Many of us take our freedom and safety for granted, and only rarely take the opportunity to thank those who have made sure our way of life can continue. Veteran’s Day is a federal holiday observed each year on November 11. While the day was initially picked to mark the end of the ‘War to End All Wars’ (World War I), it is now a national celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of their country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

“Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country’s cause. Honor, also, to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field and serves, as he best can, the same cause.” -Abraham Lincoln

Below are photos from Christ the King Lutheran Child Care Center, Redlands, CA:

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Dr. John Townsend is a business consultant, leadership coach and psychologist. He has written over 30 books, selling 10 million copies, including the New York Times best-selling Boundaries series, Leading from Your Gut, Handling Difficult People and People Fuel. John co-founded and directed a healthcare company for ten years, with operations in 35 cities in the western U.S. It was here that he learned the strategies for change and success, which he now employs in his coaching and consulting.

Dr. Tim Elmore is passionate about understanding the emerging generation and helping adults teach them how to become leaders in their schools, their communities and their careers. As a youth leadership expert and thought leader in his field, he educates adults to help them understand the challenges and experiences today's generation faces and connect with them in a way that resonates. Dr. Elmore believes, by cultivating leadership abilities in young adults and encouraging the adults who guide them, Growing Leaders can be the catalyst for emerging generations that will truly change the world. Dr. Tim Elmore teaches leadership courses and speaks at schools, universities, business, and athletic programs. He has trained thousands of leaders in partnership with nationally renowned schools and organizations like the San Francisco Giants, Home Depot, Stanford University, Virginia Tech, University of Alabama Athletics, Duke University, University of Texas, Chick-fil-a, Cici’s Pizza, Delta, and more. Dr. Elmore has also authored more than 30 books including: Habitudes®: Images that Form Leadership Habits and Attitudes, Artificial Maturity: Helping Kids Meet the Challenge of Becoming Authentic Adults, Generation iY: Secrets to Connecting With Today’s Teens & Young Adults in the Digital Age, 12 Huge Mistakes Parents Can Avoid, Life Giving Mentors, and Nurturing the Leader Within Your Child.

Our annual PSD Service Day is next Wednesday, November 18. How are you and your students planning to serve your school and community? We'd love to see your photos -- please send us pictures of your students serving that day!

Steve Schedler, DCE at St. Paul’s, San Diego, has accepted the offer to serve part-time as the DCE Liaison, a new position within the Pacific Southwest District. Steve will begin this new role December 1. Please keep Steve in your prayers and join us in congratulating Steve on this new position.

We would like to remind you that School Consultancies are still available even in this time of COVID. Consultancies provide school administrators the opportunity to receive counsel on a strategic question facing their school. The administrator is able to move forward from the process with new perspectives on their challenge and a new support team to encourage them through implementation of the process outcome. Consultancies will safely be held according to state and local guidelines. For more information, a link to sign up for the process, and a testimonial video, please see the Consultancy Session Protocol on the Administrators Resource Guide page of our School Ministries website.

Next Wednesday, November 18, is the next monthly EC Director’s Zoom meeting, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Directors, you will be receiving a survey today or tomorrow. Please take a few moments to respond so that we can shape the conversation to meet your needs. A Zoom link will be sent on Monday, November 16. We hope to see you all! Please join us!

Click here to read the most recent issue of CAPE (Council for American Private Education) Outlook.

Here is a resource to add to your list regarding Christmas celebrations and children’s services from Dr. Jeff Burkart: The Virtually Led Children’s Christmas Service.

From Alliance Defending Freedom:

God has equipped Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) to be ready to fight for freedom no matter the outcome of the election (John 15:5). ADF will be hosting a webinar to discuss the state of religious freedom in America, how the election may impact it, and what we see on the horizon for the next four years. We will also share current court cases that affect religious organizations and actionable steps you can take to protect your church.

Christ Lutheran School and Early Childhood Center, La Mesa, CA

Faith Lutheran High School, La Verne, CA

Concordia Lutheran Preschool and Childcare, Chula Vista, CA

Each week, prayers of thanksgiving and prayers for teachers, administrators, support staff, pastors, students, and families of the Lutheran schools, early childhood centers, and churches of the Pacific Southwest District are listed. To include names on the list, please send information to [email protected] by noon on Tuesday of each week.