WOODCREST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
GENERATIONS
2022
2022
CONTENTS
2021-2022
6 8 10 12
ROYALS IN ACTION Meet four remarkable Royals pursuing passions, achieving goals, and leading by example
FROM OUR BLOG: WHERE DOES YOUR CHILD FIND THEIR IDENTITY? Find ways to strengthen and affirm your student in the midst of a culture determined to create confusion and chaos
HOBBY LIFE Woodcrest Christian students are growing in their gifts and talents outside of the classroom
BACK TO THEIR ROYAL ROOTS Alumni couple Jeremy and Andrea Fisher share how their experiences shaped their decision to send their children to Woodcrest Christian
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A GRAND AND HOLY VENTURE Partnering in the profound privilege and responsibility of pointing young students to Christ
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FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: DARREN LOGAN
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WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE HUMAN?
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COLORING THE WORLD WITH WORDS
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ALUMNI CONNECTIONS
High school Bible teacher Darren Logan brings 10 years in the mission field to life in the classroom
How a Biblical understanding of what it means to be human helps answer life and culture’s toughest questions
Life is bright and shining through the color poems written by Woodcrest Christian Day School sixth graders
Alumni life is full with events, fundraising, and community that lasts a lifetime
28 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: VAN METSCHKE
30 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: ZACHARY SAILER
SUPERINTENDENT’S NOTE
REMARKABLE ROYALS INDEED
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appy New Year! Each year, we are blessed to be able to teach and minister to some amazing students. Through that effort, our goal is to help them identify their God-given talents, grow those talents, and provide opportunities to exercise them in their lives. Our Schoolwide Expected Student Outcomes (SESOs) describe these goals: increasingly develop Christ-centered Wisdom, Character, Stewardship, and Service. Throughout this issue of Generations, incredible examples of current students and alumni making an impact in the world will be featured. Some of these impacts occur at school and some in the community, but they all have one thing in common—they represent Royals in action! We look forward to the impact all of our Royals will have in their communities as they engage the world as lights for Christ. In His Name,
Jim Sullivan, Superintendent Woodcrest Christian School System
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SPRING SPRING2021 2022•• 05
ROYALS IN ACTION
MEET FOUR REMARKABLE ROYALS PURSUING PASSIONS, ACHIEVING GOALS, AND LEADING BY EXAMPLE BY GENERATIONS STAFF
Brandon Lee ‘22 National Merit Scholar As student body president, Brandon demonstrates dedication and hard work in all of his pursuits, first and foremost as a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist. Additionally, he is a finalist in The Protégé International Music Talent Competition winning 1st place in two international level competitions for his flute playing in Romantic Music, and for his vocal performance in The International Vocal Competition culminating in two upcoming performances at Carnegie Hall. Brandon also won silver at the Online Youth Idea Presentation Competition on Peace & Unification hosted by National Unification Advisory Council (NUAC) in San Francisco.
Emme Kim ‘22 French Horn Player
Chris Mercado ‘23 Young Marine of the Year
Olivia Green ‘24 FBI Youth Academy
Emme began playing French horn in the 7th grade at WCMS and quickly flourished as a musician. In 2021, she earned second chair on the French horn in the Southern California School Band & Orchestra Association Honor Band. Glorifying the Lord with her talents, Emme’s dedication to practicing and improving is unsurpassed and is sure to enhance the world around her.
Exemplifying the values of discipline, leadership, and teamwork as established by the Southland Young Marines organization, Chris Mercado was selected as the 2021 Unit Young Marine of the Year. His dedication to leading through positive motivation, working well in a team to achieve goals, and demonstrating character that reflects Christ’s love ensures that Chris will make a noticeable impact wherever the Lord may lead him.
Olivia Green was selected to represent California at the 2021 FBI National Academy Youth Leadership Program dedicated to focusing on leadership, ethics, values, character, juvenile crime, and more. Olivia’s natural leadership qualities and dedication to public service helped earn her spot as one of 59 students chosen through a rigorous selection process representing the 44 North American Chapters, FBINAA Latin American Chapter, as well as FBI LEEDA and Society of Former Special Agents.
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Blog
Life on campus is always bustling as Royals participate in a wide variety of extracurricular activities. From learning to play an instrument, fiercely competing on the court or field, acting in a play, to cultivating a garden, our hearts of purple and gold shine in action.
Check out the new Woodcrest Christian blog! Our desire is to provide a Biblical view of topics in our culture and in parenting that offer practical wisdom for understanding the challenges facing your student and families today. We also hope to give you an insightful look into Woodcrest Christian through our staff and alumni profiles sharing how God has purposefully brought together and continues to use our community.
WCSS.ORG/BLOG
SPRING 2022 • 07
WHERE DOES YOUR CHILD FIND
THEIR IDENTITY? STRENGTHENING AND AFFIRMING IDENTITY IS PARAMOUNT IN A CULTURE OF CONFUSION TARGETING OUR YOUTH
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BY JIM SULLIVAN, WCSS SUPERINTENDENT
t is always fun to watch young children play make-believe. Their imaginations run wild with unlimited possibilities as they constantly pretend to be one thing and then another. We know such imaginary play is an important part of their development. The idea of identity is a critical component of who we are and plays a significant role in the emotional and mental health of our children. It also helps meet the inherent need we have to belong. To have a strong self-concept of who we are provides each of us with confidence, strength, and resiliency
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when we face challenging times. Each moment of their growing up years creates and strengthens a child’s identity. That identity, however, is often verbalized in what they know to be true—I am loved, I am cared for, I am important, I am a son/daughter, I belong to the “Jones” family. As they grow, new aspects of that identity are formed—I am fast, I am musical, I care about others, I am gifted in math, sports, writing, etc. No child expresses just one of these but many as their experiences, interactions with parents, siblings, and others all come together and shape their identity.
