Tyler Beachler ’08 graduated in May from Taylor University where he recently received the award “Athlete of the Year.”

Matthew Siewert ’06and his band Attaboy’s song “Unshaken” is currently #20 on the Contemporary Christian Music chart.

Casey ’08 & Sarah ’08 (Russell) Schuring were married May 27, 2012. Casey and Sarah attended Palm Beach Atlantic University where Casey was recently awarded “Outstanding Graduate of the year for the schools of Education and Behavioral Sciences”

Jamie ‘98 & Karen Kraakevik were married September 22, 2007 and currently live in Oklahoma.

Stephen and Ally ‘04 (Ammons) Schick graduated from Liberty University in ‘08. They were married May 31, 2008. Their daughter Annabelle Clarke was born October 7, 2011. They live in Cincinnati and are both employed at Fairfield West Baptist church.

Kristin ‘06 (Cox) & Jim Salerno were married September 9, 2011 and expecting their first son. They currently live in South Elgin with their two new adopted greyhounds. Kristin has almost completed her BS in Hospitality Management.

Jacob ‘05 & Jamie ‘05 (Berglund) Hodge were married September 26, 2009 and live in Elgin. Their son Jason Ryan was born January 19, 2012.

Anna ‘06 (Warner) Shotwell graduated with a BA in English (minor in Communications) from Regent University in June of 2010 .

Jen ‘98 (Edwards) & Anthony Scolahave four children; Anthony IV (5 yrs), Jack (3.5 yrs), Gianna (2 yrs) and Samuel (3 months). They live in Milton, Wisconsin. Jen retired in 2010 from being a pediatric RN and is now a stay at home mom and homeschooling. Anthony is a doctor of Internal Medicine.

Pat & Danielle ‘06 (Roller) Brennan were married September 26, 2010 and live in Lake in the Hills. Pat is a student pastor at Willow Creek Huntley. Danielle is a hairstylist & salon owner. Their son Patrick was born February 3, 2012.

Seth Guge ’89 opened his new graphic design studio at 216 Praire Sreet, Elgin, IL.

the JourneyJuly 2012

Follow the journey of the WCS AlumniWeddings / Births / Updates / Accomplishments:

Save The Date:August 18th WCS Current Family Picnic & RegistrationSeptember 17th 14th Annual Phil Sokody Golf ClassicOctober 6th Homecoming 2012-2013October 26th 3D Celebration BreakfastApril 11th Race for Education

Please visit our website westminsterchristian.organd Facebook page throughout the year for all current WCS events.

2700 W. Highland Ave. | Elgin, IL 60124 | 847-695-0310 | fax: 847-695-0135 |

info@westminsterchristian.org

W elcome to the first issue of the “The Journey”! This publication is a way to share the journey God has each of us on, as well as to encourage and challenge us all on that journey. You will read great

testimonies of God at work in and through Westminster, highlights of His faithfulness to us, and key information for you as you partner with this ministry.

From the Desk of Patrick Bertsche, WCS Superintendent

Westminster Christian School just completed its 34th year ofseeing God transform lives in our school! We praise Him forthe work He has done, is doing and will continue to do throughWestminster. This new publication called “The Journey” seeks to bring this work to light and to inform you about a few upcoming events.

Please be sure to “like” our Facebook page, Westminster Christian School and keep us informed of what God is doing in your life!

Over the last several years, a prayerful, focused, and intentional stategic planning process was conducted to define the future of Westminster. Input from across all constituency groups resulted in a new mission, vision and strategic plan. As we defined the programs and initiatives where God was already at work, we established the five “Pillars,” shown below, that will serve to guide our efforts in the coming years.

Our new mission statement is displayed in the ribbon to the right. Our new vision states the following: Committed to academic excellence rooted in biblical truth, WCS seeks to build a community of Christ-followers where every mind is grounded, every heart is connected and every hand is serving for the glory of God.

I am grateful for your partnership in this ministry. Please keep Westminster in your prayers as we seek to fulfill the mission God has given us.

In Christ,

5 Pillars of5 Pillars of5 Pillars ofWestminster Christian School

MAKE Biblical Truth Foundational

PURSUE Academic Excellence

BUILD a Community of Christ Followers

CULTIVATE Individual Growth

STRIVE for Operational Excellence

We are pleased to announce Mr. Fred Versluys (vurs les) as Westminster’s new Elementary

& Middle School Principal.

We are pleased to announce Rev. Elliott Anderson as Westminster’s

new Dean of Spiritual Life.

Westminster Christian School

MAKE

PURSUE

BUILD

CULTIVATE

STRIVE

5 P5 PWestminster Christian School

MAKE

PURSUE

BUILD

CULTIVATE

STRIVE

Mr. Versluys will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of these programs with direct oversight of

all teachers and supporting staff. To read the complete bio of Fred Versluys, visit our website.

