It’s nearly time for National Lutheran Schools Week (January 23-29)! A time when we can all celebrate the incredible work that God is doing through Lutheran school ministries like Cross Lutheran Church and School. Our theme for National Lutheran Schools Week (and for our entire school year) is IN ALL THINGS. Our theme comes from Paul’s Epistle to the Colossians: “[Jesus Christ] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” (1:15-20) Paul made it clear that Christ was indeed IN ALL THINGS. As a follower of Jesus, Paul made no apologies for keeping Christ central to the faith, and as stewards of a Lutheran school ministry, we make no apologies for keeping Christ central to who we are and what we do and say each day. At Cross Lutheran Church and School, we pray that our ministry demonstrates in tangible ways the Savior IN ALL THINGS.
Each day, over 21,000 teachers in one of the 1,885 Lutheran school of the LCMS reach into the lives of more than 200,000 children and their families as they share the love of Jesus and remind them that He is IN ALL THINGS. A world in turmoil needs to know the love of the Savior. As Rev. Michael Newman, President of the Texas District, reminds us, the children in our Lutheran schools are frontline missionaries. They are the ones taking the Good News home with them each night and sharing it with their families and their neighbors. Because of Lutheran schools like ours, God continues to carry out His saving work through the power of His Word. Our teachers know Jesus is IN ALL THINGS. They find ways to connect their faith with the content of their lessons each day. As our students grow and learn, they are making connections and drawing conclusions as they see how God works good in the lives of His children. Our students know Jesus is IN ALL THINGS. They put into practice the love of the Savior poured into them each day as they care for people in the community, share kindness with one another, and tell their families about their loving Savior.
A healthy Lutheran school ministry is not a given. It depends upon a community of believers that are willing to work together to carry out the important work of a Lutheran School. When pastors, principals, teachers, and support staff understand the importance of sharing Jesus IN ALL THINGS, they can do amazing things for and with the students that God has called into their care. However, they cannot do it alone. People like YOU are critical to ensuring that Lutheran schools continue to lead children and their families to the Good Shepherd. Volunteering your time, sharing your treasures, and praying continuously are just some of the ways you can support Lutheran schools as they successfully reach out into the communities where they are planted.
Happy National Lutheran Schools Week! We’re really glad to be serving a Savior who is IN ALL THINGS, and we’re also really glad to be doing so alongside people just like you. Thank you for your support of our school ministry. May Christ indeed be IN ALL THINGS as we celebrate His love together!
In Christ who is IN ALL THINGS,
Dr. Corey Brandenburger,
Principal
