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"He who watches over you will not slumber nor sleep!" Psalm 121:4

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused so much devastation as well as isolation, but in the midst of the tragedy, it has been heartwarming to see how creative people have become to let others know how much they care. Recently, I saw a news clip reporting on a fire department that volunteered to use their equipment to raise an elderly man up to his wife's hospital window so he could wish her "Happy Anniversary". I've seen families decorating and writing endearing messages on the windows of grandparents' homes. And, of course there are the heart warming "parades" of honking cars that have been known to bring huge smiles and tears of appreciation by the blessed recipients.

Last Friday, one of those endearing parades was organized for seventh grader, Tyler, who was celebrating his 13th birthday. As his classmates, neighbors, and friends gathered outside of his subdivision, it was so much fun seeing familiar faces of our precious students through car windows!  One dear school family that participated also lives in Tyler's neighborhood. They were returning to their home just as I was exiting the parade, so God gave me a sweet moment to pull up to their house and safely have a conversation during which they shared such an amazing story of God's protection!...

"And surely I am with you always until the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20b

Many years ago, our Preschoolers were learning the very important lesson that Jesus is always with us. As a reminder, the teacher gave each of the students a picture of Jesus so that they could place it somewhere special to help them remember that no matter where they are Jesus would also be with them. In this case, a picture is worth a million words as little Caroline demonstrated where she decided to place her picture before she went to sleep that night.
 
During these challenging times, may you feel His peace and His presence as you reflect on the promises of Scripture that He is always with you!
 
In His Love,
Mrs. Palka

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1-2

We live in a sin-broken world where occasionally, serious issues such as Coronavirus occur.

While we pray and trust God to take care of us, we also need to use our God-given wisdom to plan and prepare for severe situations.
 
At St. Matthew, we are remaining diligent as we emphasize the strategies shared by the Center for Disease Control, as well as The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and The Oakland County Health Department:

• Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
• Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing
• Do not share drinks or eating utensils
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and keyboards
• Avoiding contact with people who are sick
• Children who are sick need to stay home until they are fever free for 24 hours and/or symptoms resolve

In addition, all other St. Matthew ministries are following the exact same protocol. Our janitorial staff remains diligent in their disinfecting and cleaning procedures, as well as increasing their sanitizing efforts in high traffic areas of our building.
 
In the event that circumstances would warrant, the staff of St. Matthew is prepared to proceed with online academic learning. Instruction will occur at every grade level, utilizing age-appropriate forms of technology so that your child's education will have the least amount of disruption as possible. If online learning would need to be implemented, parents would receive directions and procedures from the school office and teachers, so that they are comfortable with this new learning format

Our Athletic Directors are currently in discussions with our athletic league regarding after school sports and tournament participation. Decisions about these activities will be shared as soon as possible.

Since the Spring Musical is not performing until May, and rehearsals do not constitute a large gathering, musical practices and preparations will continue as scheduled.

God's Word is filled with abundant promises that remind us that He is always with us and He is in control.

I pray you feel His peace during this unique season.
 
In Jesus' Love,
Mrs. Palka

 "For God so loved the world that He gave His One and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16

Have you ever experienced "panic power cleaning" as you prepare for the arrival of company? Once, I had offered to host a Bible Study at our house that included a combination of dear friends and brand new acquaintances.  Feeling like I needed to have everything "perfect", and despite my better judgment that none of these people would really care, I spent hours dusting spindles, washing molding, wiping down light fixtures, etc. However, I did stop myself at scrubbing the bathtubs figuring I would be safe there!
 
When the big night finally arrived, the table was set, the food was prepared, everyone was in attendance, and the evening was going well, until midway through the leader's discussion, as I was intently listening to his lesson, something strange caught my eye!...