Reporter

From Pastor Bringewatt

First, greetings to all of you. I look forward to the months ahead, and getting to know you and your families. Here is a brief biographical sketch of myself and my family: My father, Ralph, (originally from Daykin) was an LC-MS missionary to China, Japan and Taiwan. After being born in Japan in 1952 I spent most of my boyhood years living in Taiwan. My parents had six children.

I graduated from Concordia Seward in 1974, where I met and married Debbie Meier (from Grand Island). We both served as Lutheran teachers for several years before I entered Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, where I graduated in 1986. We have two children, Rachel and Matthew. Both are married and are active members of LC-MS congregations—Rachel in Houston and Matthew in Omaha. We’ve been blessed with three grandchildren. Debbie is currently employed as an ESL teacher in the Columbus public schools.

Our pre-prom vesper service is April 12, 5 pm. Everyone is invited to worship with the students before they go to the high school for the evening activities. There is no 6 pm service that evening.

Graduates Honored

Our high school graduates will be honored at the 9 am worship service May 4. Graduates will meet in the church narthex at 8:50 and process in together. Everyone is invited to coffee and fellowship in the church social room following the service to greet the graduates. Graduates will be served breakfast by the Youth for Christ.

Eighth Grade Graduation

Four students will graduate this year from St. Paul Lutheran School. Graduation ceremony is Sunday, May 11, during the 9 am worship service. Graduates are Brandon Greckel, son of Mark and Jody Greckel; Ellan Hasenkamp, daughter of David and Teresa Hasenkamp; Garret Reimers, son of Brian and Lou Reimers; Aubrey Schultz, daughter of Lonnie and Twila Schultz.

From The Chairman
Dear Friends in Christ,

We have truly been blest. We have just completed a great Lenten season leading up to Holy Week and our celebration of the death and resurrection of Christ. You have to be moved spiritually when you think how great an act of mercy this was by our Lord and Savior.

We have also been blest by the Lord in his way of moving people to donate to our special fund drive. We had a tremendous response to our request for funds to pay our bills. I am amazed at how the Lord moved so many people to donate so many ways. I thank you for your wonderful response.

This helps get the bills paid now, and we can focus on the bigger issue of our total debt. We need to get this paid down. So yes, we do still need gifts and donations to keep expenses paid and to eliminate our debt.

We can do this one step at a time and have just completed the first step. We thank the Lord for this blessing and move on to the next step of debt reduction.

Thank you.

God Bless All of You,

Clay
Clay Reppert

Lutheran Women
In Mission

Sponsoring the soup supper before the March 12 Lenten service were the women of St Paul’s Lutheran Women in Mission. This was in lieu of their March assembly meeting.

The Spring Christian Growth workshop will be at St John, Pender on Monday, April 21. It will be a salad supper at 6:30.

The LWML and Ladies Aid will have a joint guest night in June. Speaker will be Deb Schademann who is serving a short-term mission stint in Thailand.

Nebraska District North LWML convention is Friday and Saturday, June 6 and 7 at Lutheran High Northeast in Norfolk.

St. Paul Lutheran School received a $1,000 donation from Qwest, in recognition of Don Brockmann’s volunteer hours. The funds will be used to help with expenses for the LEA convention. Thank you to Don Brockmann for his many hours of service to the school.

Preschool –

The Preschoolers continue to be busy working on Reading and Math Readiness skills. They are doing a fantastic job with writing their names, rhyming words, and math papers. We continue to work with our Zoo Phonics and beginning sounds. They will be singing two songs for the Chamber Coffee at the school on Friday, April 4. This year we combine with the K-8th grades and have our Spring Program at the gym beginning at 1:30. They are looking forward to their Mother's Lunch and trip to the Reppert farm.

Mrs. Schroeder and Ms. Schumacher attended Nebraska's Reading Association Conference in Kearney. We learned a great deal while there. We attended a workshop by authors, Gail Boushey and Joan Moser, known as the "Two Sisters". They are well known for instruction in reading comprehension and their work in reading literacy within the classroom. Mrs. Schroeder also attended a workshop by a teacher who uses their ideas in the classroom. It was helpful to see it in action and made all we learned come alive. We are very excited about reading and hope to incorporate some of their ideas in our reading program.

We also attended workshops on writing which were very informative in helping us plan for our writing programs here at St. Paul.

We are thankful to have this opportunity to learn and grow as teachers and bring back information to share with our fellow teachers. Staying informed helps us be better teachers to our students. It’s interesting to see what Nebraska is doing with reading and writing across the state and we hope to attend again next year.

