Riverside Christian School Benefit Banquet
Tuesday, November 9, 7:00 p.m.
Alerus Center -- 1200 42nd Street South, Grand Forks, ND
Riverside Christian School of East Grand Forks cordially invites you to our annual fall benefit banquet. Our featured speaker will be Christian comedian and author, Ken Davis. Ken has spent 15 years working for Youth for Christ, and in the last 25 years has traveled the nation as one of the top motivational and inspirational speakers. He has appeared on television and stage around the world and is the host of the popular daily radio show, “Lighten Up and Live”, heard on over 800 stations across America. Ken has written nine books, and provides seminars and a video series that teaches speaking skills to ministry personnel and corporate executives. His unique mixture of sidesplitting humor and inspiration never fails to delight and enrich audiences of all ages. Ken was born and raised in Eveleth, Minnesota. Ken’s wife, Diane, is from Humboldt, Minnesota. Ken and Diane met while attending Oak Hills Bible College in Bemidji, Minnesota.
Our annual fall banquet is an outreach to our community. It is our desire to raise new friends and finances for Riverside Christian School. We have an opportunity for those attending to see a snapshot of our school and the children’s talents. It is a delight to see how God has gifted these children.
The banquet will be held at the Alerus Center on Tuesday, November 9. Doors open at 6:15 pm with the banquet starting at 7:00 pm. A full meal will be served; Riverside Christian students and staff will be highlighted, followed by our special guest, Ken Davis. A free-will offering will be taken. Seating is limited, and reservations are necessary. Call 218-773-1770 by Tuesday, November 2 to make your banquet reservations.

Calendar of Coming Events
October 31, 4-7 pm
     Fall Funanza at RCS
November 9, 7 pm
     Annual Banquet with Ken Davis
November 25-26
     Thanksgiving Break--No School
December 14, 7 pm
     Christmas Concert
December 17 
     Christmas Vacation Begins--Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
January 3, 2005
     School resumes

Middle School Retreat 
Living Waters Bible Camp
Westby, Wisconsin
September 27 – October 1, 2004
Riverside Christian School Middle School students, 6-8 grade, had the privilege and opportunity to attend a week long retreat at Living Waters Bible Camp in Westby, Wisconsin. It is a highlight of the students’ year! Here are some of the students’ thoughts and reflections on this experience:
Jonathan Bartel (8) – “Three of the things that I learned at retreat were: What the inside of a tabernacle looks like, that you shouldn’t judge someone by their looks- but that it is the inside that counts, and everyone is important.”
Anna Flaten (8) – “ Some highlights for me on the trip were the Climbing Tower, going down the zipline, caving and the geodes. Climbing the tower can be scary but fun. The Climbing Tower can be compared to life. The Climbing Tower is difficult, and so is life sometimes. If you slip, or make a mistake, God is “holding you”. The ropes are holding us just like God is holding us.”
Matt Krueger (8)- “One highlight was doing things with geodes/rocks. The 6th and 8th graders did this project together. We got to split open our own geodes and got to keep our halves. The other person that helped you in your group got the other half of the geode. We are now supposed to pray for that person each night before we go to bed. If I ever go help run a camp, I will suggest to many about that project.”
Katherine Mathsen (8) – “ Our theme for the week was ‘Created for Worship’. I had always thought singing was the only way to worship God. I learned that we can worship God by praying, offering thanksgiving, and many other ways.”
Paul Bervik (7) – “ One of the things I enjoyed about the retreat was that they continuously would tie games/activities we did with a spiritual meaning.”
Caleb Folson (7) – “On the bus ride to Wisconsin, Mrs. Hellekson had us rotate with another person to do devotions…for 5 minutes each hour.”
Kirsten Rieke (7) – “Thank you so much to the chaperones who were willing to come stay with a bunch of middle school kids for a whole week. It must take a lot of effort and energy. So, THANK YOU to Mrs. Hellekson, Mrs. Zavoral and Mr. Kramer for all your work. You made it a great week of fun and learning for all.”
Bryce Young (7) – “Since it was my first year going to the retreat, I was probably the most amazed by how beautifully God made Wisconsin. One of the things I learned about God and the Bible was that God usually used the color bronze for judgement and silver for redemption.”
Grant Simanton (6) – “ We got to do archery and shoot bows. Tim, a staff member at camp, helped us to shoot more accurately every time we tried it. After we were done shooting, we learned this lesson: We need to learn to shoot accurately for Jesus, just like trying to shoot our bows accurately.”
Mark Boese (6) – “One of the highlights for me was the Praise Zoo and all of the night games. Did you know roaches have sticky pads on their feet? These activities were a good time to learn and grow in Christ and learn about my friends too.”
Justin Morken (6) – “I felt closer to God that week.”
Jocelyn Rozeveld (6) – “I had fun with the ‘Adirondacks’ because I got to have a great time with my friends, look at the beautiful stars and formations that God has made, and I liked sleeping in a three-sided shelter with the fresh air and among nature.”

