Saints Notes     July 21, 2012

When I first arrived at Lutheran High School of Indianapolis December 5, 2005 - I didn't quite know what to expect.

I never expected to ever work in a school setting.  Since I am not a teacher, the possibility never occurred to me.  The person you want in front of your students is someone (almost anyone) other than me.

Hired to serve as the school's Development Director, I walked through those doors with a mix of anticipation and trepidation.  A student held the door for me as I approached the front door one morning, and that was my first clue this place was different than high school as I remembered back 'in the day.'

The adventure included:

• witnessing the abundant blessings from God as each year the school received tremendous financial support and realized new donors throwing their support behind the ministry
• getting to know the Lutheran High extended family - student and alumni, parents, grandparents, and friends and hearing their Lutheran High Story
• being inspired working with student volunteers on Habitat for Humanity Builds
• watching the joy with which volunteers served in many and various ways made a difference for the mission of Lutheran High School
• and worked alongside tremendous servant-leaders who are the teachers and staff of Lutheran High School and those chosen to serve as members of the Board of Directors

There are thousands of stories that come to mind about the opportunity and privilege I've had to serve here and many highlights along the way.

The Chapel Services when students were baptized are at the top of my list of highlights.  Watching students receiving God's outpouring of love through the power of the Holy Spirit was an amazing, electric moment and a reminder that sharing the Gospel story is what we are about at Lutheran High School.

As Head of School, Mr. Brandt, likes to point out - it's through the freedom we receive as God's children that students may go confidently forward through their education and into their careers.

We've been blessed to receive gifts of all sizes and from many different sources.  One that will always stick with me was an envelope holding a couple of dollar bills and a handwritten note saying it was all they could share at the moment, but they loved Lutheran High School and were keeping the students and faculty in their prayers each day.

This place really is part of a worldwide ministry - students come here from around the world and our graduates go out to the world from our little corner in southeast Marion County, Indiana.  Be sure to look for the latest Lutheran HighLights which will be arriving in your mailboxes soon for some spectacular stories.

These are exciting times and YOUR Lutheran High is ready to move ahead.  Our teachers are ready and our students are ready for the thirty-seventh chapter set to unfold beginning August 8.

I've loved and enjoyed my time here at Lutheran High School - from the fun stuff of announcing and coaching the speech team to the remarkable and amazing students and their families who make this such an awesome place to serve.

My wife and I are thankful to the opportunity to join the Lutheran High family and the outstanding education our son, Mark received here.  As we prepare for our move to the next stop - back to Wisconsin and a position in Madison - the school's mission and ministry will remain close to our hearts.

As a parting note - I'd encourage you to continue to provide AID to LHSI - Attend events (concerts, dramas, ballgames, and other events); be Involved (as a volunteer and participant); and Donate (your time and treasures) in support of this fabulous ministry.

God's Blessings to each of you, and His continued blessings on His ministry at Lutheran High!