Think with me for a moment. Do you live a life of blessing or complaint? It is so easy to grumble. It is so easy to find things that are less than you want them to be. Why are these things so easy? Well, they’re easy because sin causes us to make life all about us.
I’m thinking about my 9th birthday. My mom and dad always made my siblings and I feel special on our birthdays, but we never got extravagant gifts like some of our friends. I vividly remember turning 9 years old. My family circled around me in the living room and watched me open a few gifts. Tube socks. A pair of “husky” jeans that I tried on at the store a week earlier. A t-shirt from my big brother’s closet. My family jokes about it to this day, but I do remember feeling disappointed at the time. Can you relate?
At a street level, it is tempting to live a grumbling, self-centered, God-forgetful life.
There will be times of sadness, of course. But friends, we should be the most celebratory community on earth! There should be a deep and abiding joy that’s the backbone of everything we do. Pastor and author Paul David Tripp adds an important point when he writes, “We will spend eternity celebrating redemption, but there is something wrong if the rehearsal for destiny’s celebration isn’t beginning now.”
Complaining forgets God’s grace. It fails to see the beauty of His promises. It allows the display of God’s majesty to go unnoticed.
This year, we intend to notice. To pay attention. To celebrate the way God is working at Western Christian High School. From large campaign completions, to unforeseen boiler repairs. From a lonely student who soon discovers a true sense of belonging. We want to Celebrate Western.
Hymn writers get it right when they use human language to pen songs of celebration. How about these celebratory words?
O for a thousand tongues to sing my dear Redeemer’s praise, the glories of my God and King, the triumphs of his grace!
What will you celebrate today? Your team that finally won a championship? A birthday? A solid, Christ-centered education for your kids? If you’re a human being, you’re a celebrator. The question is, in all of your celebrations, do you turn again and again to celebrate the most amazing, the most magnificent thing that a human being could experience; redemption?
You have been redeemed! Now, go out and celebrate!
Leading praise and worship at the Homecoming Chapel is Junior Cade Tiedeman. Music is an integral part of praise and worship, and also a time when students develop gifts of music and leadership. Read more about Western’s new Worship Arts and Leadership class in the Snapshot portion of this issue.
Bargain Alley Celebrates it’s Contribution to Western
Snapshots from the School
Wolfpack Athletics
Homecoming Week
Just My Thoughts
Celebrating the Second Century of Service Campaign
Student Perspective
Upcoming Events
NICSTO Contribution Update
Memorial Gifts
In mission, together, Brian Verwolf, Head Administrator
After only being open for three years, the Bargain Alley has many reasons to celebrate how it contributes to Western Christian and the broader Hull community and beyond.
The idea of a second-hand store in Hull began at a brainstorming session in the fall of 2017 as Western Christian leaders sought to find another revenue source. In January 2018, the vision became clearer through an opportunity to purchase the closed bowling alley. The concept became a reality in July of 2018 when the Bargain Alley opened its doors for business.
The Bargain Alley has experienced significant growth to handle the growing appetite for second-hand bargains and is a great place to bring donated items. The DIY movement encourages resourcefulness instead of purchasing new. Being stewards of God’s creation, buying second hand, donating, and recycling is the most straightforward means of applying the virtues of reuse and recycle. Bargain Alley is how all of this is fulfilled, making it such a successful business. Kari Hoekstra, store manager, stated, “The Hull city council members have told me they have seen the impact the store brings to the community of Hull by bringing many people from out of town just to shop at the Bargain Alley.”
Another reason to celebrate is that Bargain Alley continues to grow each year which helps provide an excellent and affordable Christian education for Western families.
In today’s society, people are much more aware of sustainability and recycling, and
it can provide shoppers “a thrill” to hunt for the best deal. Providing this service to the community is rewarding. The store gives consumers a place to meet their financial needs and a place where others can donate their unused items responsibly.
Volunteers are essential for the day-to-day operations of the store. They donate their time and talent to make a difference locally at Bargain Alley in the store and community. Being a volunteer means something different for everyone. It is a great social responsibility for some, providing them a sense of belonging, while others love to use it to destress and feel productive. It’s an excellent way to socialize and make new friends, meeting and working with people engaged in the same mission. The Bargain Alley volunteers love giving back to family, friends, and the community, especially Western Christian; it matters to them that they are helping provide the means to carry out WC’s mission statement.
