The Advantage - Spring 2024

SPRING 2024

ADVANTAGE

INSIDE

THE

Students as Stewards . . . . . . 3

ReNew Thrift Coupon. . . . . . . 6

A Roaring Success . . . . . . . . . 5

The Making of a Globally-Minded Christian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 THE ADVANTAGE

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EQUIP SERVE IMPACT

Dear NorthPointe Christian Families and Friends,

FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOLS

The following is a speech written by one of our 5th grade students for our annual Speech Meet.

It is entitled, Idols, and truly exemplifies our mission to equip students to impact their world for Jesus Christ.

-Todd N. Tolsma, Head of Schools

“Idols” by Bethany, NPC 5th Grader

PRESCHOOL/ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 616.363.4869 540 Russwood Street NE Grand Rapids MI 49505 MIDDLE SCHOOL 616.719.5440 HIGH SCHOOL 616.942.0350 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE 616.942.0363 3101 Leonard Street NE Grand Rapids MI 49525

www.npchristian.org

Front cover: NorthPointe Christian’s high school quartet (Alyssa Rethman, Susan Gormley, Ian Jones, and Zach Van Wyngarden).

Continued on page 6.

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. But, it’s very topic that lots of people want to avoid Idols tend to be an uncomfor table . them with live just can’t and why we important to know what they are thin k is more is. Basically, an idol is anyt hing we First, let’s talk about what an idol an object like a be d le, it’s money. For others, it coul important than God. For some peop member. As long ly fami or d frien d be a person like a toy or device. Still, for others, it coul as we put it above God, it’s an idol. really destr uctive.

When there is an idol in our life, it can be distract us. God and It can ruin our relat ionsh ip with God d. Imag ine you’ve frien best your is our best friend. Thin k of all of a sudden, he then and life, whole your know n each other y annoying, would n’t ignores you all day. That would be prett focus on our idols We it? Well, sometimes we do that to God. get tempted to can we , Then g. and ignore what He’s sayin got to be so we’ve why s That’ dn’t. shoul do things that we is impor tant, and the decisions we make. carefu l with how we spend our time, who we think the freedom that God gave us to choose to Even thoug h idols can be very destructive, we have first, and follow Him. That’s what Peter did in let go. We have the author ity to say no, put God to Simon, ‘Don’t be afraid; from now on you the Bible. It says in Luke 5:10-11, “Then Jesus said shore, left every thing, and followed him.” on up will fish for people.’ So they pulled their boats any risks with God. But he didn’t. He taken not and job his left Peter could have easily just not and where his next meal was comin g from. If trusted God with every thing: his life, his heart, Peter can have that kind of faith, so can we.

-first centur y? It might just be somet hing But what would faith look like now in the twenty they’re being super annoy ing, or puttin g when r brothe simple like being nice to your sister or not the size of the act that matters. But is it someone else first when you want to go first. It’s what God’s callin g you to do? ntly in His Word, living with and for Him. But God wants us to be with Him all the time, consta gets in the way time and time again. So He sin our He knows that we are all sinners and that ment for all our sins. sent His Son down to save us and took the punish t Greek language. It means, “You missed” or The word “sin” is an archer y term in the ancien mark. Our idols are like distra ctions that “you missed the mark.” When we sin, we miss God’s you’re distra cted, so don’t let your idols when keep us from the mark of God. It’s hard to shoot distra ct you; get rid of them.

I haven’t really explai ned how. Gettin g I know I keep saying to get rid of your idols, but The first thing to do is to notice your rid of an idol is just like gettin g rid of a bad habit. the next step is to see when you do it and bad habit or idol. Then, after you’ve identi fied it, help you is to replace it with somet hing could stop yourself right there. Another thing that it with readin g the Bible, gettin g a praise e replac can you is, better. No matter what your idol for and worship music playlist, finding some good Christia n friends so that house your encoura gement, or even hanging Bible verses around Word.

His you’re constantly thinkin g about

“But no matter how many times we mess thi ngs up, God is always there wa iting at the cross for us.”

nothing to be In conclusion, idols are a pretty serious thing. However, it’s Him. We’re in trust just to again over and over us s remind afraid of. God how many all humans so we all sin, not one of us is perfect. But no matter for us. cross the at waiting there times we mess things up, God is always for nation condem no now is there ore, “Theref As it says in Romans 8:1, Jesus.”

