CHAPEL

In chapel this week, we're focusing upon Miriam, the sister of Moses. By extraordinary luck we have obtained the only known snap shop available, see above. It's a remarkable image given that the year was around 1300 BCE. I honestly was unaware that color film was even available.

At a time when Hebrew male babies were being executed by the Egyptians, Moses family, like may Hebrew families was coping by hiding their babies. In Moses case, he was hidden in a basket carefully prepared to float safely tucked away in the tall reeds of the river. Miriam's job was to keep watch so that at all times the baby was safeguarded.

And as we know, it was Pharaoh's daughter who discovered Moses, fell in love with the beautiful baby and raised him as her own in the royal court. And because Miriam was watching and because Miriam spoke up, the princess unknowingly used Moses mother as his nurse and nanny. That connection allowed Moses to understand who his people really were, chosen and beloved by God.

And so we are spending this week identifying:

• who it is that has helped and continues to help sponsor us to become more than we are.



• And who is it that helps us understand our legacy as beloved, chosen children of God.

Other Notes:

Service Club is meeting after school Tuesday, September 27 in the main hallway of the south building. We will be painting rocks for our inner-city Pocket Park so please dress accordingly. Snacks will be provided for our creative group. So that we have enough rocks and snacks, please RSVP to: pbauer@speds.org.

Our October meeting will be a trip to our Pocket Park, which St. Paul's created and continues to sponsor. We will do some fall clean-up and leave our rocks as another park accessory.

Seminar: Dealing with Death and Loss: From 7:00-8:30 pm, Tuesday, October 4 Chaplain Claudia Hubbard from Children's Mercy Hospital will act as facilitator for this ninety-minute parents-only session dealing with death and loss form our children's perspective. She will help us both understand and anticipate the cycle of grief taking time to respond to questions. North MPR. To enroll: pbauer@speds.org

Divorce Support for 4th-8th Graders: At our parents request, we are offering a divorce support group on Thursdays, October 13, 20, November 3 and 10 from 5:00-6:00 pm. Pizza and drinks will be provided. This is not therapy but rather an opportunity for our children to candidly discuss, with the help of an adult facilitator, the common issues of navigating relationships between divorced parents. It's a tough balancing act and students can find themselves unhappily navigating their parents expectations sometimes at the expense of their own needs. Our facilitator is Diane Larsen, MA who has a background in social work. She will provide the frame for these conversations so that students feel safe enough to freely share. To enroll, please e-mail: pbauer@speds.org

Chapel

Lifeskills: Caring and Sharing

This past Tuesday, a hearty Service Club group of parents and students met at Grand Avenue Temple to learn more about their ministries to the homeless and participate in an act of service. As a result,we are collecting men's jeans in the lobby of either the north or south building through Friday, September 16.

In chapel, we will be reviewing the story of Daniel, a great role model for us. He did not let others talk him into behaviors that he would regret. He and God were committed to each other. Daniel was strong and courageous!

Chapel calendar note: During all-school chapel on Friday, September 9 we will be presenting service awards to the students who gave 50+ hours of service to the community during the2010-11 school year. Parents are always welcome.

Bible Study

Ephesians

Beginning Wednesday, September 7 at noon in the Garden Room of the church we will be offering a four-week, parents Bible study focusing on the book of Ephesians. Please bring a Bible, pen and notepad. All are welcome!

Middle School Bible Study

Beginning Wednesday, September 21 we will be offering a Bible Study for Middle School students from 3:30-4:30 pm. Our final session will be held on October 26. To enroll, please email Chaplain Nolan: pbauer@speds.org.