May 2011 - Edition

            As we move through the month of May, the volunteer team is getting some much needed rest. The students, however are busier than ever with exams, sports, and proms. It is a great time in the life of our students. I want to encourage the parents and students alike to drink in all that life has to offer. It goes so fast and God has so much for us as we move through our daily lives.  Parents, remember to hug your kids, to grab every opportunity to talk with your children, and to take mental pictures. Kids, thank your parents for their sacrifice and commitment to your ongoing success.
            April ended with a great week of Flower City Work Camp. Pearce had seven students and three adults participate in the work of this great mission. Through home repairs and sidewalk clubs, the lives of countless Rochester residents were in impacted for Christ. Next year we hope to send an even larger contingent.
            The beginning of May had me in the sub-Saharan Desert of Senegal. It was great to return to my African village. I loved the opportunity to re-connect with family and friends and to share the gospel with so many of the parents and children from my village. It never ceases to impress me that children playing with broken flashlights and bailing wire can be so content and full of joy. In a strange twist, these kids who have nothing end up being unencumbered by the materialism we have here in the West and are therefore free to take joy in the simplest things of life. 
            I have included the dates for this summer’s activities, but a few highlights are the senior banquet, Junior Leadership Training, and Algonquin.
The senior banquet is going to be on Sunday, June 12, this year. All seniors, their families, and the volunteer team are invited to celebrate with dinner, stories, and pictures. We will begin at 6:00 p.m. and end around 8:00 p.m. Tickets are required; they are free to seniors, all others are $10 each, and they can be purchased at the main desk. 
            The annual trip to Algonquin is August 7-13. The cost is $475, but we have fundraisers for individuals and scholarship help as needed. The deadline for applications is June 15. We are taking a much harder stance on the deadline this year in order to facilitate better planning for the trip. Applications are available under the Retreats/Camps section on the Web site.
            This summer we will be starting a new program. On Thursday nights from 7:00-8:30 p.m. we will be holding Junior Leader Training (JLT). It will be open to anyone entering 9th grade through 12th grade. The evenings will include worship, Scripture studies, and practical leadership principles. The first one will be held June 23 and will be at the Kuhlkins’ home. No reservation will be necessary.