And while some aspects of a child’s identity may ebb and flow—they discover new areas of strengths and weaknesses and likes and dislikes— there are aspects of their identity that are fixed. In today’s culture, our students are experiencing a crisis of identity. Who they have always inherently known themselves to be is under attack and it is creating confusion and pain that can cause lifelong consequences. Today’s hyperfocus on each person’s individualism and their constant desire to be happy has turned traditional understandings of male and female upside down. Years ago in philosophical circles, the arguments centered on the issue of creation vs. evolution. There was much energy spent, studies cited, articles written, and heated debates arguing that people who identified as LGBTQ were born that way; that it was genetic. Today, however, that is all ignored as the culture has accepted that each individual gets to decide for themselves, sometimes
often, their gender and whether or not they are a single entity or a plural entity. The results—confusion, worry, and anxiety in the hearts and minds of our kids. For example, previously, if you were a middle school student and you didn’t like boys/girls yet, that was okay and a normal part of puberty as each person matured at his/her own rate. Today, if you are not attracted to the opposite sex at 12 or 13, then, based on the secular culture’s expectations, the pressure exists to identify as LGBTQ because there is no other option. That is all the culture permits. And so, our students question and struggle, and for some it creates anxiety, depression, and a willingness to “buy into” what the culture is saying because it makes them part of the larger group and fills that need for belonging. The problem is it doesn’t solve anything. What is the solution? How do we prepare our students for this assault on the Biblical understanding of our identity?
The answer lies in continuing to affirm and strengthen their identity in Christ. First and foremost, they are God’s perfect creation. Genesis 1:27 states it clearly, “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” It is important as parents that we are teaching and constantly reminding our children who they are in the Lord and what His promises are to them. It starts by reminding them that they are a boy or a girl based on their physiology—how God created them. It continues through a long-term affirmation that they are loved and already belong to a larger family—namely the family of God’s special creation. It also includes belonging to their immediate family where love, safety, and encouragement hold sway. (And if a family struggles in these affirmations for any reason, a believer in Christ of any age enjoys the fellowship and strength that comes from that Christian community.) In fact, our identity as a believer in Jesus Christ is the only sure means by which our students can stand against the tide of lies that our culture sells. John 8:32 reminds us that Jesus said, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Our identity in Christ and study of His Word opens our eyes to the eternal truths of God and allows us to see through lies the world says are true. As the Creator of everything, God gets to make the rules. And the rules are designed for our good. For unbelievers, they seem constricting, which is why the culture pushes back. They don’t want to be told what to do. But those who identify with Christ know that God only has our best interests at heart and His “rules” are designed to protect us. That protection begins with knowing our identity in Christ and all the Truth about our identity that comes with that saving knowledge.
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Each moment of their growing up years creates and strengthens a child’s identity.
IDEAS FOR AFFIRMING IDENTITY: • Read the Bible—(Children’s Bible for younger ones) highlighting the truths of who we are. Ephesians 2:10 • Sing Christian songs—For little ones, repeating the songs frequently improves memory and consistently reinforces the truths those songs affirm. • Point out the lies of the world when watching TV, commercials, movies, etc. The culture works hard to make sin normal and acceptable in media. • Memorize scripture—Kids have an amazing aptitude for memory. Spending time memorizing God’s Word helps fill their hearts with Truth. Practicing memorizing on walks and car trips can be tremendously effective. • Read books with your child that highlight Truth. Whether it’s reading to a younger child or reading with an older child, the time spent together creates amazing times to share, explain, and pray through the fun of a great story.
FIND MORE PARENTING RESOURCES AT THE WOODCREST CHRISTIAN BLOG: WCSS.ORG/BLOG
SPRING 2022 • 09
Hobby Life INTERESTING PASSIONS AND TALENTS ABOUND OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM BY GENERATIONS STAFF
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hile the variety of activities in which our students are involved outside of school might be surprising, it’s their dedication and commitment to these endeavors (while still excelling in the classroom) that make the reality of all they accomplish most admirable.
