April 12 Home Communicator – There is something exciting about new beginnings. We sense it when we start reading a new book. We know it when there is a new baby. We feel it when we begin a new school year. We anticipate it with the hiring of a new principal. We envision it with the plans for a new building addition.
So it is at HCMS at this time. Eighth graders reading “The Hobbit” with student teacher Jillian Horjus and classroom teacher Tyler Prough. The intensity of their focused eyes made it all too obvious that this new book was swallowing them whole in the best of imaginative ways. Staff members Shane Schaap, Heath Brower, Jamie Kamp, and Tyler Prough each experience the exciting miracle of new birth in their families. Rising 6th grade students and parents along with staff collaboratively planning for the new year. With eager anticipation we welcome Chris Achterhof as the new principal of HCMS. Envisioning building expansion is a reflection of enrollment increases and for that we thank God. Collectively we provide additional opportunities to meet the needs of a dynamic mission-focused Middle School education.
In 2 Corinthians 5:17 we read, “…., what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it!” (The Message)
Now lest you get the impression that all is a panacea of newness where the old is completely gone, let me come down from the mountain top. The new order isn’t complete – not by a long shot. But it has begun. New world crocuses are popping up everywhere. The old world yard may still be covered with last year’s dead leaves and brush. But crocuses are sticking up their tiny heads everywhere and are saying: New life is here!
We are celebrating Holy Week this week when we move from Maundy Thursday to Good Friday and ultimately to celebrating the risen Christ who does in fact make all things New. He emerges from suffering the depths of hell and death for us to bursting forth triumphantly leaving an empty tomb. What a Savior! Though pale in comparison when you see the crocuses emerging from the old world cemetery, be reminded that Christ has emerged victorious over death itself and paved the way for us to flourish here at HCMS and beyond!
Lance Engbers, Interim Middle School Principal
