School Newsletter
Issue #35 May 5, 2008

Going Home........
"...our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us." - Romans 8:18

Just recently a pastor friend of mine with whom I served in Antigua in the Caribbean lost his wife to a long term battle with cancer. In speaking with him following her death, he related that, as she considered her impending "trip home" to her Savior's arms, she imagined heaven being " a lot like Antigua" with its warm breezes and sunny skies. Now she's home, so she knows for certain.

After our recent Alaskan "false starts" of spring-then-winter-then-spring-then-winter-then-spring weather, I would have to agree that the sun and tropical breezes of the Caribbean would seen rather heavenly right now. Sometime during the first few months that I lived here in Anchorage I met someone quite unexpected at church. It was the former commander of the U. S. Air Station in Antigua. he and his wife having been stationed in the States for the past few months (in the lower 48-they we up here visiting family) were in somewhat that same position as my family as recent migrants to the cold. He asked me, "Do you still dream of Antigua?"

I suppose I have, since moving to Alaska, more than a few thoughts about my former home in the warm Caribbean, but I couldn't really say that is an important aspect of my dreams. yet in another sense I suppose I still do "dream" of Antigua. In my home are pictures of friends and locations from Antigua. There are various paintings, maps, wood carvings, trinkets, etc. that my family and I had accumulated during our stay there which remind us of our past home. Even jars of seashells bring back memories.

But instead of looking back, perhaps it's better to ask how often we look forward. "Do you dream of heaven?" Perhaps you have symbols and reminders around your home. A cross on a wall. A statue of Jesus. A painting. Perhaps even a desktop or screen saver on your computer. How about pictures of loved ones who have gone on to glory ahead? Do you think about when and where you will see them again?

While we were still in Antigua, my family would often sit around the table and "think forward". What will living in Alaska be like? At that time we had little knowledge of what it would be, but still just imagining it prepared us and excited us to think of our future home.

Now we know what Alaska is like. Some of our ideas may have been a little far from reality. Some were pretty close to right. Some aspects of our lives here we would never have dreamed of.

Perhaps we as Christian believers should also discuss and "look forward" to our future home. Does our family become more excited about next summer's trip to Wisconsin than eternity's home in the arms of God? Discuss around your dinner table, or perhaps before your bedtime prayers. "What will it be like in heaven?" Search the Bible together for passages that give us glimpses of our real home. Thinking about the life to come with Him can get us through the rough spots in life here in our present home. "...our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18) Our present problems in life aren't so big when compared to the eternal joy of heaven won for us through our Savior's sacrifice-no cost to us!

Talk about eternity with your family this week. Look at and discuss the Scripture passages that talk about heaven with your family, and dream about your future home.



God bless your week!
Principal Schneck

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Chapel Service
Thursday - May 8th - 8:30-9a

Parents and friends are welcome!

Families and friends are invited to start their day in the Lord with us!

Shopping On-line
If shopping on-line, be sure to check on the following websites and portions of proceeds go to FLS!

igive.com - Look for Faith Lutheran School, Anchorage
escrip.com - school id# 6652521
faithalaska.onecause.com
boxtops4education.com

Social Studies & Science Fair
6:30-8:30p

Now Enrolling for 2008/2009
Do you know any families seeking a school for their children? Parents are our best promoters! Invite friends and family to contact us. We would love for them to come and see what Faith Lutheran School is all about, or give Mr. Schneck their contact information so we may invite them personally. Brochures are available to take with you in the school entrance.

Sports Schedule
Tuesday - May 6th - Track practice @ Wendler Jr High 4:30-6:30p

Thursday - May 8th - Track practice @ Wendler 4:30-6:30p

Saturday - May 10th - ASCAA State Track Meet @ Wendler JR High 9a-4p

Parking Lot Sale!!!!
Cleaning out for spring? Please consider donating to the PTF/Camp Luther Parking Lot Sale this Saturday, May 10th. Donations may be brought to the parsonage garage anytime. Make arrangements with Mr. Schneck to drop off. Proceeds benefit both PTF student programs and Camp Luther.

Happy Birthday !!!!!!
Mitchel - May 7th

God bless you on your special day!