Kingdom Building December 8, 2014

Recently during one of our church services we sang a song that spoke, albeit indirectly, about shining our lights for God’s kingdom.  It speaks of the darkness fearing.  I thought that a powerful image.  As we endeavour to let our lights shine it is then that we take seriously the label given to us by Jesus Christ. He calls us the light of the world and as we work that out in our lives then the darkness has cause to fear and dare I say tremble.  In the song it also calls for that indwelling of the Spirit to spur us on to let our lights shine, to be set ablaze with His glory.  We pray in the Lord’s Prayer for God’s kingdom to come and for God’s will to be done and that is echoed in the heart of this song.  Be blessed as you read a sampling of Rend Collective’s lyrics from their song “Build Your Kingdom Here”.

 

Come set our hearts ablaze with hope like wildfire in our very souls.

We are Your church.  We need Your power in us.

We seek Your kingdom first. We hunger and we thirst.

Refuse to waste our lives for You're our joy and prize.

To see the captive hearts released.  The hurt, the sick, the poor at peace.  

We lay down our lives for Heaven's cause.  

We are Your church. We pray revive this earth.

Build Your kingdom here.  Let the darkness fear.

Show Your mighty hand. Heal our streets and land.

Set Your church on fire. Win this nation back.

Change the atmosphere. Build Your kingdom here.

We pray.

Awake the kingdom seed in us!  Fill us with the strength and love of Christ.

We are Your church. We are the hope on earth.

 

We pray that as we fulfill the mission of this school that we are equipping our students with the foundation to be the hope on earth.  We also pray that we will also provide the students with tangible opportunities to shine their lights through their learning at PCS. And finally we pray that through all of this that the student’s habits are formed towards imagining the Kingdom as they work to live that out for others.

November 24th, 2014 Looking through the window

Looking through the window

It is that time of year again when the progress reports head home.  It can be an anxious time for the students, the parents and the teachers.  In the past I have taken the time to emphasize the simple fact that the progress report is a moment in time, a view out the window so to speak.  It is a brief overview of the child’s academic progress.  It is vitally important to keep this in the forefront of our minds as the progress reports go home today.  There is no way to encapsulate every aspect of the child in a report card.  Just as a quick look out the window, the report card does not, and cannot give the full view.  Our children’s identity is not anchored in their marks, their specified work habits, or the teacher’s remarks. It is just a brief glimpse of the child at this specific time; we would do the children a disservice if we reduced their value to that of the marks on the page. Their real value comes from the fact that they are created in the image of God.  When we see each student through this filter, it helps put the all the other aspects into the proper context.  May you see the image of our Creator in the lives of each child as we endeavour to get a clear picture of who they are and how we can develop their gifts to serve God.

 

At the upcoming Bazaar the Promotion Committee will be running a “Speakers Corners” to gather responses from the community regarding Providence Christian School.  There will be a number of questions to respond to.  Some sample questions could include: “Why did you choose PCS?”; “What do you love most about PCS?” and “What are you excited about for the future of PCS?”.  Stop by and give us your thoughts. It will be great! 

 

We are looking forward to our annual Bazaar on the weekend!  It will be great so see many of you there this weekend as we come together for this community event.  It is a fantastic day with fun things to do and many different rooms to visit.  If you can’t make it during the day, then come out for dinner and dessert from 5:00-6:15 pm.  This will be followed by the live auction that starts at 6:30 pm.  It is a phenomenal community event that helps support the enhancement of Christian Education at Providence Christian School.    

November 10, 2014 Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.