Kindergarten

We have been studying the church season of Lent in our Bible lessons. Lent lasts 40 days, not counting Sundays. It is a time to remember our baptism and our Christian work of telling others about Jesus. It is a quiet time to think about His suffering and death. The church puts “alleluia” away. The word is not sung or spoken during the season of Lent.

In math we focused on geometry, process skills, number and operations, algebra, measurement, data analysis and probability. We completed our alphabet study in phonics and are now studying digraphs and combinations. We continue to challenge ourselves in reading with a variety of stories. Proper letter formation and sentence structure was reviewed and we have written several super sentences in handwriting.

Mrs. Lynn Koehlmoos

Preschool/Kindergarten Carnival
Enrollment Night

Fifth and Sixth grade students have just finished reading "The Bridge to Terebithia". In this story a young girl dies. The class invited Bill Stokley to come and answer questions they had about funerals. Thank you, Bill, for taking the time to visit with us. For their final project the students divided into three groups and constructed their own magical kingdoms. They have a Cloud Kingdom, The Secret Garden Kingdom and the Western Kingdom. The students Pre-8th grade will have a chance to visit these Kingdoms when we return from Easter vacation. The students were very creative and did a great job. Our next book is "Hoot" about a tomboy who takes on the town to save endangered owls.

St. Paul Lutheran School will have a plant and vegetable fundraiser. We are working with Aaron Swanson. On Saturday and Sunday, May 3 and 4 you can buy your flowers and vegetables and help the students. The plants will be at St. Paul Lutheran School gym. Students and staff will help carry and there’s an area for potting. There will be a few pots available for sale. Watch for more details in the church bulletin and in the West Point News. We have all had a long winter and Spring is just around the corner.

National Lutheran Schools Week 2008 was a great time to celebrate the quality Christian education we provide at our school. We reflected on all the faith-building opportunities we have. We participated in many fun activities. Favorite dress-up days were Pajama and Crazy Hair Day. Parker, a Kindergarten student, said “I liked Pajama Day because we got to watch the movie Snow Dogs in our PJs.” Cole, a second grader, said, “I liked getting to wear my pajamas on Pajama Day. I also liked watching Charlotte’s Web.” Preschool student Syra “liked playing games.” She got to play games that were set up in the gym for the carnival on Thursday. Career Day was another favorite. “I liked to wear my doctor things to school,” Jenna, another Preschooler, said. “I liked Career Day because all these people came to show us what career they have. I liked seeing Alan, the vet, because I want to be a vet someday,” said Nathan, a fifth grader. John, a seventh grade student, said, “My favorite day during National Lutheran Schools Week was Pajama Day because we watched a movie and we didn’t have any homework.” Other students appreciated the breaks in routine. “I liked not having to do Math a couple days. I liked seeing other people’s crazy hair on Thursday,” said Aubrey, an eighth grade student.

Preschool and Kindergarten pre-registration and Carnival Night was Thursday, March 6. We had a good turnout and children and parents had a wonderful time. Hotdogs, lemonade, popcorn and cookies were served. Face painting, photo poses were taken in clown character cutouts, carnival games were played and prizes won.

carnival games, serving food, and providing wonderful cookies and bars. The group effort made the night a success, thank you!

First and

Second Grades
We have been busy preparing for the arrival of Easter. We discussed the fact that Easter egg hunts and candy are fun, but we should not let them get in the way of the true reason to celebrate: Jesus’ death and resurrection for us! We made “Resurrection Eggs” filled with different items that represent events of Holy Week and Easter. These will help us remember the true reason for the holiday, and hopefully, we will use them to tell the Easter story to others. We made “Resurrection Rolls.” We each wrapped a marshmallow up in biscuit dough, baked it, and were amazed at how the marshmallow had “disappeared!” They showed how Jesus’ body was sealed in the tomb, but He overcame death. When the women checked the tomb, it was empty! He had risen!!!

Happy Easter from grades Three to Five. We are so ready for spring. Winter has been long for us so we decided to bring spring to our classroom. We decorated with flowers, lights and greenery. It may not be spring outside but it is in our classroom.

Third and fourth grades went to the Lifelong Learning Center in Norfolk to celebrate Nebraska's 141st birthday. We sang lots of songs, learned about life in early Nebraska, and even Mrs. Schroeder did well on the quiz. We ate cookies for a treat. It was fun.

We have been studying about Jesus as a healer the past few weeks. We learned that He heals us both physically and spiritually. We look forward to Easter and celebrating His gift to us. We are also learning about weather. It affects what we are able to do, what we wear, and even sometimes if we have school.