1. Maia Leach • 8th Grade Competes in figure skating (since she was four years old) and recently won 1st place in synchronized group figure skating in Kansas 2. Drake Cardey • 7th Grade Races mini sprint cars 3. Cole Perkins • 8 Grade On track to be the next Jim Henson with puppets he designs, fabricates and brings to life with his puppeteering skills th
4. Eyan Turk • 9th Grade Placed 8th in the 2021 CIF State Championships in Cross Country as a freshman; Runs 3 miles in 15:05 5. Rhyan Spencer • 12 Grade Has logged 83 hours of flight time and is set to earn her pilot’s license in early 2022 th
6. Ryan Weir • 9 Grade Has won multiple local and regional cornhole competitions th
7. Kynadee Redden • 9 Grade Competes in gymkhana and barrel racing; Recently won 1st place earning a championship saddle th
8. Landon Hartwig • 7th Grade Built 70 model airplanes and ships (including the Titanic, pictured) in 2021 9. Nathania Lie • 7 Grade Competes in Saddle Seat Equitation and Pleasure 10. Hannah d’Arc • 12th Grade Fosters kittens and found loving homes for 43 kittens in 2021; Has volunteered a whopping 2,629 service hours since her freshman year 11. Charlie Firetag • 10th Grade Enjoys bladesmithing and has made nearly 100 knives 12. Johnathan Ma • 10th Grade Plays three instruments with perfect pitch (piano, cello, and French horn); Won 2nd at the California Bach Festival in 2021
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13. Nathan Luce • 10th Grade Enjoys woodworking; Makes and sells charcuterie boards 14. Hannah Harmon• 7th Grade Won Reserve Champion at the Morgan Grand Nationals in Oklahoma in 2021 Know a student with a unique hobby? Let us know! Go to: wcss.org/hobby
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PARENT PERSPECTIVE
Back to Their Royal Roots ALUMNI JEREMY FISHER ‘94 AND ANDREA (DECKER) FISHER ‘95 KNOW FIRSTHAND WHAT AN EDUCATION FROM WOODCREST CHRISTIAN PROVIDES AND THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT THEY WANT FOR THE NEXT GENERATION BY GENERATIONS STAFF GENERATIONS: Your two boys
attend Woodcrest Christian Day School, what do you appreciate about the school now that you’re a parent? ANDREA: I look back and realize how much the teachers loved us. I’m sure they had their moments, but they persevered and I’m appreciative of that! They showed grace and God’s love to us. I want our boys to have the same experience. GENERATIONS: What is
something you took for granted when you were a student here? JEREMY: Something I didn’t appreciate at the time was just how important Biblical teaching is in education. I didn’t really appreciate it until I sent my kids here. That turned out to be the most important reason for us to return. GENERATIONS: Your graduating
class had 49 people in it. What was it like to be part of a small class?
The Fisher boys on their first day of school in 2019.
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ANDREA: One of the great benefits was the circle of friends. You couldn’t help but get to know everybody. And you could try so many new things. I had the opportunity to play volleyball,
basketball, track, softball, tennis, and participate on the Mock Trial team! I enjoyed those activities and the bonds made with coaches, teachers, and other students. GENERATIONS: You mentioned
how important it felt to be “known” by the teachers. What was that like? JEREMY: You weren’t just another name. You couldn’t really hide. Even at your lowest, the teachers were there for you. They supported you and you weren’t just another kid funneled through the system. There was love. There was building each other up. The relationships were intentional. GENERATIONS: What would
you want a graduating senior to know based on your experiences? JEREMY: It sounds cliché, but don’t forget your roots. God knew you would be here and you would get something from it. You’re going to wander out, but don’t forget where you came from. You can always come home.
From top left, clockwise: Jeremy Fisher class of 1994 senior picture; Andrea (Decker) Fisher class of 1995 senior picture; Andrea Fisher running cross country in 1995; Jeremy Fisher and the 1994 Varsity Boys Volleyball team
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It was a couple years after graduation when I realized the foundation I had from home and school. When that safety blanket gets pulled out and all of a sudden you realize, oh Lord, I need you. —JEREMY FISHER
SPRING 2022 • 13
A Grand and Holy Venture PARTNERING IN THE PROFOUND PRIVILEGE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF POINTING YOUNG STUDENTS TO CHRIST MINDY ORR, WCMS PRINCIPAL
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arenting is not a solo venture. At its core, parenting is a collaborative effort. God’s design was that kids would need multiple people pouring into their lives with grace, accountability, truth, determination and sometimes sheer grit. Christian schools are a place where Jesus can be found, and a good education begins with knowing God. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10) Being a part of a community of believers at a Christian school does what no other form of education can do. When you entrust your student to us, it is our privileged responsibility to teach and inspire them with God’s truth and wisdom. The godly men and women teaching on our campuses present the Gospel daily. They not only model lives of integrity for our students to emulate, but they point students to the best gift of all, Jesus and salvation in His name. The prayer from Colossians 2 is my prayer for our kids: “That their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. See to it that no one takes you
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captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.” This is our hope: • That our students’ hearts would be knit together with other believers in true, joyful fellowship. • That godly instruction will lay a foundation of truth and integrity that shapes their future. • That the world and all of its deceptions will pale in comparison to the glory of knowing and living for God. • That worldly philosophies will be held up to the purest standard of God’s word and be seen to fall woefully short. • That our students will know and experience Jesus in new and fresh ways, ‘in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge’. • That our students will walk in a manner worthy of Him, bearing fruit in all their good works and increasing in the knowledge of God.
With so many voices clamoring to be heard in the world around us, how refreshing the truth of God is with its clear and profound message that we are made and loved by Him and then held firm in His grasp. Our Creator designed each of us perfectly and knows all that we are capable of accomplishing for Him. While parenting is not for the faint of heart, we stand ready to shoulder the load with you as we embark on the grand and holy venture to bring our children closer to Christ. How exciting that we get to be part of watching the Lord work in their lives!
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God has a plan and purpose for every single one of our students! “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you
a future and a hope.” JEREMIAH 29:11
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Faculty Spotlight
A LIFE OF MISSION HIGH SCHOOL BIBLE TEACHER, DARREN LOGAN BRINGS 10 YEARS IN THE MISSION FIELD TO LIFE IN THE CLASSROOM
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Darren Logan 10th Grade Bible Teacher
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here is no more volatile location on the earth than is found in a triangle of geography marked by southern eastern Turkey, Northwestern Iraq, and Northeastern Iran. Home to Turk, Iraqi, Iranian and Kurd peoples, it is a confluence of religions including Sunni and Shia Muslim, Yazidi, and small groups of Christians. Over the past two decades, it has been a hotbed of political and military activity including a drive for Kurdish independence, military activity from the Turks against the Kurds, and the fight against ISIS. In the middle of this maelstrom of activity, Darren Logan and his family arrived in 2012 as crosscultural missionaries intent on sharing the Gospel of Christ to this part of the world. Previously serving in the US Army for 13 years in both active and reserve status, Darren worked as an International Affairs and National Security analyst with a focus on the Middle East. Somewhere in that time, God laid a burden for the people of that area on his heart and he began preparation for the mission field. It was to be a family affair with all of his children (there are eight of them) at one time in the mission field with he and his wife. Three of his kids were born overseas. God brought the Logans to the Riverside area a few years ago and then to Woodcrest Christian this year. Darren currently teaches high school Bible and draws upon his many years in the field of evangelism as he shares God’s Word with our students. We reached out to him and asked him to share some thoughts about his time overseas and his advice for Woodcrest Christian students and parents.
