Greetings From Our Pastor
There once was a small town barber who charged $5 for a haircut. He was a talented and competent barber, and his business was doing well. Then a large haircut franchise moved in right across the street. The sign in the window read, “All haircuts $3”.
Not good for the $5 barber! He became very worried about his business and his future. He knew that he couldn’t make a living if he lowered his price, and he was afraid he would lose all his customers at $5 a haircut.
As the months went by, some people continued to support the hometown barber, but many people also began to try the $3 shop. Steadily the local barber’s business declined. He had to consider closing his store.
He began to talk with his remaining customers, and asked them why they continued to pay for the higher priced haircut. What they told him gave him insight, and together they found a way to save the local barbershop. They simply put a subtle, but effective, sign in the front window. The sign read, “We fix $3 haircuts.”
I like this story because as Christians who support Lutheran education we are facing the same struggles that the $5 barber did. Sure there are less expensive alternatives out there. There is always going to be someone who will offer a cheaper education.
But, as you and I both know, the Lutheran education Trinity offers is not about being the cheapest. It’s about being the best! It’s about offering something that the cut-rate alternatives don’t. It’s about instilling in our children the most important thing they can learn: the sweet message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We need to prepare our children with the love and morality that comes from developing a personal relationship with God. That’s what sets us apart from the $3 schools. If we can communicate this fact to our community, that’s what will keep us going and make us grow.
And I know I’m preaching to the choir here. You wouldn’t attend Trinity (a church that tremendously values its educational ministry) if you didn’t agree with me. But now, I’m encouraging you to take this message to the community! You’re in the position to share with them the reason why Lutheran schools are worth it, the reason why a Christ centered education is the only complete curriculum.
You’ve probably heard a lot in the news about the new national common core curriculum. Well, Lutheran education has had a common core for 500 years! That common core is Jesus Christ. Everything we do centers around Him. By teaching our faith to today’s youth, we are ensuring the future of the church. This is why Lutheran education is worth the investment and why we need to continue to support our school ministry. In the words of Martin Luther, “For the sake of the Church, we must have and maintain Christian schools!”
The Reverend Michael Henn
OPEN HO– USE last Saturday was a huge success! Many of our visiting families registered online for their visit, and three ECC families and one kindergarten family applied/registered on the spot! Many thanks to all our current families who helped us promote our school’s wonderful offerings. Please continue your efforts!
TRANSPORTATION for the 2014-2015 school year must be applied for no later than April 1. School budgets are being prepared at that time and school districts cannot add additional students after that date. Please remember you must apply for transportation for each child each year.
GRADE EIGHT students leave for their much awaited two day trip to Washington DC on Thursday, March 13. This trip includes most of the highlights of our nation’s capital. Students must arrive promptly at 6:30 am, NO LATER.
MEDIEVAL TIMES is the next trip for our Grade 6 students on March 21st. Watching jousting matches and eating their meal without utensils are highlights of this adventure!
MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH TOURNAMENT will be hosted by Trinity on Thursday, March 20th. Ten schools will be competing in our fourth annual tournament which takes place from 10:00 am until 1:30 pm. Good luck, Trinity students!
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME! All Mets fans, here is your opportunity to enjoy watching your favorite baseball team play an exciting game of baseball. Please send in your reservation form and check payable to Trinity Lutheran School by April 15th (date was extended by LSA) Tickets are $28 a piece. The game date is May 24th at 4:10 pm against the Diamondbacks. Seating is in the Big Apple Reserve Section. How good is that! The school office has forms if you’ve misplaced yours. Also, just in case you’re a Yankee fan, you may get tickets to a Yankee game for May 31 against the Minnesota Twins (1:05 game time) for $26 per ticket. Those flyers are going home later in the week and are due back with payment by April 15th also. Feel free to cheer on Derek Jeter in his final year of baseball!
CAREER DAY for Trinity eighth graders will be held Tuesday, March 11th. Students have a choice of learning about two different careers from a selection of firefighter, graphic designer, lawyer, network engineer, police detective, physician’s assistant, licensed social worker and physical education teacher. Many thanks to our parents who have volunteered to share their work opportunities with our students.
WINGO IS COMING! April 4th is a bit away but there is so much preparation involved in this event that we must begin now. Baskets with a theme will be created by all classes and each class has been asked to contribute a small monetary amount to purchase items for the baskets. If you have not already done so, please send your donation to your child’s class rep. The baskets are a highlight of this fun event.
SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR begins next week at Trinity. Many popular books will be offered for purchase. Encourage your child to pursue reading a few new books. Details will be forthcoming.
CHERUB CHOIR sings next Sunday, March 16th, at the 9:00 am service.
CELEBRATE SUMMER 2014 – You can still save 10% on summer camp tuition by registering by March 15th. Trinity’s Celebrate Summer is the most flexible and reasonable summer program for young children in this area. Please contact Mrs. Heigl at 516-931-2211, extension 205, or email [email protected].
AFTERSCHOOL BOWLING RESERVATIONS (grades 5-8) are due Thursday, March 13. A check in the amount of $75.00 made out to South Levittown Lanes is to accompany the reservation.
AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES THIS WEEK:
- Mon., 03/10 Drama Club practice; pick-up 5:00 pm
- Tues., 03/11 Zumba; pick-up 4:00 pm
- Wed., 03/12 Writing Workshop; pick-up 4:00 pm
- Wed., 03/12 Drama Club practice; pick-up 5:00 pm
- Thurs., 03/13 Writing Workshop (grades 3-5); pick-up 4:00 pm
- Thurs., 03/13 Cherub Choir; 4:00 pick-up
- Thurs., 03/13 FAST Athletics; pick-up 4:00 pm