Zion School Connection #34 March 29th 2021

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” – Matthew 28:6

 In life, are you a “cup half empty” kind of person, or “cup half full”? I’m sure you’ve heard this contrast in sayings before as metaphors for the pessimist (“its half empty”) or the optimist (“its half full”).

Here’s another question for you. Are you a “grave half empty” person?

I doubt if this metaphor is every going to become quite as popular, but this is why I ask: As Believers we know the story of our crucified and risen Savior. This week we will remember Jesus’ suffering and death as the price for our sins on Good Friday, and rejoice in and proclaim our Lord’s glorious triumph over death on Easter Sunday morning. We know in our head what it all means: eternity with our Lord in heaven! A perfect rest in him! Ultimate joy forever and ever!

Yet on Monday, we go back to our daily tasks, our jobs, our “real life”. We may tend to forget the Easter joy and weigh ourselves down with the daily burdens of life that God would so gladly carry for us, if we would simply ask and trust. In fact, sometimes we even glory in our misery, and would rather have something to complain about than to remember the complete joy that is ours. It’s as if Jesus grave were only “half empty”.

But it isn’t. The angel said, “He is NOT here. He is risen!” That joyous good news should be in our thoughts and on our lips every day of our lives, not just Easter Sunday! What a great reason for daily joy and celebration!

Back to the cups: For believers in Christ, what does that COMPLETELY empty grave mean? Our cup is never “half-full”. Simply considering our salvation alone, our cup of life is full to the brim. Do I have financial worries? I’m still going to heaven! Is their illness in the family? Or death? Heaven remains our home! Is there trouble in my home, or at work, or in the community? Jesus is still my loving Savior, and my dearest friend, and he holds me in his hand!

Will there still be sorrow in my life at times? Of course. But the problems of my daily life are nothing compared to the joy won for me by mySavior. No matter what comes, I always have a reason to rejoice.

But our Lord doesn’t stop there! He continues to give us blessings far over and above what we deserve. God’s daily blessings overflow in even troubled lives, if we would only look for them. He also daily gives us the opportunity to be comforted by his Word, and through contacts with fellow believers.

Is Jesus’ grave half empty? No way. He is risen! So we too will rise!

Cup half empty? On the contrary. It continues to overflow!

Thank you Lord, for Easter joy. Please help us to carry it with us throughout the entire year, and throughout our lives.

God bless your celebration of Easter,

Principal Schneck J

--------------------------------------------------------------------

This Friday, April 2^nd, is early dismissal. Classes dismiss at 11:00 a.m.

Zion Lutheran School will be on Spring Break April 5^th to 9^th. School classes will resume Monday, April 12^th. Enjoy your holiday!

YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN US AT ZION FOR HOLY WEEK WORSHIP!

 Palm Sunday Worship     Sunday, March 28^th – 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.

 Maundy Thursday Worship     Thursday, April 1^st – 7:00 p.m.

 Good Friday Worship     Friday, April 2^nd – 1:00 and 7:00 p.m.

 Easter Sunday Worship     Sunday, April 4^th – 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.

 

Chapel Service

School families are invited to join us for our morning school chapel service this week Wednesday, March 31^st at 8:05 a.m. Parents, family and friends are welcome! Parents attending chapel are asked to park in the circle drive (Cole Road entrance) and enter through door “D”.

 Hot Lunch this week (for those who preordered): Wednesday, March 31^st – Arby’s

 

Congratulations, Zion Warrior Basketball Teams, on a great year.

Special thanks to B Team coaches Hanna Liechty and Grace Horn, and A Team coach Steve Sordahl, as well as Athletic Director Mr. Nielsen for keeping it all together! Players, please bring your CLEANED uniforms back to school by this Friday!

 

2021-2022 School Enrollment

Letters were sent home several weeks ago with 2021-22 enrollment information. In order to aid in our planning, we ask that all families planning to enroll for the fall begin their registration process. School families should have received an email invitation from TADS last week to register for the new school year.   If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Schneck.

We are holding an open house for potential new student families this Tuesday, March 30^th from 5:30 to 7 p.m. If you know of any family or friends who may be interested in our school program, please share our information with them, or invite them to visit our website. If they are willing, you can also give their contact information to Mr. Schneck and we will reach out to them. If possible please share the invitation attached to this newsletter. Extras copies are available on the ministry table by the pastor’s offices.

 

 On the Calendar…

·                  Tuesday, March 30^th – 

Zion Lutheran School Open House

5:30-7:30 p.m.

·                  Wednesday, March 31^st –     

School Chapel Service     8:05 a.m.

Hot Lunch – Arby’s

·                  Thursday, April 1^st –  

Heart Heroes Challenge  2-3 p.m.

Maundy Thursday Worship Service at Zion   7 p.m.

·                  Friday, April 2^nd  –

EARLY DISMISSAL 11:00 a.m.

Maundy Thursday Worship Service at Zion   1:00 p.m. and 7 p.m.

·                  Sunday, March 28^th  –  

Easter Festival Worship Services at Zion

8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

 

SPRING BREAK – NO SCHOOL CLASSES

APRIL 5^th TO 9^th (Classes resume April 12^th)

 

Coming Up in April…

 Track practices will begin after spring break.

 Sunday, April 18^th at 12:30 p.m.  –  Zion CEA Biennial Auction.

 Friday and Saturday, April 23^rd at 6:30 p.m. and April 24^th at 10:30 a.m.  – our Zion School Musical,  It’s Cool in the Furnace