Joy: Fully Alive
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
I Thessalonians 6:16-19
Fall has arrived in Hot Springs and at Bethesda,
And we are blessed to enjoy the beauty of our surroundings…
The hills, the colors, cooler weather, pumpkins, the fallen leaves and the like.
Just those gifts alone give us reasons to rejoice. Even more important is that God has blessed us with beautiful children, friends, food, and shelter and especially the gift of Jesus through whom w have the forgiveness of all our sins and the guarantee of eternal life. Oh, what joy and what peace that brings.
The first quarter of this 2019-2020 school year ended on October 17.
Parent-teacher conferences were scheduled on October 18. The primary school children presented a delightful program under the theme “Our Grand Old Flag” on Heritage Night, October 24. The evening began with a pot luck meal at 5:15pm.
Bethesda Lutheran School and Early Learning Center celebrated the Reformation
With a Mystery Meal and a visit from dr. Luther all the way from Germany. The food at lunch time was connected to what the children learned about the Reformation that day. Primary school children came to school dressed in costumes that displayed German styles and occupations in the 1500’s. The preschool children came in their costumes (no scary ones).
Statistics
The LCMS Schools Department gathers statistics from all its 1,992 Lutheran schools annually. Each year we contribute information from Bethesda to those national statistics. This year there are 18 children in preschool and 9 in the primary school for a total of 27 in all. Twenty children are registered for child care. Eight of our children are members of Bethesda. Eleven have no church membership and eight are members of another church. In all, there are 18 children in the congregation ages infant through grade 12.
The annual tuition for community members is $2790 per child. Parents of member children pay $1395. Half day preschool is $2025. Child care is billed by the month. The average cost for child care is approximately $3.10 per hour. According to our treasurer, 66% of the cost for operating the school is paid by the parents, 13% by the congregation, and 21% comes from other sources.
The Mission of Bethesda Lutheran School and Early Learning Center flows from the Great Commission, recorded in Matthew 28:19-20:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And, behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20
Pray that the Holy Spirit will create and strengthen the faith of those children and families who are touched by the Word of God through the ministry of Bethesda Lutheran School and Early Learning Center. May God richly bless the members of Bethesda for their ministry to the children and their families.
Dr. Ken Palmreuter, Principal