"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." – Matthew 2:2
One star is all you need. As long as it is the right star.
It’s commonly called the North Star, but it is also known as Polaris. For centuries navigators on land and sea have used it to set their course. All other stars change their positions in the sky as times and seasons pass, yet the position of the North Star stays the same hour after hour, day after day, year after year. But it’s not that easy to find if you don’t know what to look for. The star might be prominent in the sky, but many others are as well. Navigators use the constellations Ursa Minor and Ursa Major, the “Little and Great Bears”, to locate this all important star. Those who know the constellations have no problem finding the star.
The magi, or wise men, saw a new star and knew it was important, but what told them so? How did they know it meant the birth of the Savior? Apparently some exposure to the Old Testament prophecies filled in the blanks, perhaps in prophecies brought to the East during the Jews’ exile in Babylon. God’s Word and prophecies in the Old Testament served as the “constellations” to focus their search for this newborn King.
Today God focuses his people not on a “star” of promise looking for a Savior to come, but on our Savior himself, Jesus, who has completed the work of redemption. Through Scripture and the eyes of faith we can see clearly who our Savior is and what he has done for us. We can follow the path from the manger to the cross to the empty tomb to the heavenly throne, where Jesus reigns as we wait for his return.
For believers, the Bible serves as the “constellation” pointing out or Savior. But many in this world don’t see it. They stop at the baby in a manger at Christmas, then go on with their lives not realizing what the birth of Jesus means for us.
This new year, don’t let Jesus be just another “star” in your busy sky. Spend time with your family in God’s Word, keeping your hearts and lives focused on the one “star” that matters. The one that was born for you, lived for you, died for you, and rose for you. The one that is in heaven preparing a place for you. The one that will “bring you safely into his heavenly kingdom. (2 Tim. 4:28) Don’t forget to share this Gospel joy with those around you, so that they too can “come and worship him”.
God bless your week!
- Mr. Schneck
Welcome back to school!
School classes resume tomorrow, January 5 at 8:00 a.m. We hope your family has had a restful break and enjoyable Christmas celebrations. May God bless your new year!
Chapel Service
School families are invited to join us for our morning school chapel service this Wednesday, January 7 at 8:05am. Parents, family and friends are always welcome! This year’s chapel offering is supporting our church’s new ministry work in the country of Australia. Please pray for this ministry and the people it serves.
Christian Education Association (CEA) Meeting Wednesday
The Zion CEA meets this Wednesday, January 7 at 3:10 p.m. The agenda will include spring activities. All Preschool through Grade 8 parents are invited and encouraged to attend!
Sports - Co-Ed Basketball
Practices will continue this week for A and B teams (grades 5-8), who will practice on Tuesday, January 6 and Thursday, January 8 from 3 to 4:45 p.m. C team practices Wednesday, January 7 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Our first game of the season is AWAY vs Crown of Life, Warren at Crown of Life this Friday, January 9 for A and B teams at 5:30 p.m. (B) and 6:30 p.m. (A). GO WARRIORS!
Cheerleading/Pee Wee Poms
Pee Wee Poms practices this week Monday, January 5 from 3 to 4 p.m.
Cheerleaders practice this Wednesday, January 7 from 3 to 4 p.m.
Winter Clothing
We go outside for recess, and the weather is cold and snowy! Check your child as they go out the door in the morning and please make sure that your child has appropriate clothing for outdoor play: winter coat, gloves, hat, and boots and snow pants if they wish to be in the snow.
Parent Conversations
Attached to the email and hard copy newsletters is another article from Parent Conversations.
This week’s article: How Can We Prepare Our Children to Be the Church Leaders of Tomorrow?
Parent Conversations, from Forward in Christ magazine, offers articles on topics important to parents, written from a Christian perspective. If you are interested in viewing all of the articles available, please visit https://forwardinchrist.net/parents/ .
Art Club
Mrs. Sordahl has organized an Art Club that meets monthly and is open to all Zion students Pre-K to Grade 8. Parents of preschoolers are asked to attend with their child, but all parents are welcome to attend.
The next meeting of the Art Club is in the church basement NEXT WEEK THURSDAY, January 15 from 3:05 to 4:30 p.m. There is no fee to participate, but donations of supplies are always welcome! (Please speak to Mrs. Sordahl to find out what items are needed.) All participants are asked to bring a paint shirt and/or clothing that can get messy.
Projects made at Art Club will be saved for display at our Zion Art Fair in March.
Please speak to Mrs. Sordahl if you have any questions.
Hot Lunch - this week
Monday, January 5 - French Toast Bake
Wednesday, January 7 - Baked Potato Bar
Friday, January 9 - Pizza
Warrior Oasis
The Zion Upper Grades “Warrior Oasis” are selling milk and juice options for lunches to students daily. Students in grades K-8 wanting to purchase milk or juice for lunch can do so across from the school library at the start of lunch hour, 11:45 to 11:55 a.m.
Drink items available:
Horizon Organic Whole Milk $1.50
Quik Chocolate Milk $1.25
Juicy Juice Boxes $0.50 (Apple, Fruit Punch, Grape, Berry)
Orange Juice (bottle) $1.00
Purchases are cash only. Profits will go towards the upper grade field trip fund.
Coffee with Friends!
The Warrior Oasis Cafe is open on TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS in the gym. After dropping off the kiddos, come enjoy a great cup of coffee or hot tea with fellow parents and friends before heading out for the day, or grab a cup to go. Coffee is served starting at 7:45 a.m. Cost is a free-will donation to the 7th-8th Field Trip Fund.
On the calendar this week…
Monday, January 5 - Hot Lunch - French Toast Bake
Pee Wee Poms Practice 3-4 p.m.
Tuesday, January 6 - Warrior Oasis Coffee available in the gym 7:45-8:15 a.m.
A and B Teams Basketball Practice 3-4:45 p.m.
Wednesday, January 7 - Hot Lunch - Baked Potato Bar
Zion CEA Meeting 3:10 p.m.
Cheerleading Practice 3-4 p.m.
C Team Basketball Practice 3-4:30 p.m.
Worship at Zion 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, January 8 - A and B Teams Basketball Practice 3-4:45 p.m.
Friday, January 9 - Hot Lunch - Pizza
Warrior Oasis Coffee available in the gym 7:45-8:15 a.m.
Basketball Games AWAY vs Crown of Life, Warren ( A and B)
5:30 and 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, January 11 - Worship at Zion 9 a.m.
Sunday School and Bible Class 10:15 a.m.
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