"Come, celebrate, your banners high unfurling,
Your songs and prayers against the darkness hurling.To all the world go out and tell the storyOf Jesus' glory." -Ronald Klug With all the distractions of winter weather delays and closings, our celebration of National Lutheran Schools Week (January 26-February 1) has taken a backseat. Schools are still attempting their dress-up days, special chapel services, and other observances, but the week is missing a bit of its luster. Let this email be appreciated then for the need to celebrate that which makes up our Lutheran schools. LCMS schools include 1,376 early-childhood centers, 871 elementary schools, 88 high schools, and a university system: all that impact the world. Here in Indiana, we have 53 early-childhood programs, 49 elementary schools, three high schools, and a seminary. While the motivation for parents to choose our schools is impacted by a variety of needs for their children, the mission of our schools remains to share the Gospel with kids and families. Through chapel services, religion classes, and the daily expressions of faith (prayer, devotions, mission projects), Lutheran schools are equipped with a powerful Word that transforms lives of children, making them faithful disciples. This week was kicked off with open houses at most of our schools (see pics on the TLSP Facebook page). Even though the roads weren't the greatest, families ventured out to tour our schools, to learn more about what we're all about, and, in many cases, to enroll for the 2014-15 school year. We encourage each of you to be ambassadors for our schools. While snapshot grades make the newspapers, those enrolled know of the strong education provided and the care for the entire child offered at our schools. Fine arts, technology, reading, math, and all the rest are taught by our teachers. Most of all, the love and mercy of our Savior finds its way through decisions made, programs offered, and care provided. Happy National Lutheran Schools Week!