Christ in are those who

NPC HAPPENINGS

STUDENTS AS STEWARDS What do you get when you mix an intentional Creator, resourceful teacher, empowered third graders, power tools, buckets, leftover food, and worms? Answer: a veritable tower of power!

Much like hungry robins in early spring, our third grade students scoured the earth for worms, not for food, but for processing the leftovers of school lunches! As students searched the school yard, they studied the habitat of worms and what worms need in order to survive, all while living out the motto of leaving the earth better than we found it. Each worm gathered was stored in a manner that preserved life. tower garden. If the composting process takes place as predicted, Under close teacher guidance, the worm population will double students then to used drills and before students leave for summer buckets to fashion a functional worm garden tower into which they vacation, accomplishing the placed all of the worms appropriate goal of giving these students a hands-on stewardship experience soil into the custom garden. focusing on the process and The final addition was the lunch benefits of composting, and how leftovers. The completed garden we can actively contribute as God’s now gets daily use outside of Mrs. image bearers and caretakers of Wright’s 3rd grade classroom, with third graders regularly feeding their His Creation. lunch leftovers to the worms in the

–Karen Vanderberg, Elementary Principal

READING MONTH AT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL The last several years, in honor of Reading Month, Sr. Kaboos, our 6th and 7th grade Spanish Immersion teacher, has planned a carnival for our kindergarten students at NPC. They also invite kindergarten students from his wife’s school in Zeeland Public Schools where she teaches kindergarten as well. Our middle school students prepare, plan, and put on a Reading Carnival full of games, prizes, and reading time. This is a great opportunity for our students to engage with reading in a meaningful way, celebrate the Spanish Language, and enjoy time together. “I love this because it gives kids an authentic audience and motivates them to continue serving!” says Sr. Kaboos.

STUDENT STATEMANSHIP INSTITUTE Back in January, our Government and Economics students participated in the Student Statesmanship Institute. Over the years, this has become quite a rite of passage for our (mostly) junior students. Over the course of a couple of days off-site, students simulate the legislative process, arguing for and against bills through the committee level, hearing from and interacting with lobbyists, and ultimately holding a session of congress and passing a bill (or not) by vote of their peers. Best of all, our partners at SSI share our Christian convictions. We’re grateful for them, Magnify Church, and especially the community members who volunteered to assist, many of whom have spent years in public service.

-Tom Molenkamp, High School Principal

–Megan Willink, Middle School Principal THE ADVANTAGE

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RAISING CHRIST-CENTERED ATHLETES The Mustangs had tons of highlights from the winter sports season! Competitive Cheer finished 3rd in the District Finals to advance to the Regional Finals. Mary Nitengale (10) qualified for the Individual State Finals in Girls Bowling. Girls Basketball were OK-Silver Conference Champions and won the District Championship for the second consecutive year!

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Chip Huber, NPC Bible Teacher, Student Life/Activities Director, and Boys Varsity Soccer Coach, received the “Making a Difference On and Off the Field Award,” a national honor recognizing his immense impact within education and interscholastic sports. Unaware of the surprise ceremony, Mr. Huber entered a packed gym to thunderous applause from students, staff, friends, and family. His commitment to faith-based education, coaching, and service resonates with students who admire his passion and sincerity. Beyond his immediate community, Mr. Huber’s dedication extends globally through his founding of “Night of Nets,” a campaign providing thousands of mosquito nets to Sub-Saharan Africa. The recognition comes with a donation to a local charity (FCA West Michigan) reflecting Mr. Huber’s emphasis on leveraging sports to foster positive change.

–Drew Losee, Athletic Director VISIT US ONLINE: NPCMustangs.com

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FOLLOW US: @NPCMustangs

LEGACY

A ROARING SUCCESS: TUITION AUCTION RAISES $223,000 The Roaring Good Time Tuition Assistance Auction lived up to its name! A roaring good time was had by all! Many dressed for the party, with feather headbands and pinstriped suits appreciating the ambiance of yesteryear at Thousand Oaks Country Club.

Attendees enjoyed bidding on silent and live auction items. Bidders fought it out the following week online, being able to select from teacher experiences to trips.

We are so grateful to our sponsors, donors, and all those who bid! This was a record year, bringing in $223,000! Roughly 25% of our students benefit from tuition assistance. On behalf of those families, thank you for your generosity! What a gift it is to raise a child in the Word. Thank you for being part of our students’ stories!

–Deb Diepenhorst, Director of Development

Future Home of the legacy walk!

