The Light

www.harborlightchristian.org

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Dear Harbor Light Christian School Family,

As we move into the heart of the school year, a few moments, both positive and negative have reminded me of the incredible power that our words carry. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 18:21 that "the tongue has the power of life and death," and it’s a truth we see played out daily in our interactions. Whether we are speaking to our friends, teachers, parents, or even ourselves, the words we choose can either build up or tear down. One of the things that first drew me to fall in LOVE with Harbor Light as a parent was how positive and loving the words people spoke were. The atmosphere was different in the hallways and common areas than in other schools I’ve been to. I think the same is still true- we have the opportunity to continually speak love here!

As we navigate the school year, I want to encourage all of us—students, staff, families, and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ—to be intentional about "speaking life." This phrase comes from Ephesians 4:29, which says, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Imagine how our school could continue to grow beautiful fruit as a community if instead of most conversations, if all conversations were filled with words that uplift, encourage, and bring hope.

We live in a world where it's easy to fall into negative speech or make light of serious topics, but it’s important that we remember the weight of our words. This applies not only to in-person conversations but also to digital communication. Let’s make sure we are setting an example as Christians, being mindful of what we say and how we say it, reflecting the love of Christ in all our communication.

Colossians 4:6 reminds us to, “Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.” Parents, I encourage you to join us in reminding your children of this principle. Let’s work together to continue to foster an environment at Harbor Light where words are used to bring life, strengthen relationships, and honor God.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Let’s continue to build a community where every word spoken can shine God’s light.

In His service,
Kelly

October

24 Local Missions Days

November

11 Veterans Day Event 8 AM

27-29 Thanksgiving Break

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

** Please check the athletic calendar before traveling to a game, the calendar is updated continually. Click HERE

JV/V Volleyball:

October

10/22 (JV/V) Harbor Springs Home 5:30 PM

10/26 (V) Boyne City Tournament Away 9:00 AM

10/29 (JV/V) Gaylord St. Mary's Home 5:30 PM

11/4, 11/6, 11/8 Varsity District Volleyball week at HLCS

Middle School Football:

October

10/22 Elk Rapids Away 5:00 PM

Basketball

November

11/26 (JV/V) Brimley Away 5:30 PM

Middle School Basketball

October

10/29 Mack City Away 5:30 PM

November

11/1 NMCA Home 5:30 PM

11/5 Vanderbilt Away 5:30 PM

11/7 Alanson Home 5:30 PM

11/12 Boyne Falls Home 5:30 PM

11/15 St Francis Home 5:30 PM

11/19 NMCA Away 5:30 PM

11/21 Mack City Home 5:30 PM

11/25 Vanderbilt Home 5:30 PM

On November 11th at 8 am, our students will be taking some time to recognize HLCS parents & grandparents who have served. We would be honored if you would join us for refreshments and fellowship!

We celebrated Pastor Appreciation Month by inviting Pastors represented in our school! We celebrated during chapel followed by a special reception for Pastors to connect with one another.

Students told us why they appreciated their pastor. These words were combined into a word cloud that shares their kind words!

Check out why HLCS students love their Pastors!

Who is in your family?

Brandon and Lisa and we have 3 kids Matthew, Jacob and Katie and two bonus kids with Jake Anderson (son-in-law) Celeste Rocha (possible future daughter-in-law). We have two dogs Lilly and Rocky that are a major part of our family as well.

When did you start at HLCS, and what drew you to enroll here?

We have been part of the HLCS family since 2015! I worked at HLCS from 2015-2024 which allowed us to enroll our 3 kids at the school. We wanted our children in Christian education, surrounded by people who love the Lord and were willing to share that love with our kids. We wanted them to not only have a stellar educational experience but to also learn to serve the LORD in all that they do.

What advice do you have for younger families raising kids in the Lord and/or plugging into the HLCS school community?

