But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. -1 Peter 2:9

We all know the experience of being picked for a special task. Our name was picked out of a hat first, or we were called on when we raised our hand. Maybe we still remember being picked last for a team or work group. Being chosen… or not chosen, can stir up memories and nagging questions: Am I good enough? Through the Apostle Peter, God reminds us that we are chosen and loved by him. This truth is rooted in God's grace and demonstrated in the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus.

The Old Testament is full of examples of God choosing people to be his own and serve in a special role. Abraham, Samuel, David, and Jeremiah were all chosen to carry forward the promise of salvation. So too, God has adopted us and welcomed us into his family. Our identity is secure because we are God’s dearly loved children. We do not have to wonder where we stand with God. He assures us of that truth over and over through his Word and Sacraments. God so loved the world. The Father so loves you.

Priests played a special role in the Old Testament. They had the privilege of coming before God on behalf of the people. Christ’s death tore the temple curtain. Now every believer can approach God. We pray, worship, and serve him in our daily lives. In the priesthood of all believers, God calls us to reflect his love and mercy to those around us. If that were not enough, add in royal status! We are sons and daughters of the king who can now intercede on behalf of others. God has blessed us with a special purpose and calling.

Peter continues by calling God’s people “a holy nation” and “God’s special possession.” These words remind us that we are set apart and belong to him, not as slaves or captives, but as family and heirs. We no longer need to chase meaning through achievement, fame, possessions, or the next source of fulfillment. God gives us something far greater. Our value comes from being his treasured possession. Through the blood of Jesus, God has claimed us as his own. Nothing can separate us from his love.

God not only chose us, but he also gives us purpose. Marvel that God called you out of darkness and brought you into his wonderful light. Remember who you are and what you once were apart from Christ. Now he calls you to “declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” God's love illuminates our hearts and shines through in our lives. We reflect God’s grace to others. Our whole life is now worship. Paul calls us a “living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1).

At Our Redeemer, we have been gathered as a people chosen and loved by God. Through his Word, he strengthens our faith and sends us into the world as lights in the darkness. May we remember each day who we are: God's chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, his treasured possession, redeemed by Christ and called to declare his praises. May his love shine through us so that others may come to know the joy of sins forgiven and the hope of eternal life. May this amazing love be the center of our homes, our classrooms, our lives, and our eternity.

Two wonders here that I confess, My worth and my unworthiness. My value fixed- my ransom paid, at the cross.

I rejoice in my Redeemer Greatest Treasure, Wellspring of my soul! I will trust in Him, no other. My soul is satisfied in Him alone.

(Christian Worship 753:5 My Worth is Not in What I Own)

-Principal Peck

“He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” -Psalm 23:3

Time leaves its mark on everything, whether it’s a classic car, a historic home, or a priceless painting. Wind, water, heat, and decay wear down even our most treasured possessions. Restoration requires more than tools and techniques. It demands patience, precision, and a vision of what could be again. A restorer might sift through online marketplaces and forgotten salvage yards to find an OEM door handle or hood ornament. For some, reviving a relic of the past becomes their life’s work.

As objects suffer wear and need careful restoration, so do our souls. Psalm 23 paints a picture of Jesus, our Good Shepherd. “He restores my soul.” Why would our souls need restoration? Sin fractured the peace that once accompanied creation. Since the fall in Eden, humanity inherited restless hearts, unfulfilled hopes, and a desire to be made whole.

As sheep, we are prone to wander. Temptation obscures our path. Sin can easily ensnare and further separate us from God. Yet, our Shepherd does not abandon his sheep. He paid the ultimate price to protect his flock. From the earliest pages of the Old Testament, the Lord taught His people to look for a sacrificial substitute. Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God, gave his life to remove the world’s sin and restore what sin had broken.

A shepherd who rescues his sheep doesn’t leave them to wander. He leads them away from danger and towards verdant pastures. “He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” God gives us his grace generously. Through Jesus words and promises, he leads us. Along the way, He feeds us through the holy supper. Forgiveness, strength, and new life flow from the table he prepares. When the valley of the shadow of death looms, our baptism anchors us in the assurance that we are eternally his. Pathways are formed by repeated use. Over a lifetime, pathways of righteousness become the hallmark of a believer.

