CSY Community,
As we approach the second half of the school year, it is my desire to share an observation of our school, the people that make up our CSY community, and goals for the remainder of the school year.
Romans 3:10 reminds us, “as it is written, there is no one righteous, not even one.” Despite the best motivations and intentions, none of us are perfect. Our school has flaws, our teachers make mistakes, our students occasionally make poor choices, and the school Superintendent is in need for forgiveness just as much as the rest. While maybe not a wise marketing strategy, if someone would ask me to describe our school, I might begin with, “we are an imperfect school, with imperfect students, taught and led by imperfect teachers and leaders”. Then I would add, “CSY is also a school filled with staff that embrace God’s truth, pray for God’s forgiveness and grace, desire to honor Him in all things, and strive to live joyfully for the Lord.” Furthermore, while we acknowledge that we indeed live in a sin filled world, that truth is not an excuse to not do our very best. CSY continues to strive for excellence in all areas, with our motivation to be excellent as way to honor God (Col. 3:23).
Let us be encouraged by Paul’s word to the Galatians (vs. 6:9), “let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” On more than once occasion I have heard someone express disbelief that students at a “Christian school” (any Christian school, CSY or otherwise) might make a poor choice, say something unkind, or do something that is less than honoring, but should we be surprised? Haven’t we all fallen short? Matthew 6:14 reads, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” But, how many times should we have to forgive someone who stumbles? To this question, Jesus answers Peter directly and says, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven” (Matt. 18:22). Jesus is saying the amount of times we might need to forgive someone is so large, that it is silly to be keeping an account. This is not to say that bad behavior goes without correction. We also know that James 2:26 says faith without works is dead and that we can only run a race with perseverance if we remain focused on Jesus (Heb. 12:1-3). Forgiveness, followed by correction, followed by action is the path to spiritual maturity in our lives, as well as those of our students. It is my hope that CSY is, and always will be, a school that demonstrates the Fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23): love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
As we enter the second half of this school year, let us not forget our theme for the year and the shared goals of those in our community. As followers of Jesus Christ, and partners in education, we must commit to:
Prayer- Pray for our school, our students, our staff, and our families.
Planting seeds- It is incumbent on all of us to share God’s truth with our children and those in the community.
Plowing- Do not grow weary doing God’s work; rather embrace the challenges and obstacles the enemy throws at us and allow the Holy Spirit to work through us.
Partnering- We believe to best support a child that the church, school and family must partner in responsibility for spiritual maturation. Your partnership in the form of communication, volunteerism, time, talent and treasure are the ingredients to a flourishing Christian school.
Thank you for your support of Christian School of York. May the rest of this school year give rise to students that are “Rooted and Growing in Christ”!
Blessings and peace to you,
Andy Bell
Superintendent
Christian School of York