Today we had a chapel that tried to unpack this beatitude in Matthew 5:4.  There has been recent loss in the community which made the gathering more relevant but also more raw.  The promise of comfort is found in these words from Mathew, a promise that may take time to work its way into our lives.  In looking at this beatitude we broke it into chunks.  In examining the first word, blessed, we come to know that to be blessed by God means to experience His favour and His matchless grace.  We are in a constant experience of God’s grace to us.  We then talked about how we are conditioned to this through our mourning.  Time was spent talking about what we mourn and what that looks like in our lives.  We mourn and grieve when we lose something or someone who is important to us.  We suffer loss, like the loss of a loved one, and we mourn that fact.  We also mourn the brokenness in our world around us.   We mourn the effects of poverty, disease, crime, famine and evil deeds.  We long for the restoration of this world.  We grieve these reminders of our separation from God, the separation that includes our own sinfulness.  We mourn our own sin and cry out for healing and for the Holy Spirit to make us a new creation.  So what does this mean for our students and shining their light? Our students can shine their lights by comforting those who mourn due to loss.  They can extend a listening ear, pray for those who are mourning, or provide a hug if needed.  We can come alongside and mourn with them and walk this journey side by side.  When the brokenness of our world breaks our hearts then we can find ways to be agents of healing and hope.  We can actively work towards restoring broken situations.  And when we mourn our sin we ask for forgiveness, search God’s word for his commands and keep in step with the Spirit as we allow God to work in us and through us as faithful servants. 

 

November 3, 2014 In Joy and Sorrow - Blessed be the name of the Lord

I find myself, with recent world news as well as tragic news from our surrounding communities, in a posture of prayer.  I feel the need to bring to our Father in heaven every request and petition and also to groan at the brokenness of our world and long for things to be put to rights.  I try not to speak definitively in these crisis situations because if I use platitudes they may seem trite and taking a reductionist view can be unthoughtful and harmful at the same time.  In the same sense, we journey together as a community through the highs and lows of living in this world and walking in faith together.  What I do know is that God is good, all the time.  One of my favourite choruses we sing in church is “Blessed be the name of the Lord.” The words of the song are a testimony to continuing with the refrain “Blessed be the name of the Lord” in each and every circumstance, the good and the bad.  When the darkness closes in, still I will say, blessed be the name of the Lord. We are a safe place where we can journey with our families and students through each and every circumstance.  Our teachers and staff are caring adults who comfort our students.  In the tragedy that befalls our country, our neighbours and our world, may we keep on our lips two refrains: Blessed be the Name of the Lord and Come quickly Lord Jesus, Come.  ~ Mr. Bouwers

October 20, 2014

It was an absolute privilege to host the Special Olympics Ontario Four Corners Bocce qualifying tournament.  The students let their light shine by volunteering as team ambassadors, score keeping, taking pictures and video, as well as serving baked goods.  We were blessed by the athletes that day and the school and community rallied together to give a heroes’ welcome to the participants that day.  We had numerous compliments from visiting coaches and teachers for our students.   What an amazing day working with another organization to build community, to allow our students to engage in servant working, and become involved in image bearing.  To sum up the day, they were involved in light shining for the glory of God’s kingdom.  To God be the glory. ~Mr. Bouwers

October 14, 2014 Let Your Light Shine—Special Olympics Ontario

 We are so very excited to host Special Olympics Ontario tomorrow for their Four Corners program.  The students will have the opportunity to let their light shine as we welcome the athletes to the school for a special day of fellowship and friendly competition.   It is a wonderful opportunity for our students to take their learning and their light and shine it beyond the four walls of the classroom.  It is a tremendous community building event and many students will be engaged in servant working throughout the day.  They will be team ambassadors, score keepers, snack servers and helping out in various ways all day long.   What better way to prepare our students for a life of Christian service then by providing opportunities to serve in this way in this corner of God’s big kingdom?  As Charles Spurgeon also wrote, “Do not wait for your experience to ripen into maturity before you attempt to serve God.” Giving the students the chance to put into practice what we are preaching is just solid teaching as well as responsive discipleship.  Since we are educating from a Christ-centered perspective we also need to allow our students the opportunity to be disciples of Christ, not only thinking the gospel but also living out it out in their everyday lives.  Please pray that the day will go well and that others may see these good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven. ~ Mr. Bouwers

October 6th, 2014 Let your Light sine: How?

The past few weeks we have looked at the verse from Matthew 15.  In verse 16 we are called to let our lights shine.  We have gone through the 5 Ws looking at who, what, where, when and why.  Taking one last look at the verse should prompt the question that often follows the 5 Ws and that is “How”.  This year we will be looking at the Beatitudes as the way in which to live our faith as followers of Christ.  In the beatitudes we hear Christ’s words and are called to live in His way.  Through this Kingdom living we let our light shine.  Each month we will be looking at one of the beatitudes and unpacking not only what Jesus says but how that calls us to live.  We are so very thankful for God’s word and how he has revealed himself to us. We are eager to explore the question, "How then shall we live?" through the biblical lens, specifically through the beatitudes.  May you be challenged by Jesus words, prompted and encouraged by His Spirit, and offer all that you have in service to your King.   