At Our Redeemer, we walk these paths of righteousness together. In classrooms, chapel services, hallways, and the playground, spiritual restoration overflows into our daily lives. Through acts of forgiveness, words of grace, and quiet moments of prayer, the Shepherd encourages his flock. We are fully known by our Shepherd, faults and all, and fully loved. In the care of our Good Shepherd, we teach, learn, forgive, and grow. Psalm 23 describes a beautiful relationship between God and his people. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6). Until we dwell in the house of the Lord, may God direct our steps according to his will.

All this day thy hand has led me, and I thank thee for thy care; thou hast clothed me, warmed and fed me, listen to my evening prayer. When I’m troubled and afraid I will trust in thee and pray. Jesus, tender Shepherd, hear me, bless thy little lamb tonight, bless thy little lamb tonight. (Christian Worship 793:2)

-Principal Peck

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” Psalm 136 repeats this powerful phrase, “His love endures forever,” 26 times across all 26 verses. This simple yet profound refrain serves as the table prayer in my home. A toddler can learn to pray these words, yet it takes a lifetime to fully appreciate their depth.

Thanksgiving offers us a rare moment to slow down and reflect on all of God's blessings before the swift current of the holiday season. Instead of rushing off to the next thing, let’s ponder what God has given us in this refrain. We never tire of celebrating annual holidays with family and loved ones. Maybe it’s because holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas rehearse the mighty acts of our God. Jesus humbled himself to be born in a manger. His perfect life and sacrificial death secured our salvation. Now, every good and perfect gift we have comes from the hand of God. Before we meet our Savior face to face, we may have 10, 30, or 50 more "refrains" (years) left on this earth. The annual routines and milestones give us time to remember the great things God has done for us and redirect our eyes back to Him.

Thanksgiving celebrations may be muted for a time because of an empty chair at the table. Perhaps a relationship remains broken, or a loved one’s passing has left a lasting ache. In these moments, Thanksgiving recalls our pain. Yet, no matter how imperfect earthly love is, God's love never fails. In all things, we can give thanks to the Lord, not with naive optimism, but with the firm promise that His love endures forever. Scripture demonstrates God's faithful love through every generation. What else on earth can stay with us for a lifetime and endure eternity? 

This Thanksgiving, let your heart be refreshed and reminded again that God loves you. He is good, and His love for you will never fade. Bask in that love and push back against the rush of the holiday frenzy. Giving thanks requires space to ponder the great things God has done for you and your family. Let the refrain of thankfulness echo—not just today, but every day. Over a lifetime, you will see, “His love endures forever.”

Happy Thanksgiving- Principal Peck

Jesus delivered seven “I am” statements in the gospel of John. This year’s school theme is based on John 14:6. “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” At the beginning of John 14, Jesus comforts his disciples and us with a promise. He is preparing a place in heaven for each of his dear children and will ensure they come home. Jesus uses the powerful biblical pattern of “I am” statements to emphasize this assurance.

Later in John’s Gospel, Jesus spoke, “I am he.” His captors drew back and fell to the ground, illustrating the power and authority in his words. These “I am” declarations reveal Jesus’ divine nature and his fulfillment of God’s promises. They connect the Old Testament to the New Testament, reminding us of God’s eternal presence. When Moses hesitated at the burning bush, God declared, “I AM.” This divine name, echoed in Jesus’ statements, connects us to God’s steadfast and unchanging grace.

“I am the way.”
In life, there are often multiple routes to a destination. You could choose to walk, bike, bus, or drive. We’re not used to being told there is only one way. Assembling an Ikea shelf according to the instructions works, but a little improvising is okay, right? Are there merely good ways or better, more efficient ways of doing things? Jesus makes a bold claim: He is the way. Notice the definite article points to the only way. Jesus is not “a” way among many. Earthly pursuits promise a good way– achievement, love, money, influence, career, recreation, independence– but these imitation ways will become dead ends apart from Christ.

“I am the truth.”
Standing face to face with the truth, Pilate could only retort, “What is truth?” Pilate’s words reverberate today as people are encouraged to speak their truth or think of truth as relative to the individual. Yet, Jesus claims to be the truth. When Jesus speaks, we listen because he speaks with authority. His words animated creation. His words restored the sick and broken in spirit. After his resurrection from the dead, his promises have extended to the ends of the earth. Jesus declared, “Because I live, you also will live” -John 14:19.