Bargain Alley volunteer numbers grew in the three years it’s been open from 20 in its first year to 50 plus currently on staff. Many new friendships have been made, which is great to see in how God brings people together as “Family” or “team.” No matter who they are and how much time they have to share, their volunteering interest experience excites them as staff at Bargain Alley. Volunteers are the heart of Bargain Alley and should be celebrated. Hoekstra shared these thoughts as well, “I am greatly encouraged by the support and generosity of the constituents of WC, the community of Hull, my staff and volunteers to make Bargain Alley so successful. To see the way in which God has used all of us to set up a nonprofit store raising funds for the needs of the school is worth it all. Everyone coming together to work, volunteer, shop, donate and give back know they’re supporting the greatest cause of celebrating; HIS GLORY!”
Save November 11 or 13 to join the Drama Department as they show off their gifts and talents!
This fall’s play, Leaving Iowa, is an ode to the family road trip. We follow Don, a writer, as he travels across the Midwest to find the perfect place to spread his father’s ashes. As he drives, he reminisces the chaotic family road trip they had when the family was much younger. Students play a wide variety of zany characters in this play that will have you laughing ‘til it hurts.
-Kaityln Balijeu, Play Director
We celebrate all new students to Western by welcoming them (pom-poms and all!) with personal home visits. This tradition started in 2020 due to students missing out on the traditional 8th Grade Day. These home visits were such a powerful touchpoint with students that Mr. Verwolf and Mrs. Christians took to the road again as the ‘Welcome Squad.’ “I absolutely love teaming up with Mr. Verwolf to welcome our new students to Western! Meeting our students, seeing where each of them live, and celebrating their transition into Western gives me true JOY!” said Karen Christians.
Seniority comes with responsibility. This message was passed onto the students at the annual Senior Picnic held on August 12th at Head Administrator Brian Verwolf’s home.
I am excited for my last year at Western Christian. It was an awesome night of fellowship and friends at Mr. Verwolf’s to kick off the year.
-Mason VandeHoef, Student Body President
American State Bank hosted a tailgate supper on Sept 3 before the Western Christian vs. BHRV Football game. Senior football captions suggested the idea that proceeds be donated to two of the football coaches for the ongoing expenses they are incurring with their newborn sons. The tailgate was well attended and a great showing of how the community can rally together.
The Dehoyos and Kooima families would like to thank the Western Christian supporters for the prayers for Charley, Maddox, and Carver. The outpouring of love and support from everyone has been humbling and a blessing. They’d also like to thank the football team and parents for organizing the tailgate, along with their generosity and prayers.
Western Christian is intentional about focusing on all areas of the health of the students. Mrs. Katie Reitsma has every Junior for PE/ Health this semester. She remarked, “PE/Health is off to a great start! We are enjoying the outdoors and fresh fall air as much as we can until the snowfalls. So far, we have competed through Espionage, Frisbee Golf and learned the new skill of spear throwing! We also spend two days a week in the classroom diving into concepts of Wellness, Mental Health, and the importance of rest, and how our faith plays a large role in each.”
Worship Arts and Leadership is a new class at Western designed to give students historical and theological background into Reformed worship, hands-on, practical experience in planning worship, and the development of the skills necessary to lead ensembles and volunteers well. Throughout the one-semester class, students will seek to answer questions such as: What is Reformed worship? What is music’s role in worship? How do I arrange songs for the musicians available? How can I lead a group of volunteers with grace and patience? What are healthy tensions in worship, and how can these be upheld regularly? Mrs. Amie Smit is teaching the class along with many guest artists and university professors lined up to share their expertise in areas such as pipe organ, drumming, choral music, liturgical dance, American Sign Language, improvisation, handbells, and good communication. As students in the Worship Arts and Leadership class put their new knowledge and experience into practice, they will be an integral part of planning and coordinating student-led worship at Western as well as in their home churches. Western looks forward to seeing the fruits of their diligent work!
The boys’ soccer team had much to celebrate this past spring. The Wolfpack earned a trip to Des Moines to compete in the State Tournament the 1st week in June and brought home the 2nd place trophy. There may have been doubts of what the Wolfpack soccer players were capable of since no soccer was played in 2020; however, no doubts remained at the end of the season.