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HIGH SCHOOL QUARTET SETS RECORDS Our high school string quartet has been making waves with their extraordinary performances. They were selected by the Grand Rapids Symphony to perform at the BRAVO! Gala, a prestigious black-tie fundraising event. Over the past two years, they’ve dazzled audiences at various weddings and competed at the Michigan Chapter of the American String Teachers Association Chamber Music Festival. Their consistent excellence is evident with consecutive Division 1 ratings at District and State Solo & Ensemble festivals. Additionally, they were nominated as one of Michigan’s top string ensembles. Their performances at events like mFaith and the NPC Auction further highlight their remarkable talent and dedication.

Pictured: NPC’s high school quartet performing at the Grand Rapids Symphony Fundraising Gala at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

After high school, Alyssa Rethman (violin) plans to major in music at Calvin University with a focus on music production. Zach Van Wyngarden (cello) will major in Physics at Calvin University with a minor in music. Ian Jones (viola) will attend Indian Weslyan University as a music major. Susan Gormley aims to pursue a music education major.

–Aaron Tenney, Director of Music and Arts

GRANDPARENT’S VIEW Christian education uniquely prepares students for the next stage of life, whether that be success in moving from middle school to high school or from high school to college or a career. Any school can provide technical instruction and sharpen the intellect of its students. NorthPointe seeks to develop its students as a whole person.

Their students learn the value of character through intellectual growth, integrity, humility in success, and spiritual formation.

This wisdom will be earned over a lifetime, but a foundational Christian education will help to make young minds fertile ground for genuine wisdom.

I believe the opportunity for America to see a revival in its collective soul will come from young men and women who have or will attend Christian elementary, high schools, and universities.

–Mick McGraw, NPC Grandparent

Because NorthPointe embraces character as well as knowledge, they have set the stage for its students to gain true wisdom.

REIMAGINE, RECREATE, THRIFT! Volunteers are needed at ReNew. Come when you can, stay as long as you wish. Sort, tag, arrange ... lots of things to do. All store proceeds benefit NPC!

SUPPORT NPC Make a direct impact on our students.

Contact Deb Diepenhorst, Director of Development, to learn more: diepenhorstd@npchristian.org

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Follow ReNew Upscale Thrift on Facebook.

ALUMNI CONNECTIONS

THE MAKING OF A GLOBALLY-MINDED CHRISTIAN

For a summary of each day, scan here:

For our recent Spiritual Emphasis Week in the high school, our focus was “The Globally-Minded Christian: Seeing and Living God’s Heart for the Nations.”

Our hope was for students to expand their view of God’s kingdom and see the many ways in which God is at work among the nations. God truly has a heart for all nations and desires that his “salvation would reach the ends of the earth” (Isaiah 49:6).

On multiple occasions, students were greeted via video from NPC alumni and families who are currently serving as missionaries around the world. This was certainly a highlight for many, as they witnessed former students who once sat in the same seats now partnering with God’s work in places like Indonesia, Mozambique, Uganda, Cairo, Haiti, and the Philippines. Our students prayed for the work of the missionaries and were encouraged with some next steps for learning how to partner with what God is already doing around the world.

–Matt Bell, Spiritual Life Director & High School Bible Teacher

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I am excited to hear that you [NPC Students] are being reminded of the need of the Gospel all around the world.

God gives us so many avenues and opportunities to share His love and His word. I pray that He will stir your hearts greatly....It is amazing to see what He will do as you walk with Him in faith!

Michelle (Mohr) Telman, NPC Class of 1990, Currently serving in Uganda

2000’s (1) Amy DeVries ‘04 is a teacher in Vienna, Austria, finishing her 9th year at the rapidly growing International Christian School, teaching IB Business Management and History. Next year, she will become coordinator for diploma and online IB courses.

Hannah (Moshauer) Falstrom ‘08 now proudly works for General Job Corps Center as a math teacher.

2010s (2) Benjamin Boverhof ‘10 founded and established Elevate Window and Exterior Cleaning in 2023.

Ben believes every customer is important. Big or small. Building a

reputable brand is more than just providing good work; it’s about integrity.

(3) Heather (Stadt) Shomsky ‘14 married Josiah in April.

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Shomsky!

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In Memorium Linda Bowald, Former NPC Staff Susan (Huyser) Brom, Class of 1986 Bryan Koetje, Class of 2003 Joy (Miller) Mueller, Class of 1980 Duane VanBuren, Class of 1984

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Share your Life Update!

Email alumni@npchristian.org

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