UND’s Potato Bowl Parade Entry
“One Nation Under God: Our Heritage and Our Hope”
September 11, 2004
Special thanks to Naomi Mathsen for her leadership and energy in organizing this year’s float for the annual Potato Bowl Parade. Thanks, too, to the Bryan Folson family for the use of their truck and trailer for the day. Students waved flags, sang songs and shared their patriotic spirit, while handing out candy, throughout the parade.  It was a wonderful day, and enjoyed by students and families alike. 

Riverside Christian School Graduates
A look at the graduating classes of 2004
With caps and gowns in place, Riverside Christian School recognized our Kindergarten students with a graduation celebration on May 25, 2004. Kindergarten is a special year for all children, as they begin their formal education. Nine students finished Kindergarten last spring with Mrs. Schimke as their teacher, guide, mentor and friend. The students shared a brief program with those in attendance- singing songs and reciting memorized Bible verses, one for each letter of the alphabet, A-Z. Each child received a graduation certificate, as well as recognition for their character development and growth this past year. The fruits of the Spirit, as seen in Galatians 5, were identified in the children: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Following the ceremonies, a reception was held for our graduates, with balloons and treats for everyone.
Our 2004 Kindergarten Graduates included: Cynthia Cao, Samuel Waterman, Grace Roehl, Ethan Williamson, Emily Loiland, David Snyder, Hannah Capouch, Joshua Brose, and Emma Pipiles. Our best wishes to these young students, and may they continue to grow in their faith and love for the Lord!
Spring, the end of another school year, and graduation- these are wonderful seasons to celebrate in young people’s lives.  Eighth grade students were lifted up, recognized and honored for their achievements and growth at Riverside Christian School. Physically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually, these students grew in countless ways throughout their education experience. Students shared their testimonies, and Pastor Paul Nather of Grace Baptist Church, challenged these young people to continue to live out their faith in the years ahead. On May 27 friends and families gathered to celebrate the  2004 eighth grade graduates. This year’s class included: Austin Bren, Diana Breitwieser, Rachel Roller, Michael Ruit, Michelle Vein, and John Chitu. Congratulations to these students as they now hold the title of Riverside Christian School Alumni!
This is an exciting time in the lives of these young people. We continue to lift them up in our thoughts and prayers as they continue their education. God bless each of you.

Riverside Christian School Welcomes New Teachers!
Welcome to Julie Dietrich and Kelly Almberg

Meet Julie Dietrich
Second Grade Teacher
Birthday: September 24
Education: B.S. from Moorhead State University, Moorhead, MN
How did you arrive at Riverside Christian School? “My son Evan attended pre-school here last year. We learned about the school from the Williamson family.”
What classes are you teaching at RCS? “I am teaching 2nd grade each morning- including the subjects of math and all language arts.”
What are you most excited about or looking forward to as we begin a new school year? “Everything!” Julie shares, “I have been gathering ideas during my six years off that I’m excited to implement and share in the classroom.”
How do you see God at work in your life as a member of the staff at RCS? “It is a joy to work with this staff and these children. God is encouraging me and preparing me in so many ways.  God is opening my eyes to teaching and areas of Scripture I hadn’t understood before. I treasure the prayer times that the staff have together also.”
A Favorite Bible Verse: Philippians 4:13 – “ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Family members include: “My husband Mike and my son Evan.”
Favorite activities outside of school: “ I enjoy biking, reading and skiing.”
Mrs. Dietrich concludes by sharing: “I am extremely impressed with the level of academic achievement (excellence) of the students here at Riverside Christian School.”