“I am the life.”
The first two “I am’s” lead to the third. When Thomas asked, “How can we know the way?” Jesus is it. Where do we find truth when AI generates vast amounts of information in seconds? Jesus is it. Whenever we substitute the things of this world to be the way, truth, or life, we will be disappointed or led astray. When doubts arise in your heart, go back to Christ. The Spirit strengthens our faith through God’s word and blesses us with peace. Life on earth flourishes when we rightly understand our relationship to our Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier. Life eternal begins when we enter our Father’s house and embrace what his love has prepared for us.

-Principal Peck

Jesus’ last days reveal the depth of his love. Consider what Jesus set his hands to accomplish during Holy Week. On Sunday, Jesus’ hands clutched the back of a humble donkey as he entered Jerusalem. Shouts echoed from the streets, “Hosanna, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” (Mark 11). These shouts of praise were exchanged for crucifixion chants by the end of the week.

On Monday, Jesus’ hands cleared the temple from corruption. Zeal for God’s house turned over tables and drove out the animals with a whip. After cleansing the temple, Jesus got back to work. He taught and healed the people.

Later that week, the disciples received a master class in selfless love. Jesus became a servant to model love unseen in the impulses of the world. The teacher cleaned and dried the feet of each student. In the upper room, Jesus’ hands blessed the Passover meal and distributed bread and wine. “Take and eat; this is my body. “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26).

After the meal, those trembling hands would be clenched in prayer, pleading with the Father in Gethsemane. Resolutely, Jesus extended his hand and drank the cup his Father willed. Before Jesus was bound for trial, his touch healed the captor’s severed ear. “No one takes it [my life] from me, but I lay it down of my own accord” (John 10).

Quaking hands resolved to endure false accusations, mockery, beatings, scourging, thorns, and nails. With hands fixed on the cross, Jesus pulled against the nails to expend a few breaths to care for his mother, pardon a condemned man, and forgive his enemies. “It is finished” (John 19), and his body was committed to burial by the hands of a few close followers.

Early Sunday morning stunned women clasped the feet of the resurrected Lord and worshiped him. The same scarred hands and feet bore witness to the resurrection. Holy Week firmly places our salvation in God’s hands. These are the same loving hands that will one day embrace you as Jesus declares, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world” (Matthew 25). Then, for eternity, you will know the full extent of God’s love for you. Until then, may God use your hands to carry out that upper room command. “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13).

-Principal Peck

“You’re in good hands.” Can you hear the actor’s deep voice from the commercials? Insurance products protect houses, apartments, wedding rings, boats, pets, health, and even gaps in insurance coverage. Insurance can be useful in the modern age. However, the more we safeguard possessions and the things of this life, the more we are tempted to believe we are in control. Fear of loss can easily direct daily thoughts back to the treasures threatened by moths, rust, and thieves.

Our school theme this year is Ever in God’s Hand. The theme acknowledges I am not in control of everything happening in the world, and that’s okay. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” -Isaiah 41:10. God reminds us fear has no place in our hearts, even when His promises seem far off. Challenges and trials can be embraced, knowing God has everything in His almighty hand.

God, who created the world, says, "I am your God". The Savior, whose hands were pierced for you, is with you to the end of the age. The Spirit works in you to shape your hands into instruments of love and blessing for others. Bible stories retell the faithful love of our God, who has promised to work all things for our good. Do not fear, do not be dismayed.

In your life, there will be a time when home insurance may not restore everything destroyed by floodwaters. The replacement wedding ring may not carry the same sentimental value as the original. Ultimately, health insurance can treat the disease but may not stop its deadly course. In these big moments of life and in the small details of today, remember that you are in God’s hand, and in you, he takes great delight.

For my life He bled and died, Christ will hold me fast; Justice has been satisfied; He will hold me fast. Raised with Him to endless life, He will hold me fast ‘Till our faith is turned to sight When He comes at last! (CW 813 He Will Hold Me Fast)

-Principal Peck

Wayfinding, orienteering, and navigation involve trying to get from one point to another, whether in an airport, among dense vegetation, or on a sailing vessel. When trying to get from point A to point B, maps can be essential equipment. A guide who has traveled the route before may prove helpful. Even with maps and guides, seasoned travelers experience nagging thoughts like, “are we going the right way?” “Does this road look right to you?”