September 29, 2014 Let your light shine - "Why?"

We continue to look at the theme verse for the year.  We have answered who (you), what (let your light shine) and the when and where (anytime and anywhere/everywhere) in regards to letting our light shine.  This week we will look at why.  Why are we called to let our light shine?  The answer is right in the Matthew 5:16.  We are called to let our light shine so that others may see our good deeds and praise our Father in heaven.  It is profound and simple.  We are called to this important task so that our light points others to God.   We don’t shine for our own sake or to win others to our own cause.  We are called to be faithful reflections of God’s image so that they will see a glimpse of our heavenly Father.  Doing good can also be seen as the manifestation of our faith.  We are called in Colossians 3, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”  Living our lives in response and in gratitude for all that Christ has accomplished and paid for on our behalf if good and holy to do. May you find purpose in shining for His kingdom.  ~Mr. Bouwers

 

September 22, 2014 Let your light shine! When and Where?

We have been exploring the 5 Ws in relation to the command from Jesus to let our light shine.  It has been established that we, as followers of Christ, are called to let our light shine.  This week I would like to look at when and where to let our light shine.

 

The easy answer is to let our light shine all the time anywhere and everywhere.  It is a simple enough message but the reality of being very intentional about making sure our light shines and to do this all the time is a daunting task.

 

I read the story of a woman who gave hope to many other women in a prisoner of war camp.  She organized a choir and an orchestra of sorts and invited the other women in the camp to join.  She provided hope and encouragement to all the women in the camp in dire circumstances.  She was very intentional about letting her light shine before others.  This woman, the key figure in the movie “Paradise Road” was used in an amazing way by God.  Shining her light in this dark place provided courage and hope. 

 

The only place not to shine our light would be under a bowl.  Let us be like a city on a hill or a light on a stand.  ~Mr. Bouwers

September 15, 2014 Let your light shine – The “what”?

Let your light shine.  It is a command not a request.  It’s a calling not an afterthought. It gives us the necessary vision and purpose we need to reflect the true nature of Jesus Christ our Lord.  It simplifies the message of our Christian calling but we all know it is not an easy way to live. We are commanded to let it shine because we are followers of Christ.  The beatitudes communicate Christ’s words and instruct us to live in His way.  As we live in this way we let our light shine.  I’ve mentioned before that there is nothing darkness can do against the light. Darkness cannot get so dark that it takes away the light.  On the other hand, light, by its very nature, dispels the darkness around it.  We are called not to hide or cover the light but to let it shine in every corner.  As classes, as a school and as a community we can shine our light into every corner of our neighbourhood, the broader community and throughout the world.  We are looking for ways to engage our community and shine His light.  Pray for our teachers and students that we may find ways for our learning and living to send flickers and glimmers to all those around.  

September 8, 2014 Let Your Light Shine –Who?

You. That is the answer to the question.  Who is to let their light shine?  It’s you.  In Matthew 5:14 Jesus says, “You are the light of the world.”  This reminds me of a children’s message I heard in church.  The moon does not have its own light; in fact it can be quite dark.  The moon reflects the light of the sun.  The moon is the light that governs the light only because of the sun, its true source of light.  In another analogy, a mirror is used to reflect the light from a flash light.  The mirror can only reflect the light when it is facing the light, when it is intentionally pointed in the direction of the light then it can reflect that light in various directions.  We are the light of the world because we are followers of the true source of light, Jesus Christ. Jesus says in John 8, I am the light of the world.  

We are the light of the world as we become the children of light mentioned in John 12.  Jesus, the great I am made flesh, is the genesis of our light.  Let us let our light shine as we reflect the image of our Creator as seen in His son Jesus.  Who again? That’s right, it’s you, it’s me, it is all of us as a community of Christ. 