Rev. Anderson will help ensure WCS is rooted in biblical truth and will work to

grow our community of Christ-followers. To read the complete bio of Elliot

Anderson, visit our website.

“At Westminster we know that because of Jesus Christ our whole life on earth is a meaningful “journey.” It is ordained by our Heavenly Father, full of His loving purposes, and constantly undergirded in grace by Jesus Himself. In the end, ours and His, “journey” leads us directly into His presence forever. At Westminster Presbyterian Church we are very pleased and excited with what the Lord has been, and is doing, throughout all of Westminster Christian School. So, it is appropriate that our new publication is titled

“The Journey.”

To share alumni updates, send contact information, or receive WCS updates: http://www.westminsterchristian.org/alumni.asp “Like” the Westminster Christian School Alumni Association facebook page. Email rhays@westminsterchristian.org

Pastor Dave Williams, WPC Pastor

Strategic Plan 2012

F Over 70% of our parents served at WCS last year

F The varsity girls basketball team won its first IHSA Regional Championship, advancing to Sweet 16 and Sectional Finals - a first in WCS history

F WCS student Skylar Sunde received the ACSI Arts Festival “Best of Show” this spring

F Inaugural year of the WCS football program

F Inaugural 3D Celebration Breakfast

F Josh Beachler qualified for the IHSA State Finals for track and field in 3 events; 100, 200 & 400 meter

F Science Olympiad Team qualified for the State Meet for the second year in a row

F Holly Walters, Speech and Language Pathologist joined the WCS Resource Team

F Choral and Drama Department continues to grow in excellence

F 20 WCS students served on the mission trip to Costa Rica

F WCS students served for the ministry Crossroads Kids Club, an afterschool program that reaches students in public schools with the gospel

F Several high school band students received top ratings at the IHSA Solo & Ensemble Competition

God IS at Work!“Both the courage of my beginners and the humility of my advanced players are wonderful marks of God’s Holy Spirit in these students.” —Andy Anderson, Director of the WCS Orchestra

Stephen Zimny (4th grade) and Kristy Piebenga (2nd grade) are each leaving our faculty to be at home to care for their children. - Thank you both for your faithful service! We are grateful for the lives that have been impacted because of all God has done through you! Join us in celebrating our teachers who have recently completed their master’s degree: Sandy Christensen, Keith Martin, and Erica Schwartz. Dr. Bill Marsh has taken his writing viral! Please visit his new blog at www.marshytruth.blogspot.com.

Parting words from our senior class:“The teachers really care about you personally and take interest in your life.” —Gwen Payne ‘12

“Being at Westminster, my faith has grown a lot.” —Haley Flickenger ‘12

“Some of the most impacting things about being a part of WCS are the people that have made the journey with me.” —Zack Edwards ‘12

“My experience at Westminster was very good. The community was very impactfuI. I would not want to go anywhere else. We need to continue to find ways to help families afford a Christian education.” —Josh Beachler ‘12

“I have learned about the Lord, (senior Bible class really stretched me!) and I’ve seen Him work through prayer.” —Brooke Bertsche ‘12

God IS our Provider!Through acts of generosity large and small.

Psalm 9:1—I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.

God has provided many blessings to the Westminster community this year and we could fill pages to recount them. Join with us in giving thanks and praise as we remember God’s faithfulness for some of the ways He stirred in hearts through these acts of generosity.

• Over $2,500 donated to help students participate in athletics and attend class trips• New walkway built between buildings• Tools and woodworking equipment donated for students projects/classes• New fully equipped MS/HS resource room• Lower level classrooms remodeled • 3 new laptop carts• New storage build out in elementary and music rooms• 28 football helmets and football shoes donated for the middle school football season• 8 sets of headsets for the coaching staff • Workout weights for the athletic teams• Sponsorships for students to receive a WCS education• Gifts given through the Fine Arts Encore Society offset expenses for our theatre productions

At Westminster, part of integrating a biblical worldview into the education of our students is teaching them God’s view on stewarding the resources

He will one day entrust to them. We have chosen to use Race for Education as one instrument to teach this principle. Because one in four students attend WCS as a result of the generosity of others, we want our students to see firsthand the difference one person can make in the life of another as a result of the generous giving that flows from responding to the grace we’ve been given.

This year we did this by providing short devotionals for the teachers to share with their students in homerooms in the weeks preceding Race.

The six topics covered were:1. God is the owner of everything2. God is the provider of every good thing in your life3. God can do great things through one person or group that is devoted to Him4. Even the poor are to give to God from what they have5. There are dangerous consequences if you live for pleasure6. Your pursuit of God and a generous life will give you a fuller, richer life

Enjoy reading the devotional below that we shared with our students from

topic #3.

