Puyallup ELC Blog

As I write this, I am sitting in the Forum Deo Gloria PAC looking at an unpainted set that was lovingly built by many parents, students, and staff over the weekend. Our Production Workshop class and the cast will be painting it, bringing color and pattern to its bare, rough walls. As the week progresses, student actors will continue to rehearse and bring to life comedic characters written in the 1930s. Next week we will add lights, sound cues, microphones, and costumes. The following week, November 20–22, we will add the final element, the audience, who will experience the story for the first time and hopefully come to love its quirky characters and uplifting message as much as we have through this process.

This massive collaborative art form, theatre, brings together people from all walks of life. Among others, we need individuals skilled in construction who understand how pieces of raw material can come together to form a whole; visual artists who use their imaginations to envision another place and time and use their talent to transport audiences there; and actors who use their instruments of voice, physicality, and expression to embody another person’s experience and explore how humans interact with each other in times of conflict and moments of connection.  

This whole process recalls the letter Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus (and likely other churches) in the first century. In Ephesians 1:10 Paul explains God’s purpose is to bring all things in heaven and earth together in Christ. As the letter goes on, he explores the multifaceted wisdom of God in choosing to do this through the story of the people of Israel, which culminates in Israel’s Messiah, Jesus. Through Him, God brought the gentiles into His chosen family. Now that blessing can extend to all humanity! Paul also describes powers, both physical and unseen, that separate and divide. He contrasts these divisive powers with God’s purpose to unify all things in Christ.

The story of the Bible, and a central theme in Ephesians, is about God bringing two different families together. How interesting that this could also describe the basic plot of our play! Moreover, putting on a play is a big project that brings together people with diverse backgrounds and abilities. God’s big project to heal the cosmos in Jesus unites people from different ethnic, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds into the one eternal family of our Creator. He planned before time how we would show His wisdom to the cosmic powers as we, His followers, grow together into a dwelling fit for His Spirit. We live out His calling as we represent Jesus to this hurting world, bringing healing and unity wherever we find brokenness.  

Maybe this play appears to be just a sweet, little, old-fashioned comedy—but, in God’s wisdom, maybe the servant-hearted community that brought this project together and the unity our story points to as an ideal could really represent a tiny working model of new creation. 

As Veterans Day approaches, our center is preparing to honor the brave men and women who have served our country with dedication and courage. This annual celebration is a meaningful time to reflect on the sacrifices made by our veterans and to express our gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy because of their service.

At the heart of our celebrations is Veterans Security Operations (VSO). VSO is a dedicated group of veterans who serve within our schools to help maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all students and staff. Our VSO Officer Joshua Winters’ presence on campus goes far beyond security; he serves as a role model and living example of integrity, teamwork, and service to others for our little learners. Through his daily work and continued commitment, Officer Josh reminds us of the values that make our nation strong. He helps ensure that our campus remains not only secure but also connected and a place where respect and community thrive.

In recognition of Veterans Day, we love to honor those who are currently serving in the military or have served in the past by putting together a slideshow of photos to display in our lobby throughout Veterans Day week. Make sure that you take a look or ask how you can add your veteran to the slideshow.

We invite all families to join us as we celebrate and honor our veterans. Their courage, discipline, and ongoing service inspire us every day, and on Veterans Day we are proud to stand together in gratitude.

Important PELC Dates:

11/3–11/6 Infant & Toddler Fall Conferences (Childcare Open)

11/10–11/11 Veterans Day Observed (NO Part-Day KPrep - Childcare Open)

11/10–11/13 Rescheduled Lifetouch Individual Pictures

11/10–11/14 Lions, Crocodiles, and Zebras Fall Conferences (Childcare Open)

11/15 Night of Generosity  

11/17–11/20 Tigers and Giraffes Fall Conferences (Childcare Open)

11/19 KPrep Chapel Day - Wear your CCS gear!

11/21 & 11/24–11/25 Part-Day KPrep Fall Conferences - No Class (Childcare Open)

11/26–11/28 Thanksgiving Break (CENTER CLOSED)