Blessings to each of you!

I want to again express my gratitude for the kind words of encouragement and support that I have received from so many of you over the course of the last several weeks. I know it has been an adjustment for all of us but your understanding and prayers are much appreciated!

The 6^th graders are continuing Unit 6 on Jesus’ resurrection that we began last week. We have had some very wonderful class discussions going over the workbook materials. You may have noticed that rather than have the students complete the workbook pages on their own outside of class I have had them working on them in class together. I think this will lend itself better to getting the most out of the workbook materials as I am able to explain the lessons as they complete them rather than having them work on them on their own outside of class time. 

The 7^th and 8^th graders are continuing Unit 6 on prayer that we began last week. We have had some very fruitful class discussions on prayer AND ALSO began praying as part of our class time together. My desire is not just to teach about prayer, but to give them opportunities to pray. For some students, I suspect this may be a bit of a stretch but I was so proud to see them boldly pray to God. My hope is that they will become comfortable with praying “on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests,” (Eph. 6:18).

We also continue to spend time daily in God’s Word. This last week the students spent 30 minutes over the course of the week in personal study of a certain segment of Scripture. What was really exciting was having them share with the class on Friday what God has spoken to them through studying His Word that week! Again, my desire is that they will learn to hunger for God’s Word as they experience the power of spending time with Him on a regular basis.

Finally, the students spent time memorizing selected verses of the Bible. Please know that my goal is not only for them to memorize the words but also to understand the meaning and context so God can apply it to their lives here and now. God’s Word is “alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart,” (Hebrews 4:12). That is why we memorize it. 

Thank you for your prayers. Also know that I am praying for you. If there is anything specific you’d like me to know and/or pray for – don’t hesitate to contact me. Also, if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me.

~ Mr. Holmes

March 17, 2018

Dear Parents and Students,     

                                                                                               

Let me begin by expressing my apologies for the time it has taken to get this blog written. I had wanted and intended to write it last week but due to the learning curve I have experienced since beginning on March 1^st, I was unable to get the chance. Thank you for your patience and understanding as I try and get up to the speed.

I want you to know that it has been a pleasure to serve you as the ECS Bible school teacher and I can’t thank everyone enough for their encouragement, support and prayers. What a wonderful group of administrative staff, teachers, parents and student we have here at ECS!

With regard to Bible class, the 6th graders just finished reading and discussing the events leading up to and including Jesus’ crucifixion and death. We had quite a discussion just this last week with regard to what Jesus endured on the cross (both physically and spiritually) and I know many of the students were impacted by the events of the Passion Week. The next two weeks leading up to Easter we will be working through Unit 6 which deals with the events surrounding Jesus’ resurrection!

The 7^th and 8^th graders began a new unit dealing with prayer. This has provided for several in depth discussions on prayer, including fasting and the relationship between prayer and faith. I have been challenging the students to spend more time with God in prayer as well as fasting (not necessarily from food but other areas of sacrifice – such as social media!)

I also want you to know that I have the students studying pre-selected passages of the Bible, and journaling about them. They have 30 minutes set aside in class throughout the week to do this and then have the opportunity to share with the rest of their classmates what God has said to them. My hope and prayer is that this will give them both a love for God’s Word and a hunger for more of God!

Please also know that I am praying for each of the students and their families. If there is anything specific you’d like to me know and/or pray for – don’t hesitate to contact me. Also, if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me.

This week’s memory verses:

6th – The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. Psalm 19:8

7^th/8^th – For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Blessings in Christ!

Mr. Holmes

Greetings from Mr. Holmes

Greetings!

I want to thank everyone who has reached out to me expressing your appreciation and support as I step into this new role as ECS Middle School Bible teacher. As I told the students last Thursday, Mr. Webb has very big shoes to fill. We all love and appreciate Mr. Webb very much. My prayer is that God will help me to follow Mr. Webb's example of faithfulness and love.

A few quick facts about me: I have been married for 25 years to my best friend Laura. We have three children. Elise is 20, Sydney is 18 and Ty, who is a 6th grader at ECS, is 12. Before coming to ECS I served as a pastor for 20+ years with a majority of those years (18) at Rochester Life Assembly of God. I also serve as a mentor at ECC's School of Ministry and I teach as an online adjunct professor for Northwest University. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Bible and Theology from Global University and a Master's Degree in Ministry Leadership from George Fox Evangelical Seminary. 

I am very excited to have the privilege to join the wonderful team of admin staff and teachers at ECS as well as get to invest in the wonderful students we have here. I ask for your continuing prayers as we learn and grow together through the course of the rest of the school year. Please feel free to email me or give me a call with any questions you may have.

As you can imagine, I expect it will take me a bit of time to "get my feet underneath me" so I ask for your patience as well. I want to thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this season of transition and adjustment for all of us. For now, I don't plan on making too many changes to the teaching plans and processes Mr. Webb had in place. I will do my best to keep you informed as we move forward.

Blessings in Christ!

Mr. Holmes