Stay connected, be part of the HLCS family of volunteers. Be around, get to know the staff and kids that your children are with every day. Work with your kids on their schoolwork, help them to strive to always do their best. Support the staff at HLCS, know that they love your kiddos and are working hard each day to help them achieve greatness. Recognize that your kids may not always be in the right! Go to the staff member first to work out differences or with any questions you have. Take time to just be with your family. Everyone grows up soooo fast and we always look back with sadness on the opportunities we've missed. Show you kids by example how to live a Godly and fulfilling life and be part of your church!

This year we would like to make a special place in our newsletters to focus on what our students are learning in Bible class and how they may be applying their knowledge. Each month we will take 2 classes and share a brief update with you.

Grab a tissue, you may want one for the kindergarten story.

In senior Bible this semester, we are discussing how to make decisions and how to discover what God's plan is for our lives. We are learning that God's purpose for our lives is to know God and make Him known, but He has also given us unique passions, gifts, and opportunities to use them. Something we have been specifically discussing lately is how to listen for God to speak into our decisions, but also knowing when to make decisions even if God seems silent.

~Ms. Graham

This HCLS parent shared such an amazing story of our students taking lessons and using them in their everyday lives.

"Last week after soccer was done and the kids were all playing at the field house I overheard Evie having a conversation with another kid and his dad about being kids. The other dad referenced being a big kid and Evie’s friend told him he wasn’t a kid. Evie confidently said, “Yes he is, we are all children of God.” The other kid told her no, and without hesitation she recited her Bible verse that week and said, actually 2 Corinthians 6:18 says “I will be a Father to you and you will be my sons and daughters.” She did all this while casually shooting baskets with her friend and not skipping a beat. As a parent I could not have been more proud, not only was she sharing the word of God with others, but she was able to apply the verse she was learning that week in a real life situation."

HLCS is excited to welcome Mr. Clark Hewitt as Athletic Director. Mr. Hewitt worked at HLCS from 1986 until 2014 in various positions, including classroom teacher, Athletic Director, and School Administrator. In addition to working at HLCS, Mr. Hewitt also coached boy's and girl's basketball, Jr. high basketball, soccer, and softball.

During his time at HLCS, Mr. Hewitt saw all three of this children graduate, Hannah Urman (2007), Kaylee Holliday (2009), and Collin Hewitt (2011). He now has the privilege of walking the halls with his grandchildren, the 3rd generation of Hewitts at HLCS.

Mr. Hewitt stayed involved at HLCS as a volunteer during his 10-year hiatus but felt the Lord connecting his heart back to the school in the last few months. When the opening for the Athletic Director position was available Mr. Hewitt felt the call to return to serving at HLCS. When talking with Mr. Hewitt he said "I am excited to be back at HLCS working with the coaches who are tremendously passionate about their sport and who work so hard to draw out the potential of each athlete, calling them to a higher standard. I am excited to get to know a whole school full of new to me students and use sports co-circularly with what they are learning in school to develop their character. My goal is to help athletes learn, grow, and represent Christ on and off the court."

If you see Mr. Hewitt in the halls, or at games, please give him a warm welcome (back).

Did you receive our 2023-2024 Annual Report? If not, check it out HERE!

Join us as we serve the Lord by serving students. Interested in Volunteering? Contact Danielle Urman at: durman@harborlight.org

Be sure to put these dates on your calendar! It is a special opportunity to stay plugged in to what your students are experiencing at school, and it is a great way to boost your child's morale!

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.

Giving Tuesday is coming up on December 3rd! We have an exciting opportunity to help students at HLCS this year by supporting our Bible Teachers.

Our goal is to raise $10,000 in one day to provide educational opportunities for our teachers and expanded curriculum opportunities.

Stay tuned for more information in the next month!

Interested in supporting HLCS, please contact:

Jennie Cope

Director of Mission Advancement

231-347-7859

jcope@harborlight.org

You won't want to miss this year's HLCS Jubilee. Mark your calendars and plan to join us in March!