This year’s school theme is based on 2 Corinthians 5:7, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” Walk by Faith embodies narratives throughout the Bible. One famous account is the story of Abraham who was asked to leave his homeland and become the father of a great nation (remember, he was 100 years old when Isaac was born). All people would be blessed through him. Abraham wouldn't live to see the whole story, and his journey would take many twists and turns, yet he proceeded to Walk by Faith.

God asked generations of believers to Walk by Faith as he unfolded his plan of salvation. All of the Old Testament points toward the Messiah. Jesus, Abraham’s descendant, brought blessing and salvation to all nations. We are members of Abraham’s family through faith and through God’s grace. “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:27-29).

Thank God that we can read the Bible through the eyes of faith. God’s Word is better than a map, it illuminates our path with gospel promises and encouragement from those who have gone before us. In moments when you wonder, “am I going the right way?” Cling to the Word of God because one day, your faith will be turned into sight! Don't forget that one of the blessings at Our Redeemer is that we can Walk by Faith together. 

We will stand as children of the promise; We will fix our eyes on Him, our soul’s reward. Till the race is finished and the work is done, We’ll walk by faith and not by sight. (CW 868 By Faith)

-Principal Peck

Do you visit ten stores before choosing the perfect Christmas gift? Maybe you spend hours creating a gift by hand. Perhaps the practical nature of the recipient compels you to get a gift like wool socks. Does the perfect gift rest under a decorated tree, accompanied by Christmas Carols and the scent of sugar cookies? Whatever your idea of the perfect Christmas gift, it usually starts with lofty expectations.

Marvel at the planning that went into God sending his one and only Son. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve fell into sin by a tree. In Genesis 3, God delivered his first promise of the Savior who would redeem the world by a tree. God sustained that promise by saving Noah and his family in the ark. The Old Testament patriarch, Abraham, lived by faith in that promise. God taught generations of his people what the promised Messiah would be like and come to do. Leaders like Moses and David served as prototypes of the coming Messiah. Prophets like Isaiah and Micah pointed towards the light of the Savior even when God’s people wandered in darkness. “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” -Galatians 4:4-5.

The pages of Scripture point to Jesus. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 is familiar, so familiar maybe you even have it memorized. Children proclaim this message in their Christmas Service. Jesus, the perfect gift of God, came to Earth to save you and me. Sometimes the best gifts seem too simplistic and easy to overlook, almost like another pair of wool socks or mittens from grandma.

This Christmas season, consider all that has happened for that perfect gift to come to you. Christians throughout the ages, grandparents, parents, pastors, teachers, and friends shared Jesus, the Light of the World. This perfect gift from God is why we give gifts year after year. As imperfect as our Christmas celebrations and presents are, we rejoice in the perfect gift of Jesus. He came to Earth to take away the sins of the world. The story of Jesus’s birth is not complete apart from the gift of the cross and empty tomb. “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15)! Ponder anew all that took place for that Gospel message to reach you and how you may share the love of Christ with others in your life.

-Principal Peck

Human beings long to be important. Think of a four-year-old who blurts out an exciting story in front of her classmates. Picture a fifth-grade boy who dreams of starting in the NBA Finals. What is TikTok other than a platform for teens to chase after influence and status? This inborn desire for importance tends to focus our eyes inward rather than on others. Satan has been using this deception since the first temptation when he promised, “your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God” (Genesis 3:5).

God’s Word provides a model for us that is unlike any other in this world. Jesus demonstrated his love for us by coming to the world, taking on human flesh, and laying down his life for the sins of the world. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords used his time on earth to teach, heal, and even wash his disciples’ feet. Serving means giving ourselves for the good of others. Only through God’s love for us can we fully serve and love our neighbor. Through God’s love, he turns our eyes outward from ourselves. We now see opportunities to serve those in our midst.

This year’s school theme is based on Galatians 5:13, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” (Galatians 5:13). Serve One Another in Love is the final phase in the Nurture, Build, Serve campaign. Christian education has always been a fundamental priority at ORLS. The building expansion is almost done. Now it is time to refocus our eyes on serving one another with the Word of God and the blessings he has given us. The message of the Gospel is so striking. The story of salvation is unlike anything else in this world, and it compels us to turn our eyes outward and see the opportunities to love and serve one another.

