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McAlder Campus Blog

Appreciating Our Office Support Staff

April 24, 2024
By Tim Lorenz, Principal

We are beyond blessed and grateful for the office support staff we have working here at McAlder, and this amazing team just continues to grow. Below is the list of those I would like to include and celebrate this year for their significant contributions, both up front and behind the scenes, in supporting our administrators, parents, teachers and students:

Ronda Gregory - Administrative Assistant  

Emily De La Torre - Receptionist  

Shannon Louman - Maintenance Supervisor

Alex Kesler - Campus Enrollment Manager (CEM)

Kiley Gallentine – School Counselor

Arielle LaSalata – Resource Specialist

Hanna Tolbert – Kitchen Manager

Esther Smith – Kitchen Assistant

These individuals are incredible in the unique role they each play here at the McAlder Campus. Some of the above-mentioned are the first interaction that people have when they walk through our doors. Some work in areas of hospitality and service. They are quick to act on whatever needs doing and are known to go above and beyond. One of the reasons McAlder is such a special place is because of their work in these important roles. Thank you for allowing God to work through you as you serve our campus! 

An Unforgettable Experience

April 17, 2024
By Tyler McClung, CCS Board Chair

CCS Community:

I recently had the chance to chaperone the 8th grade I-Term trip to Washington D.C., an unforgettable experience. It was rewarding to watch our teachers and staff plan the trip, our parents engage with students as chaperones, and our students view American history through a biblical lens. I was reminded of Cascade Christian’s core value of wisdom, viewing life from God’s perspective, and of the commitment to immerse students in a biblical worldview in every area of life.

The trip reminded me of our many blessings, including living in a country where our founders established religious freedom nearly 250 years ago. This freedom allows us to continue to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ actively, making it possible for our students to pursue their God-given purpose and potential. Not all societies around the world enjoy these same freedoms and privileges that we do.

I was impressed by our students’ engagement during the trip and by their ability to respectfully interact with each other for five days. This is one of the many benefits of Cascade Christian Schools, where we are committed to treating everyone with love, respect, and dignity, recognizing each individual as uniquely created in the image of God. It was great to see the kids living out the importance of unity within community!  

As a board member, I participate in an annual meeting with outgoing seniors. When asked about their favorite memories, the most common answer is I-Term. This is where all the learning throughout the years is put into action, either through serving others or learning more about God’s Kingdom. This is a beautiful reminder of the blessing of being part of the Cascade Christian community.  

Finally, I want to specifically thank all of our teachers and staff who facilitated these amazing trips. Our students will surely remember their I-Term experiences for years to come. Your hard work and dedication has created a significant impact. 

Tyler McClung

CCS Board Chair 

 

Finding Refuge in God's Presence: Trusting in His Unfailing Security

April 10, 2024
By Jake Petersen, Director of Safety and Security

As we navigate the challenges of life, we often seek security in various forms—financial stability, social connections, physical safety. Yet, true security can be found only in God, who is our ultimate refuge and strength. Like a sturdy shelter in the midst of a storm, God offers us a safe haven where we can find peace and protection.

Psalm 27 speaks to the universal human longing for security and protection in the face of life’s uncertainties. Written by King David, this ancient hymn resonates with timeless truths about finding refuge in the intimate presence of God.

In verse 5, which says, “He will hide me in the secret place in His tent” (NASB), secret place is from the Hebrew word çêther, which means “covering, shelter, hiding place.” And the word tent is from the Hebrew word ʼôhel, which means “dwelling, home, habitation” of God—more than merely physical proximity. David is emphasizing the profound intimacy of our relationship with God that transcends the physical.

Throughout the month of April, we will be exploring what it means for us to DWELL IN GOD’S SECURITY. We want our students to look to God and trust in Him for ultimate security. Trusting in God's security means surrendering our fears and anxieties into His capable hands. It means acknowledging our dependence on Him for guidance, provision, and protection. When we place our trust in God, we can rest assured that He is faithful to uphold us, even in the darkest of times.

In a world filled with uncertainty, God remains our steadfast anchor. He is the one constant amid life’s ever-changing circumstances. When we abide in His presence, we experience a profound sense of peace that surpasses all understanding. We are reminded that no matter what challenges we face, God is always with us, leading us forward with unwavering love and grace.

Trusting in God’s security doesn’t mean that we will never encounter difficulties or hardships. Instead, it means that we can face life’s challenges with courage and resilience, knowing that God is fighting for us and working all things together for our good. In Him, we find the strength to persevere, the wisdom to navigate adversity, and the hope to press on toward the future He has planned for us.

As we reflect on Psalm 27:5, let us be reminded of the profound truth that God is our refuge and fortress, our ever-present help in times of trouble. May we take comfort in the assurance that we can trust in His unfailing security, knowing that He will never leave us nor forsake us.

 

Source:

StudyLight.org. (n.d.). Interlinear Bible. Retrieved March 19, 2024, from https://www.studylight.org/study-desk/interlinear.html?q1=Psalms+27:5.  

Happy Easter!

March 26, 2024
By Tim Lorenz, Principal

It is a joy to have the opportunity to share the message of Easter boldly on our campus, since it is the pivotal event in all of history! That last statement may sound dramatic, but for Christians and non-Christians alike, it is true. For Christians, we understand that through Christ—His death and resurrection—we once were lost and now we are found. For non-Christians, Jesus is the only way to the Father and to spend eternity with Him in heaven (whether or not they believe it), and He is the only way to find true peace in this life, through complete surrender to Him.

Speaking of joy (this month’s spiritual theme), here’s how it ties into Easter:

“For the JOY set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2, NIV, emphasis added)

So, what was Jesus’ joy? Well, I am pretty sure He was able to look ahead and see YOU and ME, choosing to believe in Him, thus becoming sons and daughters of the Father. And that’s what gave Him joy.

Praying you have a blessed Easter with your family and friends. 

Recent Posts

4/24/24 - By Tim Lorenz, Principal
4/17/24 - By Tyler McClung, CCS Board Chair
4/10/24 - By Jake Petersen, Director of Safety and Security
3/26/24 - By Tim Lorenz, Principal
3/20/24 - By Zoey Baldwin, CCS Senior

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