The team put in a lot of work in the off-season to prepare. Every player stepped up and competed in the roles the coaches needed them, and their work effort and attitude made the season quite a positive experience. Thirty-three freshman – seniors made up the Junior Varsity and Varsity squads. The Varsity tied a season record by finishing the year with 16 wins and only two losses. More impressively, they only allowed 15 goals to be scored by their opponents throughout the season, while the Wolfpack offensive tallied 62 total goals with the help of 34 assists.
Head Coach Sou Baccam remarked, “2021 was an exciting year for Wolfpack soccer. I’m really proud of this team not only for making it to state but for how much they grew as individuals and as a team throughout the season. There were so many great memories and relationships built throughout the season. We had a young team this year and are looking forward to what’s to come in the following years.”
The girls’ soccer team at Western has seen a lot of turnover in the Head Coaching position over the years, and the 2021 team also had a new head coach. The only difference from teams of the past, this new head coach had already developed some relationships with the players because he is the Vocational Guidance Counselor within the school building. Dr. Bill
2021 was an exciting year for Wolfpack soccer. I’m really proud of this team not only for making it to state but for how much they grew as individuals and as a team throughout the season.
-Coach Baccam, Boys SoccerElgersma brought a lot of coaching experience with him, and he made the 2021 season a year of teaching the team the game of soccer, not just coaching it. Elgersma stated, “The team learned terminology; they experienced several different formations - sometimes within the same half. They began to develop a soccer IQ, and their skills dramatically improved. This team went from a group waiting for the coach to tell them what to do to a group who figured out what to do. I can’t ask for more than that.”
The girls’ soccer team strived for and was able to celebrate hard work. The focus of the year was ‘hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.’ That hard work earned the Wolfpack a 10-7 record. Soccer isn’t necessarily a high-profile sport at Western Christian as it doesn’t get the attention of Basketball and Volleyball, but the soccer players desire to win no matter what sport they are playing.
Coach Elgersma commented this team was never willing to accept a bad game. They strived to improve and learn. The team is filled with natural athleticism and many returning players for next season. So with the new knowledge and higher soccer IQ, they will continue to refine their game and celebrate more victories in the future.
Wolfpack baseball celebrated improvement this season. Through a strong work ethic, the team was able to play their best baseball toward the end of the season. Coach Roose said, “This is a testament to our leaders and players for committing themselves to pursue daily excellence. It will be exciting to see how this group continues the momentum into next season.”
The Western Christian baseball program aims to develop student-athletes to be servant leaders in the community and their role in Christ’s Kingdom. As a program, the goal is to compete in a Christian manner at our personal best while using God’s gifts. The baseball program plans to build off this year and focus on being a selfless teammate in a selfish world. This philosophy was emphasized during the season by using Philippians 2:4 as their team verse. “Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.”
They began to develop a soccer IQ, and their skills dramatically improved. This team went from a group waiting for the coach to tell them what to do to a group who figured out what to do. I can’t ask for more than that.
-Coach Elgersma, Girls Soccer
Summer sports have the extra challenge of working with the student-athlete’s busy summer schedules. Teenagers have summer jobs and open gyms and camps for their other athletic teams. The baseball and softball coaches do their best to work with the students, but commitment is important. The softball team
focused on commitment this year when they chose the motto: COMMIT to the LORDCOMMIT to the GAME - COMMIT to the TEAM. The Senior players picked this motto along with a Bible verse to reinforce it. “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” Psalm 37:4-5 ESV
The softball team struggled a little bit during the middle of the season but focusing and leaning into their theme, came back fighting. They fought hard but came up short in a heartbreaking loss one game before Substate.
The season’s biggest highlight was not a win or a loss; it was Team Leo Night. The Wolfpack joined with BHRV for a really fun night of softball and support for the Boer family. Efforts ended up raising $15,000 for Team Leo. Coach DeJong said he was proud of how both schools and the community came together to support a great cause - something much bigger than a win or loss on the ball diamond.
Dress up days:
Tuesday: Jersey Day
Wednesday: Formal Day
Thursday : America Day
Friday: School Spirit Day
ACTIVITIES: Kickball Gaga ball Chapel Coffee Bar Volleyball Tournament Ping Pong Tournament Pep Rally
I tend to be a mom who loves the big moments. When I plan vacations for my family, I picture big moments of family happiness and great photo opportunities. When we celebrate a birthday, I often want the wow factor–that moment, gift, or menu that will stand out in my loved one’s memory long after the party or gathering is finished. I love celebrating and living out those wonderful big moments.
