The Light

"Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'" -John 8:12

www.harborlightchristian.org

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Dear Harbor Light Christian School Family,

As we embrace the warm and festive days of July here in beautiful northern Michigan, I am filled with immense gratitude for God's continued faithfulness to Harbor Light Christian School. This past month has brought us many blessings and opportunities to witness His provision in remarkable ways.

We are excited to announce the addition of several new staff members who are already becoming integral parts of our school community. Lisa Hopkins has joined us as our new office manager, and Tami Walker will teach our 4th graders. Additionally, Caleb VanSlot has transitioned to teaching various middle and high school classes from his previous role as a long-term substitute. Kate Britton is shifting to lead our science department, while Sara Murray is moving to 2nd grade. Cal Prins is moving into the elementary STEM teacher position, and Ann Owens will help with reading intervention. Danielle Urman joins Becca Chamberlin in the library as a study hall monitor and will also coordinate volunteers. We also welcome classroom aides Iain Ledingham and Hannah Enciso. Kathleen Jackinovich will contribute to our mission advancement efforts, and Katie Karlson will support our students and parents as the administrative assistant in the office. Each new member brings a wealth of talent and passion, enriching our school even during the quieter summer months. We are still seeking an elementary art teacher for a one-day-a-week position. Please see the posting here.

On a personal note, In June I had the privilege of joining a team from Harbor Light Community Chapel on a trip to Greece and Turkey for missions and biblical exploration. One of the most profound moments was one evening, as we stood on top of Mars Hill, near the peak of the city of Athens, a spot where the Apostle Paul delivered his powerful message to the Athenians about the unknown God. Reflecting on Acts 17:22-31, I marveled at how relevant Paul's words remain today. The inscription "To an Unknown God" serves as an important reminder of our human tendency to seek and worship, often unaware of the true God who is ever-present and sovereign.

Paul's message resonates deeply: "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands" (Acts 17:24). This truth underscores our mission at Harbor Light Christian School—to teach our students about the living God who desires a personal relationship with each one of us.

As we navigate the challenges and joys of the educational journey, let us continue to uphold our commitment to instilling biblical truths and values in each student's heart. Our goal remains steadfast—to equip students not only with knowledge and skills but also with a faith that anchors them in God's unchanging love and purpose.

Thank you for being a vital part of the Harbor Light family. Your support and prayers are instrumental in shaping the next generation. Together, as a community, we are witnessing God's faithfulness and provision unfold in remarkable ways. May this summer be a season of rest, renewal, and deeper encounters with God for each of you.

In Christ’s Service,

Kelly Dutcher

Administrator

Harbor Light Christian School

In the photo: We had HLCS parents, grandparents, students, volunteers and staff on the trip!

Here is a picture from Corinth, Greece with some members of our team: Brooke Bachelor, Mary Louise Johnson, Kelly Dutcher, Ted Polleys, Addison Barnes, Audrey Dutcher, Erin Barnes, and Janette Haas. Not pictured are: Pastor Aimee Norton, Pastor Alex Norton, and Sharon Alton.

Our HLCS Calendar is updated continually and can be viewed at http://www.harborlightchristian.org/calendar

We had a great turnout to represent the school in the Harbor Springs Independence Day Parade!

The 2024 Side-By-Side raffle concluded on July 12th and the winners were drawn at County Wide Power Sports.

First place (winner of the Side-By-Side): S. Bucci

Second Place (winner of $500): Britney DeYoung

Third Place (winner of Car Detailing): JC Anderson

This year's spring FUNdraiser was another big hit! Special thanks to Jason Roussin and Dave Kring Chevrolet, Dan Pearson at Ryde Marina, and Jordan Dutcher at the Harbor Barber for helping sell tickets this year.

We ended the FUNdraiser with 507 tickets sold, raising a little over $30,000 for HLCS after expenses. THANK YOU to all of you who purchased tickets, shared our social media posts, prayed, and spread the word. YOU are one of the reasons that HLCS is driving Christian education forward in northern Michigan.

At the Spring Sports Award Banquet, Coach Swadling went through the HUGE list of awards the HLCS baseball guys had earned. Just look at all of these awards!!!

