Retreat to Camp Tapawingo

by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent

There has been an explosion of young families interested in placing their children in our Preschool and Kindergarten programs the past few years. As I interview these families, often with even younger children in tow, I am reminded of that particular season in my life. Nothing can compare to the blessing of a new baby in your home and the privileged responsibility of taking care of them. In contrast, just about nothing can also compare to the sacrifice required in changing diapers, wiping faces, and experiencing sleepless nights. If that season is long past for you, but you are still interested in sacrifice, I have an opportunity for you... volunteer at next year’s Middle School and High School Retreats!

The past two weeks, over 120 Crosshill secondary students experienced off-campus overnight retreats at nearby Camp Tapawingo. The teachers and parents who led the event did indeed sacrifice much, including sleepless nights, wiping faces, but thankfully no diapers were involved. Yet they would all agree that the commitment was well worth it. Unity in the student body greatly increased, and students experienced personal sacrifice themselves as focus was placed on being a worshipper in spirit and truth.  

Throughout the Old Testament, every description of worship surrounded the offering of a sacrifice. In the New Testament, worship still requires a sacrifice. We are called to “present our bodies as a living sacrifice….which is our spiritual worship” (Romans 12:1).  More specifically, we should “continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.  Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God”  (Hebrews 13:15-16).

As students and leaders discussed and meditated on these truths, the meaning of true worship of sacrifice came into clearer focus. So often worship can become about us and what makes us comfortable or brings pleasure to us. But true worship has its focus entirely on God and it is not reserved to any single reserved moment in time like the Old Testament sacrificial worship. As living sacrifices, worship is connected to our breath and can be constant, both public and private.  

The school’s character program is as much about worship as it is about character. Becoming “transformed” as “Image-bearers” is not simply an end in itself. The ongoing process is worship itself. At the heart of character is choosing to love God and to love others. Doing good often requires sacrifice, and these small and large acts of sacrifice are pleasing to God. Whether at your place of work, or in your child’s bedroom, or serving in your community, school, or church, a heart of being a living sacrifice is an act of worship. I am so grateful for the sacrifice of Crosshill parents and teachers committed to the discipleship of this next generation.  
 
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– Adam Kronberger / Superintendent