As part of professional development and continuing teacher education I recently completed three reading workshops at the Educational Service Unit. Reading opens the door to all other learning. The first, in November, focused on strategies for teaching vocabulary.

The last reading workshop, strategies for teaching comprehension, was held in February.

Teachers from Wisner-Pilger, Logan View, Oakland Craig, and other schools, shared their insights to successful teaching strategies with the group.

Sunday, April 13, immediately following worship service the school board will present a 10 to 15 minute informational session on tuition. No questions will be answered at this time. Following the spring program on Sunday, April 20, a session for questions is scheduled.

St. Paul Lutheran pre-school and grades K-8 will combine to present their spring program Sunday, April 20, 1:30 pm in the school gym. Everyone is invited.

Omaha North High Magnet School Student Council Advisor, Rachel Beck, has been named Nebraska’s High School Adviser of the Year by the National Association of Student Councils (NASC).

“We are proud to recognize Rachel Beck for her exemplary character, leadership, and commitment to young people and their development as student leaders,” said Rocco Marano, director, National Association of Student Councils.

Beck’s honor coincides with National Student Leadership Week, April 13-19, an annual event held to highlight the importance of student activities.

NASC is the nation’s only national organization providing leadership development training for high school and middle level students and activity advisers.

“I’m very honored to receive this award. I feel lucky to be able to work with such a wonderful group of student leaders at North High,” said Beck.

Beck has been student council adviser at North for three years. This is her fourth year there teaching English. As student council advisor, Beck and her council have received state and national awards for accomplishments in school and community service.

Beck is a graduate of St. Paul Lutheran School, West Point High School and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She is the daughter of Wayne and Marcia Beck.

Thank you to everyone for their support with the recycling project. I am truly amazed at the amount of paper products brought in to the school for recycling each week. We appreciate the response from the congregation and community, and hope you continue to support us. In January the recycling container was emptied and the St. Paul challenge class collected another 1.59 tons. This brings our total to 21.84 tons. The container will be emptied again before the next paper drive which is March 30, 1-3:30 pm in the church parking lot. We look forward to another successful paper drive.

Friday March 14, St. Paul students participated in the 2008 EVLSA Spelling Bee at Immanuel Lutheran School Hooper. Other schools were Zion Bancroft, St. Paul Arlington and Zion/St. John Wisner. St. Paul students were: Garret Meyer, Megan Groth, Brooklyn Krause, Thomas Eckmann, Nathan Groth, Anne Vandergriend, Ty Haase, Bayleigh Hoffman, Elizabeth Eckmann, Raquel Barragan, Jasmin Barragan, Ellen Hasenkamp, Garret Reimers, Thomas Wapelhorst.

Our winners were: second grade, Garret Meyer, first place; third and fourth grades, Thomas Eckmann, third place; fifth and sixth grades, Elizabeth Eckmann, second place.

School Accreditation

The accreditation committee is in the beginning stages of the self-study of our school. Volunteers are needed to help look at 11 standards. The steering committee is looking at vision and mission; teaching staff at curriculum, instruction and evaluation. Chairs of the other seven standards are Kari Haase, relationships; Ken Echtenkamp, leadership; Michelle Schiller, personnel; Juie Groth, student services; Marcia Beck, health and safety; Mike Haase, facilities; and Harlan VanderGriend, finance.

Your talents can be used in any of these areas. Please contact the chairmen or Larry Wegner at 372-2465.

The next meeting is April 8 at 7 pm. The steering committee will meet the second Tuesday of each month.

Thank You
Easter lilies were given: in loving memory of Bill and Alice Reeson by their children and grandchildren; in memory of Vernon and Ruth Meyer, Albert and Frieda Meyer, and Harly Rozendal by Larry Wegner; in memory of Ralph and Martha Benne and Henry and Alma Zieg by Don and Vera Benne; in memory of George H. and Ilse Wimmer and Kenneth Beckenhauer by George and Ann Wimmer and family; in memory of Marvin and Jeanelle Loewe by Donald and Starla Ehrisman; in memory of loved ones by Bernice Miller; by Pastor Kevin and Kristi Cook in memory of Maddy and in celebration of Leah’s first Easter.

With promise of Spring for everyone back home, the summer season has just begun here. Before eight in the morning you feel the sun’s power.

As a Christian I reflect on Easter. Don't you wish you could have been there that first Easter morning? God, raised His son from the grave.

It has been a great opportunity for me to proclaim that Jesus has risen for us all. I don't know what lies ahead for the next few weeks, but I know whatever it is God has already planned that for me.