QUESTION AND ANSWER
WITH JIM SULLIVAN AND DARREN LOGAN
Q. What are some of the most challenging aspects of working in a different culture? A. Reorienting oneself to the fact that life, time, work relationships— basically everything—operates and functions differently than it does in the United States. I remember becoming frustrated at how “late” people were to meetings or how “poorly things worked” when it came to the post office, market, repair shop, school, or most everything. Americans prize efficiency, value effectiveness, and prioritize productivity. However, much of the rest of the world doesn’t seem to function in the same way. Rather, life often revolves around a family group, or tribal culture. It’s not that efficiency and productivity are not important, but what is valued much more are the people, events, and relationships of life. Q. It seems that this would be a pretty significant shift in thinking. Were you able to make the adjustment? A. It became apparent that I was missing countless opportunities to get to know people in the course of their lives and in the way that would make sense to them. I was not really engaging them with the
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Gospel message of Christ. One day, an older and wiser crosscultural worker pulled me aside and suggested I throw my watch away! He told me the more I started looking at the people and less at my watch, life and work and ministry would get so much better. He was so right!
Q. Can you share a story about your mission work that holds a special meaning for you? A. Wow, there are so many! It’s hard to choose from. Part of our work involved working with some dear Kurdish sisters and brothers from a very restrictive Islamic country. These men and women had given up much to follow Jesus Christ. Their faith was inspiring. One time, some of these brothers from a very remote part of their country had asked me if I could get some hard copy Bibles for them to use for their ministry inside their country. This was in the late 2000s when smart phone technology was just taking off; however, there
were few digital Biblical resources available at that time for their phones. So, a hard copy Bible was really special for them. We decided to pray about how we could get more than 1,000 copies of the scriptures in their own language across the border and to these dear brothers all without the books being confiscated by those within their country that were hostile to the Gospel. It’s a long story, but getting them across the border to these brothers involved lots of prayers and plans over a couple of months. However, when it came down to the day of delivery, what was required was a long and bumpy ride to a very remote and “unofficial” mountainous border crossing, drinking several cups of delicious Kurdish tea, about $250 for “shipping fees,” and before we knew it several pack mules were loaded down with boxes filled with about 500 Bibles each! What a sight! We found out the next day that our dear brothers in Christ had received the Bibles without any problem. They were so grateful to have them and use them in their ministry among such unreached people. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that project and how God answered our prayers so clearly.
and financial giving. Some, however, will be those sent out to the nations, like Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Church in Antioch in Acts 13.
Q. As someone who has faithfully served on the mission field, what would you say to students who might be considering missions and what would you share with their parents as well? A. It is my firm belief that to be a follower of Jesus Christ means you are a “sent one.” We see this throughout the Bible. It becomes quite clear in the life and teaching of Jesus Christ himself. In John 20:21, Jesus says to His disciples, “peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” Therefore, by definition to be a Christian means all Christians have a role to play. For some, this means they will be sent to the least reached people and places. This is what healthy and sustainable “missions” is all about: taking the wonderful message of hope and salvation found only in Jesus Christ to those who have never heard it or who have never been taught about it in a way that makes sense, and then calling them to repentance and faith in Christ. This is the mission of the Church! Many within the Church will be senders through prayer, support,
Therefore, I would tell a Woodcrest Christian student that is seeking to be faithful and obedient to Jesus Christ that he or she is a sent one and that they have a part to play in the sending and going. So, it is critical for them to see themselves on mission for the glory of God both at home and around the world. I tell students that now is the time to get involved in serving in your local churches. Get the training and equipping now. Start preparing yourself for whatever it is that God will lead you to do in the future. Don’t wait! Be the best students, work hard, learn how to serve others and be a part of a healthy team.
Q. What about parents? What would you say to them if their student was considering the mission field? A. I would say to parents that God has given us our children first and foremost to lead them to Jesus Christ. Our children do not ultimately belong to us. At best for
now, I am to shepherd my children in such a way that hopefully draws their hearts more closely toward God. When this happens, a child cannot help but begin to see their lives not as their own to live as they please, but rather as a gift to live in giving it away for the eternal good of others. There is no greater blessing than for a Christian parent to hold closely to the lives of their children and let go of them believing that God “has them” securely in His good and gracious allpowerful hands. Christian parents should be teaching their children to “be on mission” now, and that no matter where they are, whether here in the United States or on the other side of the planet, this is what it means to lay up treasures in heaven. Train your kids to live their lives for the glory of God by giving them away for the eternal good of others. Q. How has your mission ministry impacted your teaching of high school students at Woodcrest Christian? A. Well, it’s what I know best and what I am most passionate about. I talk about God’s heart for the last reached peoples and places nearly every day in class…literally! Just ask my students! Doing so is what gives me energy and excitement. I can’t help but want to share that with students! I have told my students that it is my sincere hope that as I teach the Bible to them, they will begin to see more clearly that God has always had His eyes on every tribe, tongue, and nation. I teach the Bible from the strong sense of conviction that it is a book based upon the heart of God, which is all about the mission of God, which is all about reaching every people with the Good News of Jesus Christ. What a blessing it is that God desires for each and every Christian and church to be part of what He is doing to rescue and redeem a multitude of people around the world for His great glory!
