September 2016

This week, Wednesday, the students from grades 3 through 8 will participate in the Terry Fox Run. God has blessed our children with strong bodies and good health. Cancer is a disease that touches the lives of most of us! I thank God for the great health that our school body has! I also thank God for the many opportunities that we have here at Woodstock Christian School to help our community. I pray that God will work through us and our fundraising this week, to touch many peoples lives.

N. VanAndel

One of the key words in the tag line for Woodstock Christian School is ‘COMMUNITY’. Dictionary definitions for community range from a very generic definition - a group of people living together in one place to a more holistic one - a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals. Even this one, though, does not capture what it means to be Christian community, to be united in Christ. Our theme at Woodstock Christian School this year comes from Ephesians 4, and the entire chapter is titled Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ. The apostle Paul says “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (vs 1-3).” I saw many examples of community at work last week. Buddy classes began and as older and younger students joined together, reading to one another, playing outdoor games together, enjoying conversations, there was a real sense of community. Students in the playground were looking out for one another, helping a fallen friend, getting an ice pack for someone with a bumped head, and playing tag or soccer together. Parents waiting for their children in the foyer after school exchanged greetings, arranged play dates, and generally caught up after the summer break. During the Welcome Evening and Dessert Social on Friday evening, the school was buzzing with conversation, laughter, and enjoyment. Such a blessing to be together! On the flip side, because we are part of a sinful and broken world, there were also instances of disunity, wilfulness, and selfishness. Proverbs 6:16-19 speaks shockingly directly about “six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him – one of which is a person who stirs up conflict in the community. As we head into week three of our school year, continue to pray for unity and peace for our classrooms, our playground, and our larger school community.

At Woodstock Christian School, we are blessed with a true privilege.

                    Prayer - communication with our God.  

Prayer times are intentionally scheduled at WCS: daily opening devotions, Monday morning staff devotions, Prayer Group, before lunch, and at the opening and closing of meetings.   Students study Jesus’ example of prayer and the history of prayer during Bible classes.  However, those are not the only times you will find prayer happening at our school.  Prayers are said silently and aloud throughout the day - because we know our Father hears us at all times.  He sees and hears a parent watching their child(ren) go onto the bus or into school doors, praying with open eyes for a good day.  He hears the bus drivers praying as they start their engines in the early mornings, for safe travels and working buses.  He hears the student praying for courage or energy as they enter the school or before a test.  He hears the staff pray for each child, that they may reach each one the best they can.  God also hears YOU! Please join us as we all pray for Woodstock Christian School and its students, staff, facility, and community around it.    Pray without ceasing, to our God who is greater!  He is overall, through all, and in all!

Welcome to a brand new year at Woodstock Christian School. Yesterday the school was quiet and shiny and tidy, but too quiet – poised and waiting for our children to return. Today it is bustling with activity. The vitality is back and we praise God for new beginnings! For those of you new to the school, we are so glad you have joined us. For those who are back to school, we are glad to see you again. We look forward to partnering with all of you to help educate your child in a school where God is acknowledged as Creator and sustainer, Jesus is our Lord and Saviour, and the Holy Spirit is our guide. Our goal is that your child will develop in faith, in learning, and understand what it means to be a part of the Christian community. Banners, bulletin boards, and Bible stories throughout the school declare GOD IS GREATER: He is over all, through all, and in all (Ephesians 4:6).  We will explore this theme together this year – united in our love for God and in his love for us. Welcome!