Slovakia, or, as the Slovaks say: “Slovensko,” is a small country in the heart of Europe, about the size of Mississippi in the United States. It is often confused with “Slovenia,” its neighbor to the southwest, or “Czechoslovakia,” a union of Slovakia and the Czech Republic that was dissolved almost 30 years ago. Continue reading
Besides experiencing a bilingual education in Slovak and English, our high school students at the Lutheran Academy are required to study a third language. To celebrate the unique cultures that come with each language, our school invited the local community to attend an “Around the World Night.” Continue reading
Four students of EGMT – Daniel Dulla, Ivana Hrušková, Ivana Krpelanová and Alena Buľovská – represented our school in the roles of delegates of the Democratic Republic of Korea and Egypt at the second edition of Torún Model United Nations (TOMUN) in Torún, Poland (23-25 September). Continue reading
(This post was written shortly after our return from Slovakia in July. I’ve hesitated posting it as it felt – still feels – quite personal to me. However, today I received a note from Bohdan Hroboň, President of the Center for Christian Education. He was writing me about something else, but shared about a huge financial challenge they’re facing. And, once again, they’re facing it with the same faith and trust I wrote about in this post. I’m encouraged by these friends of mine. All the time.)
For the third consecutive summer, volunteers from St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi, Minn., conducted the Peer Ministry program at CCE’s Lutheran High School. Led by St. Andrew’s lead pastor Michael D. Carlson and diaconal minister and program head Erin Morris, five American teens prepared a week of interesting activities, communication training, Bible study, new experience, and surprising moments, and helped train additional Slovak students for this kind of service. Continue reading
The Middle East refugee situation has become a global crisis, particularly in Europe. In response to this issue, Lutheran Academy Martin Slovakia (LAMS) decided to make a difference. Over the course of this school year, the students and teachers at LAMS initiated a service project to help refugees. Continue reading
CCE’s Peer Ministry group continues to grow! A new cohort of Peer Ministers—all students at CCE’s high school—was trained last summer. Since then, additional students have expressed interest in becomingPeer Ministers. Continue reading
The Eagles Wings High School Choir, from Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Naperville, IL is its 28th year. The choir, formed in fall in 1988 as part of the youth program, draws its members from seven area high schools and is made up of students in grades 9-12. The choir serves twice a month, leading the 10:30 a.m. worship service and holds as its mission statement “to provide a nurturing environment where students can grow in their faith and in friendships, serving with their God-given musical abilities.” Eagles Wings has traveled to Colorado, New York City, Hilton Head, S.C., Minnesota, Nashville, TN, Boston, MA, North Carolina, California, Slovakia, and Canada on past tour/mission trips. Lynn Panosh, founder and director of Eagle’s Wings, is the Director of Worship and the Arts at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. Sue Bergren, accompanist, also serves as Associate Musician and organist. Bobbi Jo Cyr serves as Youth Director. Continue reading
Alena Bulovska, 15 years old, is one of our first year students at the high school. Recently, she was watching a TV show that described the situation of a local family who was in need. The father had lost his job due to an injury and was living in a one room, run down “house” with no water or electricity, with his wife and 4 young children. Continue reading
