by God’s grace… His mysterious grace that sometimes comes to us through a whisper. Nevertheless, in the third chapter it says, “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven […]”
As a youth pastor, I talk with kids all the time about many different topics. One item that seems to always be at the forefront is family. The overarching issue within the discussion is sacrifice. I talked to a sophomore from California whose dad worked overtime as a police officer. She worried about him being killed on duty, and also never getting to spend time with him. He worked the night shift, so it would be three or four days before she would get to see him. The officer wanted to provide for his family, but the daughter just wanted to spend time with her dad. The family did not need the extra income. It was a misunderstanding of values. Wrong sacrifices.
What are you sacrificing and what is the desired outcome for the sacrifice?
I’m proud of Hope’s youth and their parents for making sacrifices so they can participate in spiritual growth opportunities this summer, such as our Group Workcamp mission trip and our houseboat retreat or our weekly gatherings with RüT or o42. It’s never easy to devote the time and money, but the rewards always surpass our earthly and eternal expectations.
May you pause, reflect and evaluate.
Blessings, Jonathan
Mark Your Calendars
Today 6/3: Deadline for Yearbook Orders
Wed. 6/4: 8:40 AM Chapel w/Guest Speaker Mr. Rohrboch
Thur. 6/5: Book Exchange for ALL Grades
Fri. 6/6: Free Dress Day
Mon. & Tues. 6/9 & 6/10: Grade 7/8 Only – Semester 2 Finals
Wed. 6/11: 10:45 AM Preschool 4 AM Class Graduation / 1:00 Kindergarten Graduation / 2:15 PM Preschool 4 PM Class Graduation
Thurs. 6/12: 8:40 AM Closing Chapel w/Pastor Peter and Chapel Band, Choir, Handbells
Annual Book Exchange for All Grades – June 5
We will be having our annual book exchange this year on Thursday June 5. Please help your student to pick out up to 10 books at or around their reading level to bring in for the exchange. Please bring the books in a brown paper bag clearly marked with your student’s name by Thursday, June 5th. There is no criterion for participation as in the past; all students P3 through 8th grade are welcome to participate.
Spring Drama – June 8
The Hope Spring Drama Club will be showcasing their talents on Sunday, June 8th, at 2:00 PM in the Hope Church Commons. Join us for an afternoon of creative mime, drama games and performances of “Macbeth” and “Much Ado About Nothing”. We have been having tons of fun in drama and are ready to show you what we have learned!
See you there! (Sandra Scragg and Mary Norton co-directors)
Box Top Drive Ends Friday
We have extended our Box Top drive and you have until this Friday to complete your Ice Cream sheet to enter your family into a drawing for a $10 gift card to Husky Deli. Please be sure to complete all 10 ice cream cones on the sheet and make sure your child’s name is written on the sheet. Then, turn in the completed sheet to your child’s classroom or school office. The drawing will be held next Monday and the winner announced on Tuesday. Thank you for your support!
PTH News and PIP Volunteer Opportunities
PTH News – We have filled our Secretary and one Member at Large positions – Thank you Sonjia Barker and welcome Sandra Hines! We still have a “Member at Large” position to fill. Please contact Beth G. or the school office at 206-935-8500 for information on this position and if you want to join our wonderful Parents and Teachers of Hope group. Minutes from our last PTH meeting are included in your Tuesday envelope.
PIP Opportunities for Fall 2014/15
Book Exchange Thurs. June 5th – We can use help in the morning to collect books as the students bring them in and then help to sort by reading level. Please call the school office at 206-935-8500 if you can help or just show up.
West Seattle Grand Parade Sat. July 19th – Come join us as we walk or ride the school bus, pass out candy and show our Eagle spirit to the West Seattle community! We are looking for parent and student volunteers to help decorate and drive the bus the morning of the parade, wear the Eagle mascot (perfect for a student), pass out candy, carry the school banner, wave poms poms and have fun! If you are interested, please call the school office or email Sally Heit @ sheit@hopeseattle.org for more information. Go Eagles!
Back to School BBQ – Scheduled for Tuesday, August 26th at 5:30pm.
PTH is looking for volunteers: We need: grillers starting at 3:30pm, set up starting at 2pm, food helpers by 5pm, greeters, and of course clean up.
Any volunteers can email PTH president Beth G at Beth@bethghomes.com.
Thanks!
PIP Notice
All PIP Hours worked through May 31st need to be submitted to the school by June 6th to be credited toward the current school year. Any hours worked after June 1st will be credited to the following school year. Unfulfilled hours at the end of the program year will be billed at $20 each, based on ¼ hour increments. Student’s report cards, transcripts and diplomas will not be released until all outstanding fees are paid in full. Contact Mrs. Wallace with any questions regarding your PIP statement.