Gracious Lord, accept our service
For the sake of Christ, your Son;
Lo, our hope abides now only
In the righteousness he won.
Bless and save us; help and guide us; Watch to comfort and restore
Till in heav’n we rest rejoicing,
Praising you forevermore. CW484:3

-Principal Peck

"Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Be joyful always. How can the Apostle Paul be so unrealistic? Certainly, he didn’t have in mind the COVD-19 pandemic. How can we have joy when the prevailing culture is full of internet memes wishing 2020 was over? Three little words are the key to unlocking these commands- in Christ Jesus.

We are found in Christ Jesus through the power of God’s Word (Romans 1:16). We know that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). In fact, all things in this life will work for our ultimate good (Romans 8:28). Even something like suffering and trials can help refine and strengthen our faith and hope in God (Romans 5:3-5). Christ rules in heaven and on earth. If Christ is ruling, then nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). Jesus, our Savior, hides in plain sight on pages of scripture. Through the Gospel, the Spirit works faith and brings comfort to our troubled hearts. Countless promises are recorded to assure us of his love and protecting care.

Pray continually | Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). God promises to hear us and invites us to commend our whole life to Him in prayer.

Be joyful | Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift (2 Corinthians 9:15). The gift of God’s grace moves us to reflect joy in our daily lives.

Give thanks in all circumstances | Paul wrote to the Philippians, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation—whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:12-13). Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus this Thanksgiving. He is all you need. May you find lasting joy in Christ and His sure promises. May His love move you to give thanks in all circumstances of life.

-Principal Peck

One of the things I love about school is that it has a certain rhythm and cycle to it. Back to school time buzzes with energy as students eagerly return for another year. Throughout the year, holidays and special events accentuate routine activities. You may be looking forward to the Children’s Christmas Service, the Spelling Bee, or Spirit Week. Eventually, everyone yearns for summer vacation. The cycle continues.

God built rhythms and cycles into creation. Snow in October may make you cringe, or it is a welcome sign of the weather to come. Just as soon as the leaves begin to fall, the trees seem to be budding again and the cycle continues. Another season… another year… another phase of life.

Rhythms and cycles are built into the life of a believer too. Two teachings in scripture need to be applied daily. God’s Law reminds us that he has a standard of perfection that we can never attain on our own. His Law specifically pricks our conscience and causes us to confess our sin. The beauty of God’s Word is at just that moment, we have another teaching to apply. The Gospel comes to us to forgive and restore us before God. His Word heals our hearts and relieves our consciences. In the peace of forgiveness, the Word now provides a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. The whole life of a believer resides between those two teachings. Each day the sun rises, and the cycle begins. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” - Lamentations 3:22-23

Thank God we have a lifetime of cycles to learn about His goodness, faithfulness, and love. Thank God we have His Word to remind us that our salvation is a gift we could never earn or deserve. As the school year's cadence marches on, take note and give thanks for the blessings that are new every morning. Give thanks for God’s Word, which is our stay in every season of life.

-Principal Peck

One of the most important features of your home is the foundation. The foundation is not as exciting as new flooring or updated bathrooms. Most people do not think about the foundation after the home inspection is finished. Water seepage, sticking doors, or cracked drywall may indicate a problem with the foundation. Good foundations have a way of blending into the structure and providing strength that is often unseen unless something goes wrong.

This world offers imitation foundations that threaten our spiritual house. Material blessings, success, and entertainment are great blessings on the surface. If these things become our foundation for life, storms will quickly reveal cracks, settling, and heaving. These imitation foundations will not carry us through the trials of life and will jeopardize our whole house.

Our school theme, Built on the Rock, comes from Jesus’ teaching about the wise and foolish builders. The illustration is clear and striking. Jesus warns against building on sand, any foundation apart from His Word. A house built on sand will not withstand the elements and will ultimately be destroyed. Build your house on the rock and it will withstand the wind and rain. “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24). As we hear and meditate on the words and promises of God, our spiritual house continues to be built on the Rock. Moved by the Gospel, we look for ways to love and serve others.

