Dear ACCS Families,
Hello! We were all disappointed this week to find out that remote learning would have to be extended again. My prayer is that you are finding strength in people, in your tasks, and most of all in God and His Word. This week we were encouraged by Psalm 145 as a staff, so I will pass that on to you! Friday there will be a pick up opportunity for you from 2-3PM at the school. Let us know if you cannot come within that time frame.
As we tackle different aspects of being Jesus’ disciples through these weekly instalments, I ask, “What place do good works have in our school context?” This has been hotly disputed over the centuries: are good works necessary to be saved? Are they optional for Christians, like a bonus? We talked about it around the dinner table one evening. The idea emerged that what makes a good action a “good work” is that it is motivated by love and a commitment to the other’s well-being. What Jesus said about this is recorded in Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Doesn’t sound optional. Let’s glorify Him that way, all the while not seeking to attract attention to the good God enables us to do.
Btw, I have been asked to pass this message along … Variety in Planned Gift Options. Henry of CSF was visiting with a couple recently. When Henry mentioned a planned gift, the elderly man rolled his eyes. “Oh,” he said, “We’re not interested. That means we give a gift, you lock it up, and the school only gets the interest. Do you know how low interest rates are?” Yes, we do. In fact, the Christian School Foundation has a wide variety of planned gift options. The majority of our planned gifts are NOT ‘in perpetuity’ gifts. Instead, people donate and say, “Please use this up over ten years,” or “Please give only the interest for ten years and then give the principal.” For such a time as this, when donors want creative ways to bless Christian schools, our Foundation is here to be nimble and creative. Contact Tony Kamphuis at the Foundation – tkamphuis@christianschoolfoundation.ca or 905 929 1445.
DId you know that we subscribe to Creation magazine? It’s a very interesting read! Consider this interesting fact… Young earth creationists believe that dinosaurs inhabited the earth at the same time as people not that long ago! And, for the Canadian trivia fact… The Canadian motto is A Mari Usque ad Mare. It means “from sea to sea.”
And now for our quote of the week: “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” — Benjamin Franklin. Psst … last week, we considered living in purity –– how’s that going?
Prayer Corner: Would you be willing to set aside some extra time to pray for the salvation of Muslims using www.30daysprayer.com. Tonga.
Heavenly Father, Canada and indeed the world is divided for so many reasons—violence, racial tensions, immorality and more. Please bring healing and peace to our nations. We cannot achieve true unity without Your hand of grace and mercy. From leaders in our government, to my own family and ACCS community members, soften hearts and foster unity. We also uphold the future vision and planning: inspire us with truly God-originating ideas and prosper them. We cannot thank You enough for answering our many prayers for Your blessing and protection over the years and in these strange times now! Give extra strength and patience to make it through these weeks with perseverance and joy! In Jesus’ name. Amen.