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A N T H R O P
HUMAN LIFE CENTERS ON AN UNDERSTANDING OF BIBLICAL AN
Every era of Christian history has been marked by major theological conflict. Our modern era is no different. The primary concern of the modern era is undoubtedly the issue of anthropology—the study of human beings. Discussions span a broad range of topics under the anthropological banner such as gender, race, sexuality, and politics. In the midst of this difficult, divisive, and diverse anthropological season, parents must maintain and teach a biblical anthropology that centers on the person of Jesus Christ.
BY MATT MESSNER, WCHS CAMPUS PASTOR
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P O L O G Y
LICAL ANTHROPOLOGY WHICH CAN REFORM THE HUMAN HEART WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE HUMAN? Christological anthropology is a method used to answer the question, “What does it mean to be human?” The Bible answers this question beginning in Genesis 1 with the creation of Adam and Eve. They are created in the image of God, reflecting aspects of His nature in their own. This reality implies that every human being has inherent dignity, value, and worth that goes unquestioned despite differences in capacity, functionality, or relationability. Perhaps the best way to understand what it means to be made in the image of God is to locate the concept of image in the
context surrounding Genesis 1. In the ancient Near East, deities were localized in temples and in physical idols. The idol or statue signified the presence of the deity; its location demarcating its place of reign. The creation account in Genesis 1 is no different; God creates His own living images of himself and places them in the garden of Eden where they are to rule and reign over His creation. He also commissions them to extend the borders of Eden, so that His reign and rule would be broadened over the entire world. However, in response to God’s commission, Adam and Eve rebel and insert themselves into the position of authority and cast
God away from them. This initial sin results in the humans being separated from God; their home lost and their image fractured. Everything after Genesis 3 is a revelation of God’s redemptive plan to renew and restore His image bearers to their destined state of worshipful relationship with Him. This mission is accomplished as God enters the human problem Himself, in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. God becomes a human, taking the human plight as His own, in order to redeem them from sin and death and rescue them for eternal life. It is this glorious work of God in the person of Jesus that is at the center of Christological anthropology. SPRING 2022 • 21 SPRING 2021 • 21
HUMANITY’S PURPOSE
TRUE DESTINY
In light of God’s redemptive work, Christological anthropology states that Jesus is the truest expression of humanity. It is in the person of Jesus that we can find the answer to the question of humanity’s purpose. The argument is as follows: Genesis 1:26-28 states that human beings are created in the image of God. Both theologically and literarily, this text serves as the capstone of the creation narrative. Adam and Eve are unique amongst the rest of God’s creation in that they are to reflect and bear out the reality of God’s glory and goodness in their lives as His image bearers. They are to live like God lives. Following, Colossians 1:15, Hebrews 1:3, and 2 Corinthians 4:4 all state that Jesus is the true image of God. He is the one who most fully reflects and bears out the reality of God’s glory and goodness. He does this not simply by upright moral behavior, but by the nature of His very being. Jesus of Nazareth is God in the flesh. He is, at the same time, and in the same person, fully God and fully man. Therefore, if the core of humanity’s identity is their creation in God’s image, and if Jesus is the truest expression of God’s image, then it follows that Jesus is the truest expression of what it means to be human. He is the only one who is both the image and its origin; fully man and fully God.
If this is true, then it is only by looking to Jesus that we can find humanity’s meaning and purpose. So then, how might Christological anthropology affect modern culture? First, Christological anthropology insists on the dignity, value, and worth of every human being. Each man and woman has been created in the image of God and is therefore valued and dignified in light of that creation reality. This means that regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexuality, class, political affiliation, or religion, all human beings are worthy of respect and honor. Second, Christological anthropology emphasizes the power of the Gospel for transformation. At the heart of Christological anthropology is the reality that God the Son became man in order to rescue humanity from sin and death. That Gospel fact means that there is hope for every man and every woman; no one is “too far gone” for the grace
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of the incarnate Jesus. He became human to save and transform humans from rebels into family. Finally, Christological anthropology declares that the ultimate human destiny is communion with God. While cultural authorities continue to voice a variety of options concerning the meaning and purpose of humanity, the Bible maintains that the true end of this life is sharing in the life of God through the Son of God. The incarnate Jesus is the way in which humans commune with God because He shares both a human nature and the divine nature. In being united to Him, humans are united to God. Therefore, it is in union with Jesus, by faith, that humans find their true meaning. The right and glorious end of human life is to commune with the triune God and we find a model for such communion in the twonatured person of Jesus Christ. It is through Him, and Him alone, that we find our true destiny.
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At the heart of Christological anthropology is the reality that God the Son became man in order to rescue humanity from sin and death. That Gospel fact means that there is hope for every man and every woman; no one is “too far gone” for the grace of the incarnate Jesus... Therefore, it is in union with Jesus, by faith, that humans find their true meaning.
WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS OF CHRISTOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY FOR PARENTS? parents must teach their 1. First, children that all human beings are worthy of respect, dignity, and are inherently valuable. Being created in the image of God gives each person these distinct qualities regardless of circumstance, struggle, or lifestyle. Such training begins in the home, led by the example and instruction of parents. parents must trust that only 2. Second, the Gospel of Jesus can transform the lives of their children. All human beings are born with a nature that is bent inward and must be transformed if any of us are to be fitted for heaven. Therefore, this transformation is holistic and cannot be accomplished through a moral improvement plan or behavioral management system. Structure and regulation are significant, yet they are not able to transform the heart of a human being. Only the good news of Jesus can reform the human heart and save it for eternity. parents should train and 3. Finally, disciple their children with the goal of their child communing with the triune God. Of all the desires and goals parents may have for their children, foremost among them is a relationship of genuine communion with God. This ought to be the aim of all discipline, teaching, and prayer on behalf of our children. Again, it is only through this relationship with the risen Lord that human beings find their ultimate meaning and purpose. Hebrews 4:12 SPRING 2022 • 23
Life is bright and shining on the elementary campus as students share their color poems, a kaleidescope of creative writing.
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RED
Christos Counelis Red is a loyal color, bold like no other. It’s strong and powerful within, just like the blood that cleansed our sins. It’s like peppermints on a cold Christmas day, just like how He guides us and doesn’t lead us astray. It’s like a sunset, bright and warm, just how He can make us newborn.
PURPLE
Gianna Prieto Purple was my aunt’s favorite color Before she passed away. Now she marvels by all of God’s ways. Purple represents God, Pure and full of love. Purple is the color of royalty, And of loyalty. Purple is calm like lavender, Swaying in the sun. Purple can be all kinds of fun.
COLORING THE
Brown is me, Brown is the color of the leaves falling off the tree.
WORLD
Brown is chocolate melting with every bite. Brown is the teddy bear that cuddles on a dark, wintery night.
WITH
BROWN
Shaylee Taft
Brown is comfort in its softest form, Brown is the color of warm toast, Brown is a Thanksgiving roast. One day you will get up and November is no longer orange and not at all white. But you will see thousands of the wondrous brown delights.
WORDS POEMS WRItTEN BY SIXTH GRADE STUDENTS AT WOODCREST CHRISTIAN DAY SCHOOL
GREY
Parker Higgins Grey is like the tall buildings Or the smooth surface of the sidewalk The tip of the pencil grazing across the paper And the large grey moon or the rocks in the yard The elephants at the zoo and the shirt of the young boy, The color of the sky and the stars after a long day’s hike, The feeling inside of you after a long hard day of work, Or maybe the most sad and underrated crayon in the whole box
It can be helpful, It can be hopeful, It can be all kinds of joyful. Purple is the color of the night sky, with stars that He created shining so bright.
YELLOW
Allyson Hackbarth Yellow is so beautiful It is so bright Like the sun in the morning Though it doesn’t shine at night Yellow is a sunset It gives a happy vibe It is so happy It gives me a feeling I can’t describe Yellow is popcorn And Dole Whip from Disneyland
It is a pineapple And the color of the beach’s sand Yellow is exciting The color of a happy face It is most of the emojis That you send almost every day Yellow is wonderful It is beautiful, that’s true Yellow is your pencil If you are writing a poem too
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ALUMNI Connections WOODCREST CHRISTIAN
Together Through Time
While the task of gathering was a unique challenge the past year, Woodcrest Christian alumni found ways to connect! This summer marked the 3rd annual Alumni Barbeque where alumni and their families enjoyed a beautiful day eating barbequed hamburgers, playing outdoor sports, and catching up with old friends and teachers. Also this summer, four alumni artists reconnected and transformed a garden wall at Woodcrest Christian Day School. The Royal Legacy Gala in the Fall was a huge success thanks to the alumni who attended and generously donated. Additionally, over Christmas break, alumni played in a Girls Basketball game and competed against the Varsity Boys Soccer team in the annual Alumni Soccer Match. It is a joy to see the fellowship and community our alumni enjoy!
Twenty-five alumni played in this year’s Alumni Soccer Match. Over 150 people came and watched the game which ultimately was a victory for the Varsity Boys Soccer team 3-1.
2021 ALUMNI NEWSLETTER Want to hear about the latest updates on Woodcrest Christian alumni and what’s been happening on campus? Check out the Alumni Newsletter written by Mr. Dave Burdett.
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The 3rd annual Alumni Barbecue held in July was a great event for alumni to reconnect on campus. Families enjoyed food, a giant water slide, lawn games, and fellowship with other alums and teachers. Many walked the campus with their families including Matt Shondeff ‘04 and Shannon (Shea) Shondeff ‘06 reminiscing in the hallways, seeing what’s changed, and finding their name in the concrete slab of their graduating year!
THE YEAR AHEAD It is always great to see our Woodcrest Christian alumni giving back with their time and talents. This summer, the WCDS garden came alive with color thanks to the new mural designed and installed by Woodcrest Christian High School art teacher, Mrs. Rhonda Thomale and four alumni artists—Megan Sorokowski, Brenna Thomale, Audrey Alexander, and
SPRING 2022 • March 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12: Spring Musical
Mary Poppins
Madeleine Chaffin.
