2011-2012 Theme
2 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[c] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life.
-Philippians 2:12-16a
Last year, we appropriately followed the theme “Press On!” That theme reminded us to keep striving forward as we work through whatever problems come our way. It’s important not to lose one’s focus, especially in a spiritual setting. With the Lord’s help and guidance, last year we pressed on with another year centered around the cross of our Savior. What a blessing to have Christian education available to our children each day of the school year. This type of education doesn’t just focus around devotions and Bible history lessons during a segmented time of the daily schedule, but it permeates all that we do within the environment of the school.
God-willing, a result of this educational setting will be students who live their faith in words and actions. No – not perfect little children since the sinful nature is still alive – but children who understand sin, repentance, and forgiveness. This not only applies to their personal lives but also in their response to those around them. As the Holy Spirit works to create and strengthen faith through the teaching of the Word, the fruits of faith begin to grow and mature. Those fruits of faith can then begin to show themselves during interactions with classmates and with others outside of school. As the Apostle Paul stated, they can “shine like stars” in a generation that doesn’t focus much on a life of faith in Jesus.
“Shine like stars” is the theme that we will be following as we go through this coming school year. It is also the theme of St. Croix Lutheran High School. As part of our PK-12 system of Christian education, we will all follow this theme and use it as a reminder of the important work that our children can do to represent their Savior and share His message with those around them. Maybe they won’t always be comfortable talking to others about their faith, but by publicly displaying a life that reflects that faith, their actions can preach a powerful sermon without them even realizing it. This type of leadership is something that we will emphasis within our school this year. May the Lord bless our efforts, guide us with His Word, and motivate us to “shine like stars” in all that we do throughout the coming school year!
