Rumors love a vacuum.  Absent truth, people will invent details which become reality.  Such has apparently occurred because I did not communicate an important event early enough this week.  Toward the end of spring break, two former Des Moines Christian students admitted to starting a fire on the DMC playground.  The fire destroyed a portion of play equipment, which will need to be replaced.  Fortunately, a larger portion of the playground, wood chips, and building did not catch fire.  Cliff Anderson, Supervisor of the Des Moines Christian property, came to the scene quickly, fully extinguishing the fire and staying well into the early morning in response to the incident.  Members of the Urbandale Police Department and the arson investigator did an excellent job of investigating the incident.  A couple DMC parents were also very helpful in initially responding to the emergency, securing information which led to the apprehension of the perpetrators, and also staying on the scene into the wee hours of the next morning to help with completion of the investigation.  The guilty parties actually turned themselves in a few hours after the fire was extinguished.  The young men have told investigators that this vandalism was not an act of anger against the school or school personnel.  So now you know the facts of this case.  We are pleased that the matter was resolved so well, and we look forward to fully-restored playground equipment in the near-future.  I would like to publicly thank Mr. Anderson and these DMC parents for spending this unfortunate amount of time during spring break in the late hours of the evening, well into the next morning, to represent the school's interests. 

LAST CALL: The annual Senior vs. Faculty Basketball Game is Saturday, March 31st at 7:00 p.m. in the DMCS Gymnasium. Come cheer on the staff as they participate  in this friendly competition.  A lasagna meal will be served before the game, starting at 6:00 p.m. Cost is $5 per person for a meal and game, with a maximum of $20 per family.  Cost of the game only is $2 per person.  There will also be a silent auction of cakes baked and decorated by the senior art students.

SCHOOL CALENDAR CHANGE: The Des Moines Christian School Board has re-scheduled the Spring Association meeting for 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 in the Multi-Purpose Room.   On that same evening, a Board candidate forum will also be held at 6:15 p.m. in the same location.  Please be involved in important school business, including the Board election on that night.

Attention juniors:  The Bankers Trust Youth Board is looking for students to serve on their board.  If you are interested in more information about this opportunity, see Mrs. Kostek.

The Youth Leadership Initiative program, sponsored by The Greater Des Moines Partnership, is taking applications for the 2012-2013 school year.  If you are a current 9^th or 10^th grader looking for a leadership opportunity, stop in the Secondary Guidance Office for more information. Applications are due on April 2nd.

April 2012 Teacher Resources

The testimonies softened the hearts of everyone in the audience.  The music was richer spiritually because of those softened hearts.  If you would like to read the testimonies of our spring break missionaries during Secondary Chapel on Wednesday, March 28, 2012, "A Matter of Stewardship and Reconciliation," please click here.

Upcoming Chapels:

A quarter of a century of banquets! A quarter of a century of blessings! Invitations have been mailed for our 25^th Annual Benefit and Live Auction. Mark your calendars, call your babysitter, and reserve your seats now for a memorable evening on Friday, April 13^th. The evening includes a buffet dinner by Christiani's, a dessert buffet, student entertainment, speakers, and a short film by DMCS alumnus Tyler Dreher ('10). A live auction will follow the program. Seating is limited, please get your RSVP in soon. This event is for adults only.

I (Dr. Bob) continued teaching through the book of Nehemiah at CrossTrainers on Wednesdsay, March 28, 2012. If you would like to read my teaching outline of commentary about Nehemiah 6, "The Perseverance of a Man and a Leader," please click here.

We are very excited to have you join a group at a special fitness and nutrition event!  On Saturday, March 31st, the author of the New York Times best-selling book, Body Confidence, Mark Macdonald, will be at 7 Flags Fitness Center in Clive.   Mark is a fitness and nutrition expert who appears regularly on CNN with Dr. Sanjay Gupta to discuss health and nutrition topics.  Not only is Mark the author of the bestselling Body Confidence, but he is the creator of the Venice Nutrition Program.  Mark knows what it takes to lose weight the right way. With an approach of eating not just healthily, but correctly, Mark has helped thousands of people to balance their blood sugar, resulting in more fat burned, lean muscle preserved, and energy levels increased. Come listen to Mark MacDonald talk about "Ditching the Diet" on Saturday, and stay for a free 40-minute workout .  Wellness is all about blood sugar stabilization. . .not calorie deprivation. Find out why diets don't work and how to take your body to the next level with True Body Confidence!  Mark is an incredible guy and has an amazing passion for helping people.  The best part about this event is it's a "FREE" event!! So please plan to join us to come out, to bring a friend (or more), and to meet him!!  The program will be educational and so much FUN!

JOIN THE BE THE MATCH DONOR DRIVE!  On Friday, April 20th, from 3:00-8:00 p.m., at Des Moines Christian, we will have the opportunity to "BE THE MATCH" for someone through the bone marrow donation registry.  To join, you only need to be between the ages of 18-60, be willing to donate to any patient in need, and meet the health guidelines.  The test is as easy as a swab of your mouth with a Q-tip.  Thousands of patients needing a bone marrow/stem cell transplant depend on BE THE MATCH registry to find a donor who can give them a second chance at life.  You have the power to help save a life.  Please contact Brenda Van Heukelom at 276-0298 or bvanheuk@gmail.com,  if you would like to help volunteer at the event (1-hour stations), make a donation ($100/kit but any amount helps) , or have questions.  Bring your photo I.D. and saliva!  See you there!  STRENGTH t-shirts (Philippians 4:13) will be sold in adult and child sizes for $10 -- cash or checks accepted.  Proceeds go to Be The Match.

Are you concerned that your graduating senior may not quite be ready for college?  Would you like your student to be strong in the faith and the Lord?  Is it important to you that your child develop a biblical worldview prior to his or her post-secondary education?  Then Summit Semester may be an excellent option for your family.  Summit Semester is a semester-long academic retreat offering young adults concentrated study in Christian thought and the history of ideas.  In a secluded lodge in the Rocky Mountains, this institute is comprised of a small community of mentors and Christian scholars dedicated to helping students build good academic habits, live committed Christian lives, hone intellectual skills, and make life-long friends.  Students take classes in church history, literature, political theory, art, culture, and Scripture, with an emphasis on relating these disciples to the big questions of human existence.  Family-style meals, in-depth discussions, work projects, and sports contribute to a communal atmosphere that fosters growth.  Summit Semester is a unique opportunity for a student to step back from the usual educational trajectory and reflect on the whys of study, work, community, and faith. 

• For 17-25 year olds pursuing higher education
• 3-5 hours of class every day
• Receive up to 12 college credit hours
• Accredited transcripts available
• Enjoy several excursions
• Limited financial assistance is available.
• Fall Term from September through December
• Summer Term in June and July
• Snow Wolf Lodge
• Pagosa Springs, Colorado
• www.snowwolflodge.com

The Orange Planet
5650 Metro East Drive
Pleasant Hill, Iowa
April 27, 2012, 6:00 p.m.
$15 per person at the door
Hope2Offer Student Services Annual Fundraiser
Experience ten wonderful local students who are ready to touch your heart through song and instrument.  Hear updates from students, instructors, and the  director, regarding Hope2Offer's work in Eastern Polk County, the local women's jail, the Hull Avenue Hall, youth tutoring, and counseling services.  Refreshments at 6:00 p.m. 
For more information, www.TheOrangePlanet.com or 261.0030.