• March 19-26: WCHS Missions Trips
Alumni Giving Back
• April 5-8: 6th Grade Science Camp • April 29: WCDS Open House
TIME, TREASURE, AND TALENTS OF WOODCREST CHRISTIAN ALUMNI
• May 6: Choir Concert in the Park
This year’s annual Royal Legacy Gala would not have been
• May 24: 6th Grade Graduation
possible without Woodcrest Christian alumni. Attendees enjoyed
• May 25: 8th Grade Graduation
a classy night of vintage and exotic cars on display, a delicious
• May 26: 12th Grade Graduation
• May 7: Band Pops Concert
dinner, silent auction, entertainment from current students, and heartwarming stories from four alumni who shared about the impact that Woodcrest Christian has had on their lives. In the pages that follow, read the stories from two of our special alumni guests, Van Metschke ‘82 (page 28) and Zachary Sailer ‘09 (page 30). Through the generosity of each guest and outside donors, over $85,000 was raised for the Royals Financial Aid Fund. Scan the QR code to watch a video with highlights of the evening!
SUMMER 2022 • June 3-11: 8th Grade Heritage Tour • June 6-July 8: WCDS Summer Day Camp • July 9: 4th Annual Alumni Summer BBQ
FALL 2022 • August 11: WCMS SOS Day • August 12: WCHS GO! Day • August 12: Back-to-School Bash • August 15: WCDS Back-to-School Night • September 24: Royal Legacy Gala • November 14: Golf Tournament
Alumni Micah Stolfus and Josh Thomas contributed to the Gala by displaying their show cars for attendees to vote on.
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LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION Van Metschke ‘82 Pro Audio, Video, and Lighting industry veteran Van Metschke is a Woodcrest Christian graduate from the class of 1982. Van is a Pro Audio, Video, and Lighting industry veteran and has been part of the technical departments of several large churches here in Southern California. He currently works for Vantage Pro AV. Van has volunteered thousands of hours at Woodcrest Christian helping with drama productions, fundraiser events, and weekly chapels. He most recently spoke at the Woodcrest Christian Royal Legacy Gala and shared about the impact that Woodcrest Christian has had on him and his family. A TRANSCRIPT OF VAN’S REMARKS DURING AN INTERVIEW AT THE 2021 ROYAL LEGACY GALA
Q. How is it that you came to Woodcrest Christian and what was it like being here as a student back in the 80’s? A. When I was a kid my parents weren’t Christians. My dad was a deist and he believed God created the world and then moved on. My mom thought that if you were an American and not a Jew or a Muslim then you were a Christian. My parents came from the World War II generation, which is the generation who believed that religion is good for kids because it makes them obedient and a good person. With this notion they sent me to Riverside Christian Day school, or, “the Day School” as my mom always called it. Even though they sent me to the school, I don’t know that they expected me to actually believe what I was being taught. In first grade, Mrs. Smith led me to the Lord and totally changed the trajectory of my life. My mom also became a believer later in life at 90 years old when a close friend and Woodcrest 28 • WCSS.ORG
Christian graduate led her to the Lord. Q. Tell us about your work with churches and how you serve doing audio and video through your company. A. I started out touring with Christian bands back in the 80’s as a sound engineer and then road manager. Since then, I went to work for this “little church” (I say that with sarcasm and not to be haughty) that I didn’t know much about called Saddleback back in the 90’s and became their head of audio. I didn’t want to work at Saddleback, and I told God, “I’m never going to work for a church, you can’t make me work for a church.” Then I was in full-time ministry for 20 years. I started at Saddleback, and then moved to a church called Mariners, which is also in Irvine, a church called South Hills, which is in Corona, and then for the last three years I was a tech director at Magnolia Baptist church here in Riverside.
Currently I work for an audio, video and lighting integrator. We put these systems into churches, schools, civic centers, etc. I’ve been very blessed and get to work with Woodcrest Christian all the time working on all sorts of similar projects. Q. What are a few things that stand out to you from your time as a student and from your daughters’ years at Woodcrest Christian? A. Well I’ll say this from my daughters’ perspectives, who both graduated from here as ‘lifers’: My daughter Kaylee graduated in 2009, and Karlee graduated in 2018, and both of them told me this when they went to college: Dad, kids are struggling. They are struggling in these classes and I don’t understand why it’s so hard. In fact, Karlee said that in addition to the spiritual aspect and the college-prep aspect, Woodcrest Christian taught them how to take notes and be organized, how
to do projects, and how to study. I remember her saying, “There are kids out there right now that are going to college and they are flunking out because they don’t know any of that because the schools right now think it is more important to teach other things than how to do academics.” This school teaches that! Secondly, it was Sonja, my high school sweetheart whom I married in 1985, that told me, “Whatever happens, our kids are going to go to Woodcrest Christian. I don’t care. They’re going to Woodcrest. If we have to sacrifice everything, if we have to live in our car, our kids are going to Woodcrest.” She made this comment because she had a terrible high school education from a local school. I didn’t really understand at the time, but now being on the backend of having two young women that have gone through the Woodcrest Christian School System, I see that there is so much there. Randy Thompson, one of our previous superintendents, once told me that this school is the third leg of raising a kid: You have us as the parents,
you have the church, and you have Woodcrest Christian. And that is the truth. Q. What is one thing that you would love to share and offer up to all of us about being here at the school? A. I think school is what you make of it always. I was just having a conversation recently about how your peers are so important when you’re in high school. Did you listen to your parents when you were in high school? I didn’t. I listened to my peers. Who are your kid’s peers? Who are these kids’ peers? Well, they have a better chance of having good peers at this school. Now, I’m not saying it’s going to be perfect, as kids are kids. At Woodcrest Christian, they have a better chance of being surrounded and influenced by good peers, and my daughters had good peers for the most part. Their friends influenced them positively for them to keep being Christians, to keep loving others, and to keep loving God. Their friends encouraged them to be true and to walk the Christian journey. Those of you who
know me know that I’m not a super spiritual-sounding person, but it sounds like I am tonight so I will just tell you that this school is the reason for the path that my family and I have been on.