Meet Kelly Almberg
Middle School Teacher
Birthday: July 7
Education:  Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwest College, & a Masters Degree in Special Education from Heritage College
How did you arrive at RCS? “A previous teacher recommended this position to me. I was called and invited to interview by Jane Hellekson.”
What classes are you teaching at RCS? “ Bible, 6th grade Math and Reading, 5th- 8th grade Science.”
Favorite Bible Verse: John 6:68 – ‘Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”’ 
Family members include: “My husband Ron, and children Gareth- 17, Cara- 15, Julian- 10, and Colin- 8.”
Favorite activities outside of school: “Reading, working with flowers, cross-stitching, quilting and drinking tea with friends.”

We are so glad to have Mrs. Dietrich and Mrs. Almberg on staff at Riverside Christian School. May they be blessed as they teach, guide, learn from and grow with the students this year. 

Thank You to our Current Corporate Sponsors
     *Overmoe & Nelson CPA, LTD~CPA
     *Paul Hanson, Fairfax, VA--former RCS student
     *Mutch Oil Company of Grand Forks, Inc.--Paul & Julie Mutch

Corporate Sponsors donate $1,200.00 or more per year, that specifically goes to tuition assistance for school families. This scholarship money helps parents that could not otherwise make the financial commitment for their child to obtain a Christian education. Do you have a passion for Christian education? You can help provide a Christ-centered, Bible-based education for children at Riverside Christian School. A gift of $3,000.00 provides one full scholarship for a student. We are excited about how God is working in and through our school. Thank you for prayerfully considering this opportunity. Have you done your estate planning? Have you remembered your passions in life? Have you remembered your church or Riverside Christian School as a bequest or as a percent of your will? Call Riverside Christian School at 218-773-1770 for further information or if we can assist you in this area. 

Memorials Given
Given by:                                       In Memory of:
Michael & Nancy Gorman              Carrie Iverson
                                                       Dale Burton
Bob & Darlene Morken                  Heidi Rowe
Jim & Angie Morken                       Heidi Rowe
Tim & Kerry Nikle                          Hazel Thompson
Paul & Peggy Zavoral                     Carrie Iverson
                                                       Joann Cooksey
                                                       Chet Slager
Jim & Marlene Cariveau                  Harold Hendrickson
Joel, Marilyn & Johnny Erickson      Mayme Erickson

A Passion for and a Commitment to Christian Education!
About a year ago, Jane Hellekson met a young man, Brandon Lyles, who shared his Christian high school experience with her. Brandon has been an intern advisor for Go Ministries from Living Word Christian Center in Brooklyn Park, MN. Maranatha Christian Academy is a ministry of LWCC. Jane asked him to share his personal testimony. Following is his response: "After attending public school for as long as I could remember, I knew it was time for a drastic change in my life. I knew God had something deeper for me than just learning the basics of 'how to get by in the world'. It was at this point that I made the decision to attend a private school." 
Brandon continued, "Soon after making this decision, I was unfortunately informed of the somewhat high tuition fees that came along with acceptance into private schooling. Of course, this seems to be the reason most families either do or don't send their children to schools like this. It was the reason my family was not supportive of my decision. This meant that I was to pay my own tuition. So, as a 16-year old, I was working 30 hours a week flipping ribs in order to pay my tuition, while attending my new school daily."
Brandon concluded, "This was probably one of the greatest sacrifices I would make during that particular season of my life. But to me the sacrifice seemed small in comparision to the life-changing knowledge I was obtaining at my private school. From that experience I believe the greatest lesson learned was this...God's word is priceless."
Brandon Lyles
Maranatha Christian Academy
Class of 2000

From Mrs. Hellekson's Desk (Principal)
I had the privilege of attending the annual middle school retreat with Riverside Christian School’s sixth, seventh and eighth grade students during the last week of September. Living Waters Camp near Westby, Wisconsin, is a beautiful setting and we had wonderful weather. 

