1. Pastor John Boggs Winnebago Lutheran Academy February 13 th, 2014

2.  “EDUCATIONAL Presentation?! They get that I’m a pastor, right?!”  “It’s a bunch of Lutheran educators, so what could go wrong?!”  “At least its after lunch, so no one will be listening anyway!!!”

5. Doing Ministry in today’s Lutheran Schools can be challenging, edifying, frustrating, and gratifying… often all in the same school day. Not only do our students present challenges to today’s educators, but the parents and family lives that these children come from bring added ‘baggage’ with them, as well.

7.  “Our family situation is unique!”  “Our child- and their blessings and struggles- is unique!”  “What works with other kids won’t with ours; you’re going to have to do something different!”  “If you as the teacher do everything that we as the parents want, everything will be just fine!”

8.  “Your child is dearly loved by myself and our school… but they are not the Second Coming of the Messiah!”  “That no matter how divided or dysfunctional the child’s home life is, adults need to be unified for helping, not hurting!”  “Excuses only satisfy the people that make them!” (my father to me 4,756 times)  “Everything works better when you as the parent are more partner than prosecutor!”

9. Psalm 119:9-11 9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. 10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. *********************************** Worth the INVESTMENT… TIME… EFFORT

10. Proverbs 8:10-11 10 Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, 11 for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. ****************************** - Get rid of the WORLD’s priorities - Focus on GOD’s priorities

11. Psalm 46 (excerpts) 1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way… 7 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress… 10 He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’

12. REMINDERS ABOUT USREMINDERS ABOUT GOD

13. The Cold, Hard Truth Families have baggage!!! Meet them where they are!!! Build up… Guide… Assist… and then remember there will be setbacks!!! Focus on the CHILD… on what YOU can do to help them succeed… Praise God for the opportunity… Go to him for help… Smile… Sleep!!! “For From Him and Through Him and To Him Are All things. To Him Be the Glory Forever. Amen.” - Romans 11:36