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This school is the third leg of raising a kid: You have us as the parents, you have the church, and you have Woodcrest Christian. And that is the truth.
The Metschke family: Van, Sonja, Karlee, and Kaylee
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Chasing Dreams All the Way to ‘Jupyter’
BY GENERATIONS STAFF
Zachary Sailer ‘09 Software engineer A graduate of the class of 2009, Zachary is a senior Software Engineer at Apple. Married to his high school sweetheart, Janelle (Sullivan) ’09, they are enjoying the life of new parents to their daughter Savannah. Both of them are involved in the high school ministry at their church. Zach continues to make waves in the field of science applying his curious mind to the intricacies of our world and giving glory to the Creator all along the way.
S
ince the sixth grade at Woodcrest Christian, alumnus Zachary Sailer had the dream of winning a Nobel prize in physics. “Although I didn’t know what physics was at first, my sixth grade teacher Miss Shelly Clayton told me I needed to go check it out. So I went home and did exactly that. Upon looking it up, I saw they had a Nobel prize and knew I had to go after it. She knew that physics would challenge my curious mind in a positive way, and I never forgot that advice from Miss Clayton.” Years later when Zach was in high school AP physics class, he realized Miss Clayton was right. He loved it! “My love of physics continued after Woodcrest Christian and so I chose physics as a major at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. After four years, I
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continued to graduate school racking up five more years of physics to earn my PhD from the physical chemistry department at the University of Oregon. I published papers in condensed matter physics, statistical physics, and molecular biophysics. None of these papers would have happened without those simple words from Miss Clayton. Woodcrest Christian teachers can have this kind of impact.” Equally weighted with Zach’s studies is his faith. He says, “Through my education, the truth of studying science is a tricky place for young Christians to land. I know from firsthand experience, many people believe that science and faith are at odds, which makes sense when you think about it because you rarely hear about science in a sermon. You’re lucky
if you get it maybe once a year from the pulpit. On the other hand, teachers in public schools are explicitly told to leave faith out of the classroom. Consequently, many kids are led to believe those two worldviews are incompatible. Unfortunately, this is a big reason why many young people leave their faith. I’ve watched it happen countless times, many times to my own friends.” Zach reiterates that what kept him from losing his faith after so many years in school was, simply put, Woodcrest Christian. “We never shied away from the union of faith and science. We talked about them as one whether it was in the classroom, discipleship groups, or chapel. We weld them together beautifully. There was no separation. So there was no need to fear losing faith in a field of science. They would always complement one
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We never shied away from the union of faith and science. We talked about them as one whether it was in the classroom, discipleship groups or chapel.
another and they always did, no matter what I studied because of Woodcrest Christian.” While Zach continued to pursue his dream to win a Nobel prize, he came very close while in college. “I connected with some scientists, five students, and two professors from Cal Poly and Cal Berkeley. We bonded over a mutual frustration with modern day scientific software and how all of it was extremely expensive and difficult to obtain because of
licensing which prevented us from collaborating with scientists around the globe. This seemed counter to the mission of science. So together, we developed our own tool for scientific research and we called it the “Jupyter Notebook.” It’s a free and open source electronic notebook that enables scientists, no matter where they are, to easily collaborate. We released this in 2012, and I’ve been working on it ever since, but we didn’t anticipate that this tool would explode in the scientific community. It would spill over into the daily data-heavy tech industry, and quickly it would become the world’s standard for data analysis and scientific computing. By 2016, our software would be used by millions of people from thousands of universities, federal government agencies, and Fortune 500 companies worldwide. It would be used to recommend shows on Netflix, find you Lyft and Uber rides, send pictures from Mars from the Curiosity Rover, build the first image of a black hole, and enable scientists and businesses to connect across the globe. The breakthrough for the Jupyter Notebook came in 2016, when it was announced that man had finally observed a gravitational wave. As Zach explains, this observation took over a hundred years, a few thousand scientists, a physicist, and multiple massive experimental setups that were
about two and a half miles wide. It was so exciting that they kept it a secret until they could announce it from the White House. At the announcement, the lead scientists did something unprecedented. They published all their raw data analysis and publications openly and freely so that anyone could download, review, and respond to make sure they got the results right away. The scientists used the Jupyter Notebook as their software tool and a year later that same team of scientists was granted the most anticipated Nobel prize in physics ever awarded. The 12-year-old in Zach was jumping up and down, vicariously living a dream come true. Overall, Zach credits Woodcrest Christian for having a great impact on his life and accomplishments. From the high-performing student body culture to the impactful teachers like Miss Clayton to the integration of faith and science, Zach has launched from this foundation and has carried with him a deep passion for helping others see science and faith through the same lens that Woodcrest Christian provided him.
High School Sweethearts Zach and his wife, Janelle (Sullivan) ‘09, met in first grade when they were cast together as Mary and Joseph in the annual Christmas parade at Riverside Christian Day School (now Woodcrest Christian Day School). In middle school, Zach asked Janelle’s parents if he could take her on a date. Janelle wasn’t allowed to date until she was 16 years old. Their friendship grew as they did things together with their shared group of friends. In 2007, when Janelle turned 16, Zach was there to ask for that date, and he’s been by her side ever since.
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WOODCREST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Transitional Kindergarten through 12th Grade 18401 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, California 92508 | (951) 780-2010 | WCSS.ORG
Passionately Preparing Students to Impact the World for Christ