Something I observed there was far more awesome than the weather or the setting. I am not referring to the presence of God, though He was obviously with us. He has promised to neither leave us nor forsake us. I have compared this event to the many other kinds of youth retreats with which I have been involved. What I noticed this time I attribute in part to our students’ Christian school experience. It was, I believe, the fruit of the family, Church and Christian school all working together. The three share a common goal of training in righteousness, doing what is right in God’s eyes. 

All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. 
II Timothy 3:16

Were the students perfect in behavior? Did they spend the entire time fasting and praying for the lost? Did they pool their snack money for the poor? I do not think so. After all these are middle school students.

Because of my foster care experience with troubled children during the past decade; my perception is that middle school age children generally are the most troubled of all. This transition period is being forced on younger and younger children due to an earlier exposure to negative and immoral media. It is everywhere. If you have not had direct contact with the world’s version of an adolescent lately you may not have a clue about our culture’s influence on them. The negative cultural impact is so influential and deceptive that many parents, including myself, do not always detect it until the fruit is full-grown or nearly full-grown. Then it appears blatantly. Seen since the Garden of Eden, self-serving rebellion was the fruit of which Adam and Eve partook. 

It is the same fruit that I see in the lives of children who have been spoiled. One definition of spoiled I have heard is to “take the best from.” These youngsters have not had someone willing to confront the first demanding, “No,” uttered from the toddler’s mouth, the first “rolled eyes” of the early elementary child, and every other defiant attempt at self preservation. The best parent responds consistently to every act of rebellion with some form of, “No. That is not allowed here.” The rest of us do the best we can to be consistent and then lean as much as we can on those God has surrounded us with, from whom we can learn and on whom we can depend. 

Self-serving rebellion is also the fruit I see in parents who are unwilling to follow God’s plan for child training. Some parents have become so influenced by today’s culture that they have been swayed by the fear of man regarding the use of the rod. I thank God for the rod and His plan for its use in child training. 

He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves
him is careful to discipline him. 
Proverbs 13:24 

Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him. 
Proverbs 22:15 

Of course it can be used wrongly, such as in anger or in an abusive fashion, but we do not throw out God’s directive and His simple, effective method because of its abuse. I also thank God for people like Gene and Cathie Schock and Pastor Dave and Ruth Mickelson who about 20 years ago, taught and encouraged my husband and me to use Bible discipline when our children were toddlers. I encourage you, if you need knowledge and encouragement in this area, to get help from those who believe what the Bible teaches is true while your children are young. 

I have said all that to say this, while on the retreat I chaperoned a group of well-behaved, teachable and self-disciplined young adults. This kind of behavior does not just happen. If you leave an untended garden plot for the summer, do the weeds stay away? Not usually. This group produced the fruit of the family, church and Christian school all working together.  I saw righteousness in action.  I saw several acts of forgiveness, selflessness, thoughtfulness, trustworthiness, respect, honor, meekness, and a clear understanding of authority. My staff and Bible students have heard me say that the hardest thing we have to do is walk in love with those around us. I saw these students do this well. Because of these attitudes and actions, the students were able to grow and learn without distraction.

If there is one earthly entity who can take credit, or the blame, for the behavior of a child at this age, it should be the parent.  Child training is clearly the parent’s responsibility according to scripture. 

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 
Deuteronomy 6:6-7

 I do commend the parents of these students for serving God and their children with consistent “No’s” over the years, and their choice of a Bible teaching church and Christian school. The mission of RCS is to assist families and we make ourselves available here to do that.  I pray that young families in this area will learn the truth early about the blessing of Biblical child training. It will enrich the lives of every family and every child, and bring the blessings of obedience. Keep up the great work!