Chapel Theme for 2012-2013

BOTH HIGH SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL: The chapel theme of the year was introduced: "His Word in our Hearts" with the verses Psalm 119:10-11, "I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." Practically speaking, all students were challenged to READ THE BIBLE EVERYDAY. I have made a Bible reading plan for those who need a plan. You can find it by clicking the link on the right side of this blog. All students were asked to write down their Bible reading goal for the year. The video below shows how students were called to respond.



HIGH SCHOOL'S Thursday chapel: After a slideshow of students by/in trees from the summer, we had a prayer chapel. It was a time of worship, confession and petition. Part of the time was silent prayer. All the students respected the silence. God was in our midst.

NEXT WEEK. High School on Tuesday: Mr. Boven speaking; Thursday: student testimonies from summer mission/serve trips. Middle School: teachers share about their summer & a word of spiritual encouragement.

Location:Timothy Christian Schools, Elmhurst, IL

First Week of TC Chapels, week of 8/27/12

HIGH SCHOOL CHAPELS
We started school with a chapel talk by our new principal, Mr. Mitchell. He began by allowing students to ask him questions about his life (What sports do you like? Why did you come to Timothy? Are you Dutch?). The picture below summarizes his challenge to the students. He also invited students to write service ideas on the white board in his office.




On Thursday we had a chapel we do at the beginning of every year. About 10 teachers submit a picture from their summer. Four teams of students (from student council) have a contest guessing what teacher goes with what picture. The teachers then share a Scripture and how the photo related to their walk with God. The photo below is from Mr. Hartgerink from his daughter's wedding.



MIDDLE SCHOOL CHAPEL
Chapel began with an "introduce yourself to others" game with cash prizes (total value: $4). We then all crowded on the stage for the singing of some fun, camp songs led by Mr. Gesch and Mr. Wiener. Arianna read Ps. 1:1-3. Mr. W. gave a talk on the purpose of chapel using a Duncan Keith bobble head and trail mix.

Location:Timothy Christian Schools, Elmhurst, IL

What bothers you?

I, along with other teachers, took a prayer walk around Timothy's campus the other morning. As I prayed, I came across one of the biggest Buckthorn tree/shrubs I have ever seen. It's an invasive species. I wanted to cut it down. It bothered me (but I easily redirected myself back to prayer!).

What bothers you? The answer to that question can reveal a lot about you. Think about it...what bothers you? DO YOU GET BOTHERED BECAUSE YOU DO NOT GET YOUR WAY OR BECAUSE YOU ARE NOT LIVING FOR GOD WHOLEHEARTEDLY? One path leads to increased frustration. The other path leads to repentance and God's grace. Matthew 6:33.

Location:Timothy Christian High School, Elmhurst, IL

The Heavens Declare

So my family went to the Chicago Air & Water Show yesterday. I spent a lot of time looking up and being amazed. I thought of Psalm 19 which says "The heavens declare the glory of God. The skies proclaim the work of his hands." But here I was at the show gazing to the "heavens" and marveling about the power, ingenuity, and engineering skill of mankind. I'm not criticizing the show and really cool airplanes. I am just making this point: we can sometimes be so amazed with technology and forget how amazing God is. Spend time looking at God's world and God's Word (maybe Psalm 19) and think about how nothing compares to God's power, ingenuity, engineering skill...and love.

Location:Oak Street Beach, Chicago, IL

Making Decisions

Have to make a big decision? Here are some thoughts...

1. Use the pressure of the decision to increase your motivation to pray and surrender to God in all areas of your life.
2. Seek advice and wisdom from others you trust and if possible let some time pass.
3. Make the decision and trust in God's providence. You don't need to be nervous. Your life is in God's hands. Proverbs 3:5-6

Oh, yes, one more thing...go for a prayer walk in the woods. The photo is from a recent walk of mine at the Morton Arboretum.

A Level Life is a Prayerful Life

Successful home construction involves making sure the house is level. When you enter a home you notice so many things, but you probably are not impressed by the house being level. Nevertheless, this behind the scenes reality is necessary. Personal prayer happens behind the scenes. It involves faith because you are not "doing" anything. But in God's economy, prayer matters; it is essential. Mark 1:35, "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." A LEVEL LIFE IS A PRAYERFUL LIFE. How is your prayer life?

Tree Pictures Due

INCOMING TCHS STUDENTS: in order to enter the "pick your chapel seat" contest, please send a picture of yourself and a tree to mactrees40@gmail.com by this coming weekend. Please pass the word along to others who may not receive this message. Thanks!