September 2, 2014 Let your light Shine

Let your light shine.  The words from Matthew 5:16 follow the Beatitudes with these words, “In the same way…”  This, of course, is referring to putting a light on a stand in the house so everyone can see.  In doing so the light is shared as it casts out the darkness and shadows of every corner in the room.  In the same way, we are called to shine as obvious as a city up on a hill for everyone to see. We are to be that obvious and that bold.  We are called not to hide our light under a bowl but let it shine, all the time.  Jesus reminds us that we are the light of the world.  Let us combine our lights to shine even brighter for our King.  It is written like a command or a task from God, “…let your light shine before men.”  As we unpack what that means at PCS we will discuss the who, what, where, when, why and how of this passage in light of the beatitudes.

 

We are so thankful to have an amazing God who loves and cares for us and this school.  The staff members are excited to teach and train your children this year.  Welcome back to our returning families and a special welcome to all of our new families.  Ask your child about the new students in their class and find ways to be warm and welcoming to our newest community members.  One way we do this is at the Welcome Back Social on Thursday.  We look forward to seeing you there. ~ Mr. Bouwers

June 16th, 2014 Thank you all!

The temperatures are heating up and summer is beckoning the children from our halls.  Thank you for another wonderful year!  It has been a pleasure to serve this community in this capacity.  It was an especially exciting year as this was our first year as Providence Christian School.  We remain faithful to our heritage and roots as we seek to provide enhanced Christian education for years to come.  As we do so we will continually depend on God for our care and His divine guidance.

I am thankful for each student that graced our halls and classrooms this year.  It is a joy to be able to walk alongside and guide the next generation.  We pray God’s richest blessings on each of you this summer in where ever the Lord leads you and a special parting blessing for the grade 8 students as they continue on from here next year.

I would like to thank the parents of our community.  It is no small task to raise a child and that is why we relish the opportunity to partner with you.  You desire for your children to be nurtured in their faith and knowledge.  We desire their growth as well and we look forward to a continued partnership in the future.

I am thankful for the larger, broader, supporting community whether you are they donors, grandparents, or corporate partners.  Thank you for being the example of commitment and stories of God’s faithfulness as you continues to support the vision of PCS.

I would like to thank Mrs. Jane Elliott who did an admirable job teaching the grade 6 class in the morning.  May God richly bless you and direct your path as you continue to find ways to serve Him in His Kingdom. Blessings on the Journey, we will miss you next year.

Thank you to Tom Smith who has volunteered his time as for a number of teachers this year.  Thank you for all the extra work you did with our students and thanks for driving the bus as well.  God bless you as you enjoy the summer and continue to seek out God’s will for your next steps. 

Finally, thank you to the staff.  Thank you for all of your dedication, hard work and passion for Christian education.  It manifests itself in the hallways, classrooms, front office and on the playground.  We are blessed to have such a dedicated group of professionals at our school.

May God bless and keep you all. ~ Mr. Bouwers

June 9th, 2014 Identity Crisis?

I was walking through the halls today, checking on the exterior doors and peeking into classrooms.  The walls of our hallways speak.  They speak by echoing the children and by what is displayed on the walls.  Today in particular I felt like I was getting mixed messages.  With the way the seasons have presented themselves this year it was just recently that this bulletin board was posted.  It was not that long ago indeed.  I feel we just entered into the spring season.

Right beside the spring bulletin board are wonderful pieces of art done by the grade two class and the title gives us a slightly different perspective as it announces that the students are Eager, Energized, Excited and Enthused for Summer.  I feel that summer is around the corner even though we just started spring.  Then I found another piece on the wall to add to the current identity crisis. 

There, on the wall amongst the pieces of art, down in the corner was just one more piece that gives us a clear indication of what is happening on the other side of these walls. I had to enlarge this piece just to make sure it was seen.  We are progressing through the year but the students are still hard at work.  They continue to have their gifts developed as we close out another school year providing quality, Christ-centered education.  As parents, we hope and pray that the work the students do will deepen their understanding of God’s world and instil a sense of awe and wonder that will inspire them to live lives that are eager, energized, excited and enthused to serve in God’s Kingdom and live for him. ~ Mr. Bouwers