(Youngest to Oldest)

Daniel Urman: All-District Pitcher, 1st Team All-Conference

Landon Jakeway: All-Conference Honorable Mention

Will Paulus: All-District Infielder, Academic All-Conference, 1st Team All-Conference

Travis Rose: Academic All-Conference

Ayden Burns: Academic All-Conference and All-Conference Honorable Mention

Vaughn Henagan: Academic All-State, Academic All-Conference

Joe Ruthig: Academic All-District, Academic All-Conference, All-District Outfield, 1st Team All-Conference

Jackson Mesner: Academic All-State, Academic All-Conference,

Corin Paulus: Academic All-State, Academic All-Conference, All-District First Base, 2nd Team All-Conference

Derk Boerman: All-District Pitcher, 2nd Team All-Conference

Daniel Keefe: Academic All-Region, Academic All-Conference

**Open gym is primarily for 7th-12th grade students.

Where are our 2024 Seniors headed?

Case Bradford- Undecided

David Chamberlin- Northwestern Michigan College

Chastyn Dutcher- Michigan Technological University

Charlotte Gagnon- Hope College

Ava Kenwabikise- Saginaw Valley State University

Addie Kolka- St. Mary's College of Notre Dame

Julia LaRowe- Northwood University

Jackson Mesner- Lake Superior State University

Corin Paulus- Lawrence Technological University

Isaiah Rauch- Northern Michigan University

Kirk Rose- Northwestern Michigan College

Rachael Rosenthal- New College of Florida

Joe Ruthig- North Central Michigan College

Andrew Stahl- Northwood University

Do you have friends or family members looking for an amazing Christian school? Please share this information with them!

We still have lots of room in preschool and most of our elementary classes, not to mention room in middle/high school.

Do you have questions about enrollment? Call us! 231-347-7859

We are still seeking an Elementary Art teacher 1 day per week.

Hi my name is Hananiah Enciso. I attended HLCS for both my junior and senior years, graduating in 2017. Since graduation, I have worked here in Petoskey and traveled to Guatemala for missions, Thailand to visit my brother, and Costa Rica for an immersion school for a couple of months. Also since graduation, I have gotten married and bought a house!

In the years since graduation I have had several different jobs, all some kind of customer service. The latest industry I have worked in is food industry. While I love this industry, it is not always the most positive or fulfilling. I am really excited to join the HLCS staff and not only get to impact kids' lives and watch them grow both academically and relationally (God and people), but to do a much more fulfilling job in a more positive and nurturing atmosphere. I love kids and I love God, and this job allows me to be able to put the two together. I am very excited about it!

As we enter our 39th school year this fall we are standing on the precipice of another amazing year. A time when students grow in their math skills, social skills, and other educational landmarks, but ultimately, they are growing in their walk with the Lord. HLCS has been a pillar in northern Michigan for quality Christian education. But we can't do what we do without generous givers like you.

The average cost to educate a student at HLCS is $10,000. However, tuition is set much lower at $7,300. This is done to keep Chrisitan education affordable and open to any family who wishes to provide this option for their children. But, as you can see it leaves a gap of funds.

This year, as all costs are rising, as you may be feeling in your own home, we are feeling it at the school as well. Books and teaching materials are increasing, food costs are increasing, and more. This makes donations to HLCS even more needed and impactful.

When you make a gift to HLCS, you are directly supporting the education of a student for the upcoming school year. They will read a book that you donated to help purchase.

Would you consider supporting the future leaders of our communities, our HLCS students, with a gift today?

If you would like to discuss this further, or talk about gifts of stock, or an IRA gift please contact me at jcope@harborlight.org

In His Service,

Jennie Cope

Director of Mission Advancement

Here are a few suggestions for how you can support our school in prayer:

Safety in summer for students, family, and staff as they enjoy time away from school and travel to see family and friends.

Staffing for all the new staff coming on board and to hire an elementary art teacher.

Has HLCS had a positive or life-changing impact on your life or that of someone you love? Please share these stories with us so we can keep letting others know what a wonderful difference we can make! Send your experience to jcope@harborlight.org.