​​by Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal

This morning I sat among the crowd of Crosshill and Church on the Hill staff, coming together to launch another adventurous school year. It's an annual tradition to take the first hours of our busy inservice week to stop, share a meal, and unite our hearts to God's plans and purposes. As our Head of School shared an inspirational message on our mission, it hit me that every single person in the room cares about what God cares about; making disciples of Jesus Christ. Whether in the business office or the classroom, every position supports our mission of discipleship. It's not likely you will ever meet some of the wonderful people working behind the scenes to accomplish the business of running this school, but they are truly invested in our children. 

As I continued to reflect on the morning it occurred to me you may not know that Church-run schools are no longer the norm. It's messy and complicated sharing buildings, resources, and staff. But Church On The Hill is not afraid of the mess, and have committed to breaking barriers, working through issues, and faithfully listening to God as He reveals His next steps. The lines between church and school have become blurred in the best of ways. The two no longer intersect, but intertwine, complimenting and strengthening each other. God is doing a special work in the shared ministry of Crosshill Christian and Church on the Hill, and I suspect the best is yet to come!

As we come together officially next week, I pray God strengthens our community, and continues to bless us with unity, peace, and wisdom.

“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” Psalm 29:11
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– Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal

​​​by Adam Kronberger / Head of School

About a week ago I had a mild disagreement with a close friend in which I operated more in the flesh rather than by the Spirit. While not overtly hostile, my comments were hurtful and unnecessary. Over the next few hours and days, I replayed the interaction in my mind and slowly began to acknowledge my mistakes and repent of my deliberate sin. I even rehearsed in my mind the appropriate way to truly apologize to my friend and communicate the goodwill I have toward them which God has placed in my heart.

About a week later, my friend and I were reminiscing about this distasteful event, and I said, “Well, at least I made it right!” My friend responded with a look of surprise and confusion. I quickly considered what I had said that was wrong. Suddenly, I realized that my heartfelt apology and well-rehearsed relationship builder never made it from my mind to my mouth. With a bit of embarrassment and humility, I verbalized the prior mental exercise which had satisfied my conscious but had not truly repaired our friendship. We had a few laughs and a needed hug.

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes our steps” (Psalm 16:9).  Sometimes even my best intentions will fall short without the fruit of following through.  God is in the business of helping us close the deal and take are best intentions and make them abundant fruit.

As the summer season slows down, take the time to make your best intentions a reality. Spend some extra time at night to "tuck" your children into bed and have a memorable and meaningful spontaneous conversation. Surprise a family member with a special Saturday breakfast adventure. Take some time at the dinner table to share what God has been revealing to you through his Scripture and creation. So when the days become shorter than the nights, and the rain comes and doesn't leave, you can reflect on your summer season, “At least I made it right!”
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– Adam Kronberger / Head of School