My ideas on parenting are often similar. Did I make the big-moment impression? Did I recognize that big-moment opportunity to speak truth into my child’s life? Was I present in that big teachable moment to share or show my child that pivotal-moment life-skill?
Here at Western we also create opportunities for big moments. We celebrate them wildly when they occur. We thank God for those big moments when our students step up and shine the light of His love in big ways: when senior football captains suggest a tailgate with all the proceeds presented to two beloved coaches; when a senior girl designs a wristband to show prayer support for families in need and brainstorms how to raise the funds so all Western students can wear one; when numerous students stay after school on Friday and then come back to school on Labor Day Monday to make the school an inviting and festively decorated setting for Homecoming. We celebrate these big moments, and we should!
While there are big, life-changing moments, when it is crucial that we as parents, teachers, and students are prepared to say, do, and live out His light, there are also a million mundane moments that are equally as important. While it may be easy to fixate on the big moments, that may lead us to overlook the lifelong impact of the small, daily moments that add up to so much and also deserve celebration.
A senior in speech presents her favorite blankie from childhood. She shares that it was not a gift from a family member but rather from a lady in her church, someone who the entire congregation affectionately called Grandma Grace. Grace did mundane things very well. She gave each baby born into her church family a baby blanket. She had a bucket of candy in her garage so that kids on their way home from school could pop in and grab a piece of candy for the rest of their walk. She was described by my senior speech student as, “someone who I want to be like.” That is worth celebrating.
Another senior walks into my classroom after missing a few days of class. He retells the story of the past few days, hunting with his dad. When I ask a few questions, he pulls out his phone and shows me pictures of his prize from their weekend together. He goes on to share how the bear is quartered and will be delivered to the taxidermist soon, so he’ll have a
rug to keep forever. It wasn’t a flawless lesson plan with clear learning targets; rather, it was an authentic conversation, made possible by simply being present and being curious. The result was a rather quiet, reserved senior guy opening up for a couple minutes. That is worth celebrating.
A freshman girl walks up to me after class during the first week of school. She asks if she can give me a hug. I reply, “Of course, you can.” She shares that this place is starting to feel familiar to her. My class reminds her of one of her classes from grade school. It feels good to feel familiar. It is good to have open discussions about our faith. A simple hug from a new freshman, that is worth celebrating.
Sometimes we will brainstorm big strategies, we will pencil out specific plans, and we will celebrate the effective implementation of those big plans when carried out well. But I also hope we celebrate the ordinary, what some may even call the mundane. Because it is in those moments that we find ourselves so often. When we do that, others around us will notice our light, it will light up their pathway, their workplace, their table or their desk, and then they will recognize where that light comes from. It’s not us, it’s our Father in heaven shining through us in a million ordinary, yet powerful ways.
I am a mom who loves big moments. My youngest moved off to college just a few weeks ago. I had all the feelings. I wondered all the wonderings. Did I do enough? Did I teach him enough? Did I create memorable big moments for him to hang onto as he moves on from our home? Those are really hard questions, and yet, I choose to find peace in this situation too. My God is the God of all my life’s big moments, and He also reigns over every single little moment too. They are all His, and in His Hands, they are all worth celebrating.
Just my thoughts, KC
We are off to a great start at Western! I have been asked many times, “So, how do you like your new job?” My response has been that Western is a great place to work! The culture and overall atmosphere is very positive and exciting!
Many things certainly have an impact on school culture and climate. One of those factors is the facility that students and staff come to every day; an inviting entrance, a student lounge (Mr. Verwolf calls this space “Western’s family room”), an Event Center that is being used for meaningful chapels, improved Science, Engineering, and Agriculture facilities, and air conditioning…
We are “CELEBRATING” the blessing of the Second Century of Service Campaign each day! A Campaign that began in 2014, to allow for many of these wonderful upgrades. With thanks to God, we’re getting close to our goal of funds received towards the campaign.
Now some numbers:
• $7,000,000 goal
• $1,450,000 currently borrowed from the Western Foundation. This is our only loan!
• $158,500 in outstanding pledges and commitments.
On behalf of everyone here at Western, thank you for your support of the Second Century of Service Campaign! You are partnering with us as we seek to build God’s Kingdom here at Western. We do ask that you prayerfully consider a gift to the Second Century Campaign as we seek to eliminate the $1,450,000 owed to the Foundation. Please let me know if you have any questions.
