A Word from Mike Hottinger
Over the past term, Primary and Infants students here at Kuyper have been looking at the amazing, and sometimes sad, last days of Jesus’ life. Here is a summary of the narrative we shared with the kids:
Jesus had his last meal with his disciples. He was taken by the priests and beaten. Pilate had the chance to free him, and didn’t. Jesus was whipped, spat on and laughed at. He was forced to carry a heavy piece of wood up a hill, was nailed to it, and lifted up for everyone to look at. He cried out to God “Why have you forsaken me?” And there, the son of God died. Jesus’ body was taken down and placed in a tomb on the side of a hill with a giant rock in front of it. There were soldiers guarding the tomb…
The next part of the story is what makes it SO amazing!
Some women who were Jesus’ friends went to take care of his body by putting herbs and perfume on it. But when they got to the tomb, they saw that the giant rock had been moved. Then they looked inside the tomb and Jesus’ body was gone! They saw an angel sitting in the tomb instead, and they were terrified. The angel said “Do not be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus. He isn’t here. HE IS RISEN.” The women were very confused. They left the tomb wondering what had happened to Jesus, and suddenly, there he was! When they saw him, they hugged him. Jesus is alive! The women went and told the disciples. At first the disciples didn’t believe them, but then Jesus appeared to them too. He ate with them and said this:
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Matthew 28:19-20
“I am with you always, to the very end of the age” means that Jesus is with us right now, and he will continue to be with us forever. The Bible tells us, in Chapter 15 of 1 Corinthians, that 500 people saw Jesus before he was taken up to heaven. He is alive and he promised to be with us always. THIS is why Good Friday is so good. It’s the gospel; the good news of Jesus:
- On the cross our sin was dealt with completely; he took our punishment, BUT
- Jesus rose again! He defeated death.
- This means that we too will be raised. Our sin has been taken, and we can be friends with God. If we understand and accept Jesus’ death for us we will live with him forever.
- Good Friday is the day for us to reflect on Jesus’ death. On Easter Sunday we celebrate his resurrection. We need to remember the truth of Easter. Some people have forgotten it, and the world is constantly trying to tell us a different story.
The world has forgotten the wonder and horror of Easter. It has been drowned in a sea of bunnies and chocolate. Will you remember the REAL story? When you’re looking for eggs and eating chocolate, will you remember the sacrifice that Jesus made and his eternal love for us through his resurrection? Maybe, every time you open up an Easter egg, and crunch down on that delicious chocolate, look inside, remember that the tomb was EMPTY, and that Jesus is risen!
Easter is all about redemption. We are redeemed through the work of Jesus on the cross and his resurrection. This is the truth of Easter, always.
Reminders
- This Friday we will be holding our rescheduled W.O.W. Band-a-thon. This is an opportunity for us to sponsor our performers for their tour, as well as enjoy their music. See News & Notices for details.
- Parents of Year 7 – 9 students, please ensure that you give consent online for your child to participate in the Macquarie University Cyberbullying survey. See News & Notices for details and to access the link.
- The Arndell Interschool Equestrian Carnival will be held on Saturday 14 August 2021 at Hawkesbury Show Ground. Please contact the Office if you are interested in participating.
- NSW Government is helping families by offering vouchers, including Creative Kids, which will make it easier for school-aged children to try creative and cultural activities. Follow this link to find out more: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/creative-kids
Prayer & Praise
- Praise God that He is sovereign over ALL things and that we can trust in His care and concern for each one of us.
- Pray for Merrilynne and Ellie Shaw and their family as their grieve the loss of Merrilynne’s mother in WA. Give thanks for the faith that has assured her future. Pray for her family that they will be a comfort and support to each other over the coming weeks, months and years.
- Pray for schools in Victoria as they resume normal classes. Give thanks for dedicated staff; pray for strength, patience, mercy and hope.
- Pray for the Abraham family as they communicate with relatives in India, many of whom are sick with COVID. Pray for mercy and healing as well as comfort for all. Pray for the people of India and their government; for compassion, provision, protection and healing.
- Pray for the Tonkin family as they grieve the loss of their husband and father, Orson. Give thanks for his life and pray that Jo and Madison would receive all that they need at this time.
- Continue to pray for the Miller family and for Josh, who was admitted to hospital this week. Pray for wisdom and healing and hope.
- Give thanks for all our families and staff. Pray that we would lift each other up and seek unity and peace, with the help of our Lord.
- Pray for all in our community who are grieving, discouraged, anxious or unwell. Pray that their needs would be met and that God would give us all knowledge and inspiration to help where we can.
Everyone is welcome to attend our next prayer meeting which will be held in the Library on 16 June 2021, 7 – 7:30pm.
News & Notices
Congratulations Matilda!
Congratulations to Matilda Maunder, Year 7, who represented Kuyper at the Christian Schools Sports Association (CSSA) Secondary State Swimming Carnival today.
We hope you had a fabulous day at the Sydney International Aquatic Centre.
Orson Tonkin's Funeral Service
Jo and Madison Tonkin (Year 9) would like to invite you to attend the funeral of their husband and father, Orson.
The service will be held on Tuesday 6 April at 1pm at Castlebrook Memorial Park, Windsor Road, Rouse Hill, in the Garden Chapel.
Please pray for Jo and Madison at this difficult time.
Purple Hot Cross Bun Day is TOMORROW!
Purple Hot Cross Bun Day
What?! Everyone at school is invited to wear purple (non-uniform) and purchase a hot cross bun (or two) for $1 each. There will be chocolate or fruit buns to choose from, buttered or unbuttered.
When? Wednesday 31 March, at Recess
Where? in the Hall
Why? to raise funds for Epilepsy research and awareness
Get involved and Run4Bibles
Since 2009, and with the support of thousands of students across Australia and New Zealand, Bible League International have seen more than 340,000 students in South African public schools receive the Good News of Jesus Christ. Many of these students have their own history of pain, rejection and hurt. In 2009 God opened a door for Bible League to get Bibles into public schools. They are now able to minister directly to students, speak into their situations, open up possibilities for a future they may never have imagined, and invite them into the life that God wants them to live.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7
Bible League International invites you to join them in this “good fight” by raising money for Bibles to be donated in South African public schools. Collect your sponsorship form from your class or core teacher to begin raising money. We would love every student in the school to find at least 1 sponsor and be part of this great mission. $7 provides 1 bible for a student in a South African school.
Our Primary Cross Country event will be held on Wednesday 21 April.
Secondary students can continue to collect sponsorship. Sponsorship forms are due back on Tues 20 April.