Preparing Next-Generation Leaders for Christ
"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
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Dear Harbor Light Christian School Family,
As we find ourselves immersed in February, a month enveloped in love and warmth, it's heartening to witness the expressions of love within our school community. From the diligent elementary students carefully writing classmates' names on Valentine’s cards to the selfless acts of our dedicated educators, love surrounds us.
In this season of love, I want to highlight a remarkable avenue through which love is poured into our students – our Wednesday afternoon electives and exploratory block for 7th-12th grade. These classes are not just educational; they embody love and passion, gifts from God given to our middle and high school students.
Let's take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate the incredible individuals who, driven by their love for God and our students, volunteer their time in the service of education:
Michele Cole – Drama Teacher:
Michele's commitment to nurturing the creative spirit of our students through drama is commendable. Her passion for the arts and the love she shares with our aspiring actors and actresses enriches our school community in innumerable ways. She also does a fantastic job of building up an army of volunteers to help support the drama program including Josh Schiefer, and Elizabeth Mrozinski- just to name a few.
Holly Henagan and Joe Tath – Circuit Training Teachers:
Holly and Joe bring energy and vitality to our students through their dedication to physical well-being. As 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 tells us, "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own." Their dedication to promoting a healthy lifestyle is a testament to their love for the whole development of our students, in mind, body, and spirit.
Jeff Jakeway and Clark Hewitt – Building Trades Teachers:
Through their expertise in building, Jeff and Clark impart valuable skills and instill a sense of accomplishment in their students. Their commitment to fostering practical knowledge is an embodiment of love in action. This year, kids are building an ice shanty and hunting blind that Jubilee attendees will get the chance to bid on!
Erin Barnes and Kiley Graham – Pineview Cottage Elderly Outreach Teachers:
Erin and Kiley's involvement in the local mission to Pineview Cottage showcases the compassionate side of our students. Their efforts to connect generations and spread love within the community are truly heartwarming. Each week, students spend time with the community there, painting nails, playing games, or just talking.
Jess Good – Home Economics Teacher:
Feeding students delicious food isn’t Jess’s only talent. She is amazing at connecting with others and encouraging them. Through the Home Ec class, she imparts essential life skills and fosters a sense of “can do” and responsibility in our students. It’s not a surprise that students have flocked to her class.
Katherine Johnson – Exploring Elementary Teaching:
Katherine's passion for elementary education shines through as she works with two young ladies who are considering a future in elementary education. Katherine’s commitment to igniting a love for learning in all our students lays the foundation for a bright future for these potential teachers.
Lisa Beckman – Growing in God's Grace:
Through her class, Lisa instills spiritual values and nurtures our students' faith. Her dedication to guiding our students on their spiritual journey is a testament to the love and grace she shares freely with others. James 4:8 encourages us, "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you."
Pastor Alex – Podcast Masterclass:
Pastor Alex's class mentors students in the art of podcasting. His guidance provides students with a platform to amplify their voices and share their stories.
As we navigate through February, let us be inspired by these examples of love in action within our school. The dedication of our exploratory block teachers exemplifies the love that is fundamental to the Harbor Light Christian School community.
May your February be filled with the love, joy, and meaningful connections that come from knowing and serving our Lord, Jesus Christ.
In His Service,
Kelly Dutcher
Mark your Calendar!
February
16 - No School Mid-Winter break/ Professional Development
19 - No School Mid-Winter break
26 - Boys Basketball Districts week begins
March
4 - Girls Basketball Districts week begins
9- HLCS Jubilee (formerly the Spaghetti Dinner)
22- Spring Break starts (no school this day)
April
2- School resumes
Our HLCS Calendar is updated continually and can be viewed at http://www.harborlightchristian.org/calendar
- Please confirm events prior to attending
- "vs." indicates the game will be played at home.
- "@" indicates the game will be played at the opposing team's school.
February
15- JV Boys/Varsity Girls vs. St. Michael Academy (5:30)
19 - JV/V Boys Basketball vs Brimley (5:45)
20- V Girls Basketball @ NMCA (5:30)
22 - JV/V Boys vs. Mackinaw City
23 - JV Girls and Boys Basketball @ Alba (5:30)
26- Boys Basketball Districts Week begins
27 - JV/V Girls Basketball @ Brimley (5:45)
March
4 - Girls Basketball Districts Week begins
Please click HERE for the school calendar, which is updated continually.
We are excited to officially introduce you to our new Baseball Coach at HLCS! Please take a moment to welcome Head Coach Lloyd Swadling to Swordsmen Athletics! We are also looking forward to the talented coaching staff, including 2-3 assistants, that are planning to join Lloyd as they all come together to lead our boys in a successful spring of baseball!
“I am so unbelievably grateful and excited to lead our young men both on and off the baseball field. I see limitless potential within the HLCS baseball program, and I cannot wait to roll my sleeves up and get to work with these young men! I am truly blessed to have been provided this opportunity. The amount of support I have received from the players, parents, my family and the school has left me speechless and has been a huge blessing! Thank you and LETS GO SWORDSMEN!!!” ~Lloyd Swadling
At this point in the winter is when I start to question my allegiance to Northern Michigan. It’s not the snowy roads or even the bitter temperatures. Rather, it is the lack of sunshine that makes me long for a beach house in Hawaii or some other sun-kissed location! I’d even settle for a beach shack if it meant feeling the warming hug of the sun! If you visit the school at this time of year, you might find me hunkered down in a sunbeam with some students while we work on the reading task for the day. I will do whatever it takes to capture just a moment in the sun, and I find my students feel the same way.
This pursuit got me thinking. How do we get ourselves, and more importantly our children, to passionately pursue the Son, especially in dark times? Perhaps pointing out the benefits of spending time with the Son would help. For instance, the sun provides many benefits. It lowers blood pressure, helps you sleep better, and keeps depression at bay. Likewise, the SON calms our Spirit, grants us peace because He is in charge and lightens our burdens, bringing joy in the midst of sadness. The sun also helps us absorb vitamins, and boosts our ability to handle mental tasks. Spending time with the SON helps us absorb His truth in the Word and encourages wise thinking.
So, if you are feeling those winter blues, seek out a sunbeam. If you are feeling the spiritual blues, take time to seek out the SON and share the benefits of following Him passionately with your children. Soon they will be seeking the SON on their own, a pursuit that is worth a lifetime of seeking.
