Dear Parents/Guardians,
Our discipleship practice for November is Kingdom Bringing. We want our students to practice seeking and spreading God’s fame through their worship, relationships, study, and play. Following Jesus is not limited to Bible class or chapel. God gives us opportunities every day to reflect His love and make His name known.
1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” What a great reminder that everything we do can bring glory to God!
Kingdom Bringing in Our Classrooms
In band, orchestra, and choir, students are exploring the theme of the wilderness and how God trains us there. God uses seasons of growth and challenge to prepare us for His kingdom work and to transform the world for Jesus Christ.
In eighth grade social studies, students have been exploring an important question: In what ways did the colonists successfully bring God’s Kingdom to a new continent, and in what ways did they miss opportunities to invite Christ into their new home? These conversations help students think about how our faith should shape the way we live and how we treat others.
Kingdom Bringing in South Africa
We also saw Kingdom Bringing come to life through our South Africa service trip. Our students worshipped freely with our South African neighbors and experienced the presence of the Holy Spirit during quiet times, church gatherings, and prayer services. It was a beautiful reminder that we are part of a much bigger family of believers.
One special moment involved a student whose prayer partner had described God as a river flowing through rock, carving out the student’s life. Later, during a prayer service, a woman shared a similar message with that same student. She encouraged the student to come out from under the rock and be the rock, reminding him that God wanted to use him and that his faith was beautiful. What a gift to see how God can use others to encourage us and remind us of His plans for our lives!
Our students also served at a care center for four-and-five-year-olds. For three mornings, they helped teach the children, supported their teacher, and prayed over her. Through these simple acts of service, our students had the opportunity to share God’s love and care for others.
Kingdom Bringing Every Day
As we move through November, I hope our students continue to see the many opportunities God gives them to share His love, whether in the classroom, with friends, or in serving others. May we continue to seek God’s fame and make His name known in all we do!
Tom Strikwerda
Take a look at our South Africa blog so you can read about our trip.
. 
November at HCMS
End of Quarter 1
The end of Quarter 1 is today! 1st Quarter grades are available Friday, November 6 on PowerSchool. This is a great time to check in with your student, and see how they are doing in regards to academics. We would also recommend checking Powerschool weekly and discussing with your student(s) how they are doing. Here is a link that shows you how to login to Powerschool. You can also check in on the Middle School Learning Page to see what they are working on in each class each day.
Ski Club
HCMS will be participating in Ski Club with Bittersweet Ski Resort again this year. Information was given to interested students on October 22. Please review the informational sheet. Bittersweet has moved to digital sign-ups for the ski club discount cards. Please follow the instructions on the informational sheet to sign up. The first ski club outing is December 11.
Fall Food Fight
Every year in the beginning of November, the Middle School participates in a fundraising effort to support food access for area families in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving through Community Action House. We lovingly call this event our “Fall Food Fight” (9th annual), where Houses compete to collect the most items from the list of needs for that year. Items can be brought to school beginning Thursday, November 5 and ending on Friday, November 20. Students can drop off items in the Media Center on the table for their House. Please consider with your family if you are able to contribute at this time. You can find information on this flyer. Thanks for helping us support and show love to our community!
Items most needed:
- dried beans (pinto or black)
- healthy cooking oil (olive oil, coconut oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil)
- broth
- whole wheat or gluten free pasta
- flour
- spices (salt, cinnamon, cumin, ginger, chili powder)
- corn masa
- rice (basmati or brown)
- canned fruit in 100% juice
- tea or coffee
- canned coconut milk
- canned beans
- juice (low-sugar/no sugar added)
- ensure or protein drinks
- alternative nut butters
- unsalted nuts
- tampons & pads
- laundry detergent and dish
- soap
Important Dates
November
- 2: Begin Quarter 2
- 11: Veteran’s Day Assembly @ HCHS 9:30am
- 12: Glow Bowling 6:15-8pm @ Lucky Strike Bowling.
- 13: Swingin’ the Night Away: MS/HS Jazz Band 6:45-9:00pm
- 18: MS watches HCHS matinee performance of Frozen
- 25-27: No school, Thanksgiving Break
December
- 1: MS Band/Orchestra Concert 6pm @ HCHS
- 3: MS Choir Concert 7pm @ HCHS
- 21-Jan. 1: Christmas vacation
January
- 4: Resume classes
- 15: End of Q2/Sem. 1
- 18: No school MLK Day
- 19: Begin Q3/Sem. 2
