Devotion of the Week: This year's theme, Strong & Courageous, is based off of Joshua 1:9, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." These were words of encouragement from God to Joshua as he (Joshua) was feeling the overwhelming weight of the task before him. These words of encouragement are also ours today! In the daily struggles that we have, in moments of despair, in times of uncertainty, and in the unknowns of the future, the Lord comforts us and encourages us with these words. Too often our strength and courage is covered up by our weaknesses and fearfulness, and we forget, lose sight, or ignore the source of all strength and courage: God's Word. He promises to always be with us in this life, and in that new life we will have forever in eternity with Him. The Bible points us to Christ who is our risen Lord and Savior; there is no greater source of comfort, joy, or strength than that! May we continue to remain rooted in God's Word as it encourages us, comforts us, fills us with peace, strengthens us, grants us courage, and reminds us that we are forgiven and redeemed children of God.

Call Received: Mrs. Patrice Sherry received a call from Peace Lutheran Church and School in Saginaw, MI. Please keep Mrs. Sherry in your prayers as she deliberates this call and her current call to St. Peter. May the Holy Spirit guide her in her decision.

Schedules for Choirs: The Preschool, Kindergarten and 1st Grade classes will be singing in church Sunday, May 5 at 9:30am. Children will sit with their families until it is time to sing at the front of the church, and then return to their seats.

Sunday Morning Bible Study: “The King’s Table” is the title of Sunday's lesson. Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son, suffered crippling injuries at age 5 while escaping Saul’s enemies with his nurse. Once David established his kingdom, his thoughts turned to whether there were any survivors from Saul and Jonathan’s line. Discovering Mephibosheth, David bestows on him Saul’s land and fortune. Mephibosheth’s family moves to Jerusalem, where he always eats at the king’s table. Discuss how God provides for our daily needs today. Everyone is welcome to join us at Bible Study. -Deaconess Shirley

Our Condolences: Our prayers are with Jennifer Garza and her family upon the death of her mother, Lillian and Jackson's grandmother, Carol Charbonneau. May God give comfort and peace to their family. Click anywhere in this article to view Carol's obituary.

Young Inventors: The fifth and sixth graders recently put their creative minds to work making trash inventions. All materials used were headed to the trash bin! Maybe someday you will be buying a Coin Eater, Piggy Bank Bottle (PBB), Plastic Purse, Snack-a-Natar, or a Re-Vase! 

Evening of the Arts: Mark your calendars for our "Evening of the Arts" on Wednesday, May 1. Our art and music students are looking forward to showcasing their talents. The evening will begin at 5:30pm, with an open gallery in the hallways. Musical presentations will begin at 6:00pm in the gym. Our students are very excited to share their creativity with all of you. We hope to see you there! -Ms. Parsell and Mr. Heinlein

NOTE: All students in grades 2-4 (Cherub Choir) will be singing at the Evening of the Arts on Wednesday, May 1. There will also be additional performances by older students who are performing solos and duets at the music festival, which will be held at Valley Lutheran High School on Friday, May 17.

Thank You Teacher/Staff Appreciation Committee: Thank you for the delicious breakfast items and coffee that were delivered to the school on Wednesday morning from Mo Coco's Coffee in Merrill courtesy of the teacher/staff appreciation committee. It was excellent and very much appreciated!

VBS Registration is Open: Join us June 24-28, 9:00am -12:30pm as we discover how the love of Jesus fills us with joy. Click anywhere in this article to register. If interested in volunteering, contact Deaconess Shirley or the church office for ways to help! 

Daddy Daughter Dance: Thank you to our PTL Daddy Daughter Dance Committee for organizing this event: Mrs. Amy Hyatt, Mrs. Ronnie McQueen, Mrs. Katie McQueen, Mrs. Sara Grunow, Mrs. Pam Hales, Mrs. Shaina Starke, Mrs. Amy Milne, Mrs. Kayla Kipfmiller, Mr. Casey Fiting, Mrs. Emily Abraham, Mrs. Betsy Roberson and Mrs. Kristen Topham. Thank you also to Mrs. Julia Fiting for taking all of the pictures in the link below.

Mother's Day Flower Sale: The Saginaw County Right to Life will be hosting their annual corsage, rose and gift sale, and our school will be a part of it. "By participating in this event, we can help raise awareness of the gift of life that our mothers have given us and at the same time help raise much needed funds to continue our work here in the community." The silk corsages, Gerber daisies, and other gift items offer students the opportunity to purchase a gift priced at $3.00 for all items. These flowers will be on sale Thursday May 9 and Friday, May 10, at the beginning of the school day for children to purchase. Thank you to Mrs. Patrice Sherry for organizing this flower sale.