Feb 27 - March 1 I went on a three day mission trip with Pastor Hedtke and Dang to a refuge camp near the Malaysia border. The school children sang songs in their native language and in English. All these people are Burmese. They also gave us gifts, though their singing was a gift on its own. This trip was a whole new experience for me, one that I'll never forget.

March 3 we went to see Pastor Taweep installed at the church, PonPhet. This is the church that Pastor Hedtke was filling in for. It's wonderful to know that more Pastors are being installed, as there are so few churches. One can see God's plans.

This week was my first time to go alone to the Encouraging Women's Bible study in Nichada Thani. Robin has summer classes so her time is limited, so she told me what to say to the drivers, and you know what I did it. I have learned the very basic words for left, right, straight, yes and no. Though the drivers say they don't know any English, they suprise a person once in awhile with a word or two of English.

My classes for this term aren't as full as I would like them. But sometimes having a small class gives me a better chance to have them ask questions that will let me tell them of Jesus which it has.

Saturday, March 22, we had an Easter party after class for the students. There were about 30 in attendance, we sang songs, did word puzzles, colored Easter eggs, and had a lunch. My writing student Tiew had asked me what holi (holy) meant, and what an egg hunt was. We have told students here that the egg represents new life as Jesus was brought back to life for all of us. When she was coloring her egg, she put a cross on hers, then told me to have it as a gift.

Bright and early Easter Sunday morning we had the church’s first sunrise service. Had ten which was good. There are only about thirty-five members.

With just a few weeks left I pray God continues to work in me, and when I return home that His love continues to grow here in Thailand. When I share my experiences of the works that has been planted in me, that others may help to extend His kingdom as there is a need for volunteer teachers at the CGM center. It's worthwhile to be able to share in God's word, teach them and to know them.

My apologies to all who have noticed a lack of care and organization in
the library. It has become very difficult for me to keep up with the
tasks that need to be done. Besides not having the time, I have physical limitations.

When the library was established in 1993, I had no idea what the Lord had in mind. What began with “a few” donated books on a shelf
has become, 15 years later, a room filled with numerous resources that
fill the soul with spiritual truths as well as wholesome entertainment.
The Lord has blessed my life with this ministry and the people who have
supported it. Lots of small “Love Inspired” Christian novels have been donated
recently but I have not been able to get all of them checked in. If any one (or two) would be interested in taking over the responsibilities of the library, with or without my help, please call me. I know that someone also feels God’s call for this ministry.
The library hosts the four fellowship coffees in April. If you can help with any of these, please call me.

As we look forward to the Spring weather and the new life it brings, may
the joy of Jesus’ Resurrection continue to guide you in witness to one
another.

Saturday, March 8, Eric Crouch Husker quarterback and 2001 Heisman trophy winner, was at St Paul Lutheran School to visit with kids and sign autographs. We used this opportunity to raise funds for tuition assistance for the school. Eric Crouch owns the company where we purchased playground equipment. We appreciate everyone that turned out for the signing, raising $1,400 for tuition assistance, including the Thrivent matching funds.

A heart felt thanks to our wonderful church family. We are so thankful how the Lord used you to shower His blessings upon us. The gifts, cards, food, prayers, concerns and joyfulness at the arrival of Leah mean much to us. May God continue to bless you richly. Also a big thank you to those who also reminded me I got a year older the week Leah was born. Those cards were special, too.

Transfers Out: Candy Liermann and Tiffini Hashberger to Immanuel,
Beemer Jennifer, Justine, Jay and Jacob Gall to Christ Lutheran, Lincoln.

Mousie couldn’t believe her ears at St. Paul’s Trivia Night. All that happy noise . . . even when the oldsters were stumped by the youngsters! Who would think we’d have so much fun when we were losing!

When the Bible category came up, Pastor Bringewatt was told he better get the questions all right or he could pack his bags. That table did miss a couple (they were tricky questions), but nobody wanted Pastor to rescind his call!

July 9, 7:00 p.m. - Rev. Bob and Diana Hedtke will speak of how God has called them to Thailand and is allowing them to train and equip thousands of people to work among the Hmong people.

Funds to support the Hedtkes can be sent to Mission Central, 40718 Highway E 16, Mapleton, IA 51034-7105. Please include project # 421010403-50191 on your gift so it goes to the Hedtkes’ fund.

Please remember to notify the church of your new address. Each returned piece of mail costs us.

Lutheran Women In Mission

Preschool –

Kindergarten

First and

Lutheran Women
In Mission