After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of Herod, Magi form the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship him." Matthew 2:1-2

The wisemen brought gifts to Jesus, we have just given gifts to each other at Christmas, God has given us the best gift, our Savior Jesus.

As I think about gifts my parents gave me as a child I see the gift of a Christian Education as the best gift. I now know the sacrifices that they made to afford my education at Lutheran Schools. I appreciate the extra time my parents spent helping me and volunteering at my schools. I was always surrounded by those who shared with me the story of Jesus and His love. I received a high quality education that formed me into the person I am today. I was taught the power of prayer and how to live my faith. I was constantly reminded that Jesus loves me. I saw my teachers in church and saw them live a life of service and love to God. I want to thank you for also seeing the importance of a Christian Education. Life is different here at Zion, we are more than a school. We are a family, a family of believers, brothers and sisters in Christ and like a family things are not always perfect, yet we love and forgive each other. We share Christ and we learn about His love. Zion is a great place to be!

Re-enrollment : time is here. An email is being sent to current families, with information s that it is time to enroll. Enrollment will be completed online through Sycamore. Registration is open to new families January 21, current students will have to get their spots secured early. If you have any questions please contact Mr. Debrick.

A Look Ahead:
Religion: The Beginning of Jesus Ministry
Memory: John 3:16
Spelling: Lesson 14 long o with a silent e
Grammar: contractions
Phonics: the 'ar' chunk
Science: habitats
Math: subtracting 2 and working with money
Literacy Centers:
word work: compound words
reading: sequence
writing: writing sentences for pictures
sentences: unscramble words to make a sentence

IMPORTANT DATES and PAPERS:

FIELD TRIP on THURSDAY, January 11: We will be going to see the play Henry and Mudge. Please have your child wear the ZION FIELD TRIP SHIRT (given to you on the first day of school) and uniform bottoms. We will be eating in our classroom before the field trip. THERE WILL BE NO HOT LUNCH AVAILABLE, but students will be able to get milk. Please send your child with a lunch and since we are eating in the room no peanut butter or peanuts please!

Please sign and return the Field trip permission form on Monday. I have Mandy Sanders and Christine Kvet down as charpones, if you cannot chaperone please let me know ASAP. We will leave at 11 and return at 2:30.

Wednesday, January 17-DONUTS FOR DADS-
A special someone may join us from 7-7:45 in the church basement for a donut breakfast, dads are invited to stay for Chapel at 8:05-8:50.

Friday, January 26- One Hundred Day Celebration!! We need many parent helpers to help prep and run centers.
We need a lead parent to be IN CHARGE Heather Horn has done a wonderful job of putting together the day and she has a folder with all the activities. If you could be a lead parent please let me know ASAP!
We need about 12 parents between the two classes to help. If you are not able to come and still want to help we need donations and prep work.

100 CERAL BOXES: We will need 100 empty cereal boxes by January 22. Please send in your empty cereal boxes!!!

ZION OPEN HOUSE: January 21, 1-3 pm Invite your friends to see for themselves the great things happening at ZION. *LOOK FOR INVITATION IN THE FRIDAY FOLDER*

Don't forget if you want to go in the snow you must have separate snow boots to change into and then put your school shoes back on after recess. Please send your child with the boots in a plastic bag. That will help keep the hallway free of melting snow!

On Friday the Community News came to do an article about our women's ministry crocheting mats for the homeless and our class making plarn.

The article will be in next week's addition and can be viewed at www.mycnews.com

James 2:14-16Faith and Deeds

14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?

In our Second Steps lessons we are learning about having strong feelings and how to handle them. We are working on how to CALM DOWN. We will be using this poster to help us in the up coming weeks. I thought you may want to do the same at home :)

Wise Men Still Seek HIM, May you come to worship the King this weekend! May you enjoy the gifts He gives of love, forgiveness, and eternal life, May you be His gift to others as you live your life as God's star.

In HIM,
Amy Bernhardt

A Sneak Peek at our short week...

Making Epiphany Stars