Built on the Rock provides us with a chance to reflect on the blessings of Christian education. Throughout the year, the Expansion Task Force will share information about expanding our campus to include an early childhood center and gymnasium. The committee’s theme for the project is nurture, build, serve. Our current ministry nurtures this firm foundation of God’s Word in the lives of our students and families. We desire to use the blessings God has given us to build an expanded facility to serve more people with the Gospel for generations to come.

The joy that comes from having a sure foundation is too good to keep to ourselves. The more God’s Word is proclaimed and spread, the more people will rest securely on the only rock-solid foundation, Jesus Christ.

-Principal Peck

Later this month family and friends will gather around the table and give thanks for many blessings. When times are good, it is easy to be thankful. We may even forget to be thankful because we have grown so accustomed to good times. At Thanksgiving time these words of Solomon are an important reminder to us.

Consider what God has done: Who can straighten what he has made crooked? When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. –Ecclesiastes 7:13-14

Whether you find your Thanksgiving filled with good times or bad, remember both are loving blessings from your Heavenly Father. God’s Word records countless promises for you especially in times of trouble. Even in the worst of times, God has promised to orchestrate all things for your good. He has also promised that He will never leave you or forsake you.

In this life, we learn to expect both times of joy and sadness. May God grant us the strength to accept both knowing they come from His loving hand. Look no further than the cross of Christ to be assured of God’s love for you. God did not spare Jesus from trouble on this earth. The Father knew that Jesus’ death would win salvation for the whole world. That gift of salvation is the message that allows us to see the good in all circumstances. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift that sustains us in both good times and bad.

-Principal Peck

Sheep sometimes get a bad rap for being simple creatures. Instead of simple, think of sheep as social animals. As social creatures, sheep display strong instincts to flock together for protection from predators. They also tend to follow a leader within their group. Some scientists even suggest grazing patterns are a result of learned traditions within a flock. According to National Geographic, sheep can remember 50 unique human faces. God designed a remarkable creature.

Jesus called Himself the Good Shepherd. We are His sheep. This illustration from the countryside helps us understand our relationship. “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:27-28).

A lamb had special meaning to the people of Jesus’ day. In the Old Testament, God’s people offered sacrifices as a part of their worship life. Those sacrifices pointed out their sin and pointed toward the perfect Lamb of God who was sacrificed to take away the sin of the world. The Good Shepherd laid down His life for His flock. His death on the cross atoned for our sins and the sins of the whole world. Most unexpectedly, the Shepherd became the Lamb.

John 10:14 says, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” What a comfort, Jesus knows every one of His sheep. While we graze, there will be wild animals and other distractions that try to lead us away from our Shepherd and cause us harm. Satan prowls around like a roaring lion (1Peter 5:8) and tries to snatch us out of Jesus’ hand. We are not alone. Jesus is with us, and He knows us by name, we have His Word to guide us and encourage us. We can call out to Him in times of trouble and temptation. He is faithful, and He will never abandon us.

As we begin a new school year under the theme, I Am Jesus’ Lamb, listen intently to your Shepherd’s voice. Place your trust in His protecting arms. God has placed you within His flock for comfort and safety. Our Good Shepherd preserves us in green pastures and promises we will never perish in His loving care.

I was so lost, I should have died, But you have brought me to your side To be led by your staff and rod And to be called a Lamb of God. CWS 748

-Principal Peck

Everyone has a different perspective of peace. Peace might mean reaching inbox zero after a busy week, the first day of summer vacation, an afternoon without baseball practice, or watching a perfect sunset over Lake Mendota. All of these peaceful moments eventually fade as life drives forward. Our experience with peace is temporary.

This school year our theme is Peace through Christ based on Philippians 4:7. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” The Word of God proclaims a different kind of peace. The Apostle Paul described an inexplicably comforting and sustaining peace that is ours in Christ.

In His mercy, God blesses us with glimpses of peace in our earthly lives. However, the sin within us and sin in the world has a way of disrupting our peace. Peace through Christ comes when God graciously gives us a new life through faith. Storms and trials may come and unsettle our lives, but ultimately we are at peace because God has assured us of our salvation (Romans 8:1). In His Word, God also graciously provides us with comfort when we encounter trials (Psalm 46:1). The fleeting peace we experience on earth foreshadows the eternal peace that will come through faith in Christ. The gift of heaven will never perish, spoil, or fade.