In His Service,
Brad Vis - Director of Mission Advancement brad.vis@westernchristianhs.com
Cell # 605-359-5704
School is a safe place away from home where students spend roughly a third of their day. To create a comfortable atmosphere, like home, Western has created an inviting gathering space, the student lounge, as part of the vast improvement to the facilities during the 2nd Century Campaign Project. No one can enter the building and walk to classrooms without passing through the student lounge. But this space has become more than a lounge for the students; this space has become a hub of activity where relationships across grade levels develop.
Senior Kyler Heemskerk and his friends are usually found on the west end utilizing the bench with tables. “The lounge has been a blessing for me and my friends for a number of reasons. The biggest being that the lounge is simply a good place to hang out, relax, and work on a little homework. It’s also just nice to change the pace of everyday classwork and the lounge does that.”
“To me, the lounge is a place to socialize with people outside of my own friend group
and burn off some energy. Because I’m a competitive person, playing ping pong is my favorite thing to do in the lounge. A game of ping pong is a great way to break up my busy class schedule and take my mind off school while having a little bit of fun!” Macy Westra, Junior.
C E L E B R A T E K L O N G
C E L E B R A T I O N ,
Visser shared her thoughts. “The student lounge is one of my favorite places to be during the school day. It’s always busy with people and has many ping pong games going on. I meet my friends on the corner stairs every morning when I get to school to talk, hang out, and have breakfast. It’s nice to have a place to go and relax with friends before and during school, and the student
October 13 - Stewardship Day
October 14 - Fall Music Festival
October 29 - End of the 1st Quarter
November 2-3 - Parent Teacher Conferences
November 11, 13 - Fall School Play
November 16 - Explore Western Open House
November 19 - Community Thanksgiving Banquet & Kids Carnival
NICSTO is designed by Iowa state law to promote the expansion of school choice for the benefit of Iowa’s students, our children, and grandchildren. This year, Western Christian may raise $150,000 that is given to families in the form of tuition scholarships!
In 2020, Western Christian distributed NICSTO funds to more than 60 families. This is outstanding! We are blessed to provide this support throughout our learning community. Will you consider donating to support both current and new families who desire Christ-centered education?
A donation to NICSTO allows a 75% tax credit on your Iowa taxes and helps families with
their tuition payments. It is almost too good to be true! For example, a gift of $1,000 will bring you a $750 Iowa tax credit.
You may donate by checks, gifts of grain, stocks, and bonds. You may also donate your minimum distribution from your IRA. There is no limit to how much you can contribute. To receive a tax credit in 2021, please complete the form on the backside, and return it with your check by November 30, 2021.
Do you have any questions?
Please contact Mr. Brad Vis: brad.vis@westernchristianhs.com Phone: 712-439-1013
This completed memo must accompany your contribution. A formal Iowa Tax Credit Certificate will be sent to you in late December or early January.
Western Christian High School is grateful to receive memorial gifts in honor and memory of:
Orlin Te Slaa - Shakopee, MN. Orlin was a 1976 graduate of Western Christian. He and his wife Julie, had two children, Ryan and Brittany.
Anita Van Maanen - Rock Valley. Anita was married to Henry, a 1949 graduate of Western Christian. They had six children that all attended Western. Korrie (1973), Alan (1975), Peggy (1977), Galen (1980), Curt (1982), and Amy (1987).
Caroline Vanden Bos - Rock Valley. Caroline was a 1946 graduate of Western Christian. She and her husband John had two children, James and Carol. Three of Carol’s grandchildren have graduated from Western.
Myna Nyhof - Sioux Center. Myna and her husband Leonard (1954) had three children, Leo (1977), Lora, and Linda (1988).
Jason Van Holland - Sioux Center. Jason graduated from Western in 2003.
Ella Mae Vande Burgt - Hull. Ella Mae and her husband Wilfred, a 1946 Western graduate had five children, all who graduated from Western. Evonne (1971), Jerry(1972), Beverly (1974), Donna (1978), and Harv (1979).
Lorraine Groeneweg - Orange City. Lorraine was a 1957 graduate of Western Christian. She was married to William (1957) and had three children, Cindy (1978), Adrie (1980), and Scott (1990).
Kenny Van Beek - Inwood. Ken graduated from Western Christian in 1974. He has three sons, Nate, Nick (2003), and Josh (2006).