Connecting People to God's Grace

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK

Dear Grace School Family,

I am writing to you today with a full heart, feeling incredibly uplifted and inspired. Having been able to attend the WELS National Conference, and the experience has been a profound reminder of the scope of our shared ministry.

It is truly overwhelming in the best possible way to witness over 1,600 people gathered in one place, united by a common faith and a shared dedication to Christian education and leadership. The energy, fellowship, and collective focus on God’s Word are tremendous blessings. Being immersed in this larger body of believers immediately brought my thoughts back home to our own hallways. It served as a beautiful reminder of the unique and wonderful blessings God pours out on us daily right here at Grace. While we are a smaller setting, that same Spirit unites us, and that same mission drives everything we do for your children.

Speaking of celebrating our unique community spirit, we have some fun on the horizon!

Please mark your calendars for our upcoming Spirit Week, which will take place February 9-13. It is always a highlight of the winter season. Be on the lookout for more detailed information regarding daily themes and activities in the upcoming weeks.

We are grateful for your partnership and for the blessing of our school family.

In His Service,

Chris Avila

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” – Psalm 133:1


Meditation for the Week

Thought of the Week

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

THIS WEEK AT GRACE

Sunday, January 25, 2026

Sunday Worship Service 8:00 and 10:30 am

Adult Bible Study and Sunday School 9:15 am


Monday, January 26, 2026

Hamburgers

Boys B team 1 BB game at OLL at 4:00 pm

Girls B team BB game at OLL at 5:00 pm

Girls MS 8th grade and Team White games at Grace Christian 4:15 pm


Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Mr. Goody - Corn Dogs

Girls B team BB practice 3:30 - 4:30 pm

Boys B team BB practice 4:30 - 5:30 pm

Girls MS team white practice 4:00 - 6:00 pm

Girls MS 8th game and team purple practice 5:30 - 7:00 pm


Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Salad Bar

Girls B team BB practice 3:30 - 4:30 pm

Boys B team BB practice 4:30 - 5:30 pm

Girls' MS 8th grade and team purple home games vs OLL 6:00 pm

Girls' MS team white practice 4-6:00 pm


Thursday, January 29, 2026

Subway

Girls B team BB home game vs River of Life at 4:00 pm

Boys B team 2 home game vs River of Life at 5:00 pm

Girls MS 8th grade and team white home games vs Brandywine 6:00 pm


Friday, January 30, 2026

Pizza


Saturday, January 31, 2026

Men's Morning Basketball - 7:00 - 8:30 am




IN THIS NEWSLETTER YOU CAN EXPECT:


  • 2026/27 Re-Enrollment Information
  • School T-Shirt Order
  • Illness Policy
  • President's Day - Feb. 16 - No School
  • January, Feb., and March Hot Lunch Calendar
  • MLHS Lunar New Year Festival Information



Re-Enrollment Application 2026/27

Dear Grace Families,


It’s hard to believe, but it’s already time to start planning for the 2026–2027 school year! Partnering with you to provide a Christ-centered education for your child is one of our greatest blessings, and we are grateful for the trust you place in us to nurture their academic, spiritual, and personal development.


To help us prepare for the upcoming year, we ask that all current school families complete the Re-enrollment Application Form by January 30th, 2026. Priority enrollment is given to Grace members and returning students. Starting February 1st, 2026, enrollment will open to new families from the community based on available space in each room. This process is especially important for classes near capacity, as we anticipate having waiting lists for certain grades.


As we plan for the year ahead, we remain committed to providing an excellent education while managing our resources responsibly. While the exact tuition amount for next year has not yet been finalized, we want to be transparent and let you know to expect a modest increase to account for rising operational costs. If this increase presents a financial challenge, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Need-based tuition scholarships are also available, and we are here to support you so that all of our families will be able to continue to attend Grace.


This year, we are providing a digital version of the Re-enrollment Application to simplify the process. If you would prefer a hard copy, please stop by the school office. If you have any questions about re-enrollment or financial assistance, feel free to contact us at 269-429-4951 or school@gracestjoseph.org.


Thank you for being part of the Grace Lutheran School family. Together, we are shaping lives grounded in faith, knowledge, and love.



Blessings,


Mr. Avila


Crosstrain Kids Update!

So far, in Crosstrain Kids, we've have grown in the importance that we are children of God through the blood of Jesus Christ. That never changes. Now, we talk about God's amazing purpose that he's given us. We live lives on purpose for his glory.


Read more in the newsletter.

HOT LUNCH

Follow Grace PIE on Facebook and Instragram

PARENT CONVERSATIONS

Providing Support on Your Parenting Journey

Parent conversations: 
Ideas to Foster a Family-Friendly Church


MLHS News and Notes

ML Sundays:

Michigan Lutheran's Festival Singers will be singing in worship at our association congregations and other sister-congregations within our WELS fellowship throughout the course of our school year. Please refer to the schedule below if you wish to join them in worship throughout the year, or are wondering when they will be visiting your home congregation.



January 11- St. Paul's, Stevensville

February 1- St. Paul, Sodus

March 1- Peace, Granger, IN

March 8- St. John's, Dowagiac

May 10- Grace, St. Joseph


School Contact Information:


Mr. Chris Avila / avilac@gracestjoseph.org / 608-769-1979

Mr. Justin Wiechmann / wiechmannj@gracestjoseph.org / 262-203-6053

Ms. Kennedy Doble / doblek@gracestjoseph.org / 248-309-7949

Ms. Hannah Schneekloth / schneeklothh@gracestjoseph.org / 507-475-1428

Mrs. Elissa Bishop / bishope@gracestjoseph.org / 765-431-1086

Ms. Elizabeth Reimers/reimerse@gracestjoseph.org/269-930-3822

Mr. Gregory Rush / rushg@gracestjoseph.org / 269-588-9008

Mrs. Nancy Leifer / leifern@gracestjoseph.org / 253-625-6272

Mrs. Nicki Barabas / barabasn@gracestjoseph.org / 269-635-7592

Mrs. Hannah Mueller / muellerh@gracestjoseph.org / 920-242-0407

Mrs. Anne Thorson / thorsona@gracestjoseph.org / 269-926-8503

Mrs. Lisa Avila / avilal@gracestjoseph.org / 608-769-4537

Mrs. Mary Duehlmeyer/duehlmeyerm@gracestjoseph.org/269-313-5940

Mrs. Sandy Sempert / school@gracestjoseph.org / 269-449-4102

Pastor Josh Bishop / bishopj@gracestjoseph.org / 765-431-1292

Pastor Paul Jenkins/jenkinsp@gracestjoseph.org / 309-433-5807


Middle School Athletic Director

Mr. Kevin Lemke/klemke@michiganlutheran.org/ 269-767-2848

Grace Lutheran School
St. Joseph, MI 49085