Venture deep into the Word of God this year, and there you will find Peace through Christ. Just as Jesus calmed the storm with His words, so His words can calm our troubled hearts. We know that all things are in His care. May God richly bless our school community as we find Peace through Christ. Share that peace by comforting and encouraging one another.

Those who love the Father, Though the storms may gather, Still have peace within. Yea, whate'er I here must bear, Thou art still my purest pleasure, Jesus, priceless treasure! (CW 349:5)

-Principal Peck

Strong in the Lord: Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

Dear students of Our Redeemer Lutheran School,

I can tell you are excited for your summer vacation to begin. When you hear the word summer, your minds fill with vacation plans, sports practices, thoughts of sleeping in, and maybe even a summer job. Change can be good, but it also brings uncertainty and questions. This school year, you focused on a promise I gave Joshua. I reminded him in a time of doubt to be strong and courageous because I was with him wherever he went. I made that promise a long time ago, but it still stands for you too. I will be with you, wherever you go this summer.

Your path will undoubtedly include challenges and trials. Know that you will face temptations. Some temptations may come in the form of friends, who look to lead you away from my words and the commandments you have memorized and to worldly things. They might lead you to think sin is “no big deal” or something everyone else at their school does. Some temptations will come from your sinful nature. You may feel a pull to ignore my Word or feel that reading the Bible is only for when you are in school. Ignoring my Word puts distance between us. Temptations may come from the sinful world through your cell phones and computer screens. Satan loves to use the popular things of this world to twist you into thinking they are worth all your time and attention, and all too often, all your heart. In all these temptations, you will find strength in me to overcome. I will be with you, be careful not to cast me aside for temporary, worthless things.

As I have been, with countless Christians before you, I will be there when you fall. Return to me in repentance for my arms will be open to welcome you back with the forgiveness my Son won for you. You are always welcome. I have promised: never will I leave you, never will I forsake you. The only way to grow stronger in me is through the power of My Word. The good news of My Son’s death and resurrection turns hardened hearts of stone to living, joyful hearts.

Your pastors and teachers have taught you this year to remain Strong in Me. These men and women are my faithful servants. Honor them, pray for them, and encourage them for they shepherd your souls. Listen to their instruction, for the wisdom they share, they have learned from me.

In your homes and among your family and friends, let the light of the gospel shine bright. For when others see your good deeds, they bring praise before me. Look for opportunities to love and serve those around you. For in loving and serving them, you also love and serve me. Encourage your parents to pray with you, have devotions, and read from my word, for there you will stay connected to all the promises I have made to you.

The unbelieving world looks for strength in many places: the gym, the library, large amounts of money, or their health. Strengthen your souls in my promises that will never fail you. I have overseen summers come and go for thousands of years. I see the seasons of life quickly change. I have seen the strong man grow weak and old. Your life is but an instant. Even though this world will pass away, my word never changes, and my promises will sustain you all your days. Be strong in me, for there you will find joy. This summer prepare your hearts to be with me forever.

In love, Your Heavenly Father

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” -Matthew 7:24-25 

A phrase I often hear is, "my child received a good foundation at Our Redeemer." It's a meaningful compliment, and it's true, but it's also worth sitting with what a foundation actually is.

A sturdy, square foundation makes for a sound building. But we would find it strange if someone invested time and resources into a foundation and then simply… stopped. Foundations are meant to be built upon. Growing and maturing in faith is a lifelong endeavor. We are never done exploring the heights and depths of Jesus' love.

One temptation to guard against is the assumption that when a student graduates from ORLS, they are fully equipped to coast through the rest of life on the training they've received. The Word of God isn't a finished product, it's a living one. Our prayer is that students and families continue building on that instruction long after they leave our halls.

After all, even a finished house requires upkeep. The lawn needs tending, the walls need painting, the floors need cleaning. Maintenance isn't failure, it's faithfulness. The same is true of our faith. Remain in the Word through regular reading and study. Rehearse the promises God has made to us in Christ. Pray. Pursue fellowship with other believers. Receive the Lord's Supper often.

The storms will come. The winds and hail will beat against the siding. But the promises of our God don't just give us a solid foundation, they sustain the whole house, all the days of our lives.

Yes, your children are receiving a wonderful start in God's Word. But a foundation is just that, a foundation. Keep building.

-Principal Peck