As 2 Chronicles 16:9a says, let us ask Him to “show Himself strong on our behalf,” and for the faith to attempt great things for Him.

God doesn’t need big numbers to do big things….only a heart that is HIS. He used David to slay Goliath. He used one young girl named Esther to save a na-tion…What could God do through YOU?

Some teenagers went on a mission trip to Romania. After returning home, they kept thinking about the need of so many Romanian children who didn’t have shoes for their feet in the winter. They thought, “What could we do?” They had a burden, cared, opened their hearts, hands, lives and schedules to do something. They began to raise a few hundred dollars, then a few thousand, then invited a company to partner in the work God was doing, and together provided 7000 pair of boots to the children in Romania!..All from a couple of teenagers who wanted God to do great things through them to make a difference for someone else.

There is no telling what God might do through you as you open yourself to Him, ask Him to make your heart completely His and tell Him, “God, I just want you to work through me.”

What if…through the efforts of each of you, God allowed just one person to experience an education at Westminster? Think about the ways your life has been blessed by being here, how your family has been blessed, and then ask God to help you think of ways He can use you to do great things to make a difference for someone else.

God can make amazing things happen through one person that is devoted to Him! When God’s people give as God leads them, needs are more than met. – Exodus 36:2-7 F

Opportunity to partner with God’s work at WCS

Learning Generosity At WCSGod is good! – WCS 2011-2012 Milestones:

Race for Education is an annual giving event where each participant encourages generous giving by inviting friends and family to partner with them and the work of God at Westminster to help meet the needs of fellow students through the Westminster Fund. Over 115 WCS students received financial assistance last year alone!

The 3D Celebration Breakfast is an annual giving event that enables us to share the amazing work God is doing in and through Westminster.

Total gifts given to families from the Westminster Fund—$200,000

Total provided through 3D Celebration Breakfast—$92,015Total provided through Race for Education—$53,985Total still trusting God to provide by July 31st—$54,000

$54,000 needed to finish providing for our students.

As God leads, we invite you to join with us in prayer for Him to be our Provider, and to consider if the Holy Spirit is leading you to share what you have with those in need.

You may enclose your gift in the envelope provided or visit our website at www.westminsterchristian.org and select “Give a Gift.”

Trusting God to provide by July 31st

Race for Education

3D Celebration Breakfast

F Over 70% of our parents served at WCS last year

F The varsity girls basketball team won its first IHSA Regional Championship, advancing to Sweet 16 and Sectional Finals - a first in WCS history

F WCS student Skylar Sunde received the ACSI Arts Festival “Best of Show” this spring

F Inaugural year of the WCS football program

F Inaugural 3D Celebration Breakfast

F Josh Beachler qualified for the IHSA State Finals for track and field in 3 events; 100, 200 & 400 meter

F Science Olympiad Team qualified for the State Meet for the second year in a row

F Holly Walters, Speech and Language Pathologist joined the WCS Resource Team

F Choral and Drama Department continues to grow in excellence

F 20 WCS students served on the mission trip to Costa Rica

F WCS students served for the ministry Crossroads Kids Club, an afterschool program that reaches students in public schools with the gospel

F Several high school band students received top ratings at the IHSA Solo & Ensemble Competition

God IS at Work!“Both the courage of my beginners and the humility of my advanced players are wonderful marks of God’s Holy Spirit in these students.” —Andy Anderson, Director of the WCS Orchestra

Stephen Zimny (4th grade) and Kristy Piebenga (2nd grade) are each leaving our faculty to be at home to care for their children. - Thank you both for your faithful service! We are grateful for the lives that have been impacted because of all God has done through you! Join us in celebrating our teachers who have recently completed their master’s degree: Sandy Christensen, Keith Martin, and Erica Schwartz. Dr. Bill Marsh has taken his writing viral! Please visit his new blog at www.marshytruth.blogspot.com.

Parting words from our senior class:“The teachers really care about you personally and take interest in your life.” —Gwen Payne ‘12

“Being at Westminster, my faith has grown a lot.” —Haley Flickenger ‘12

“Some of the most impacting things about being a part of WCS are the people that have made the journey with me.” —Zack Edwards ‘12

“My experience at Westminster was very good. The community was very impactfuI. I would not want to go anywhere else. We need to continue to find ways to help families afford a Christian education.” —Josh Beachler ‘12

“I have learned about the Lord, (senior Bible class really stretched me!) and I’ve seen Him work through prayer.” —Brooke Bertsche ‘12

God IS our Provider!Through acts of generosity large and small.

Psalm 9:1—I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.

God has provided many blessings to the Westminster community this year and we could fill pages to recount them. Join with us in giving thanks and praise as we remember God’s faithfulness for some of the ways He stirred in hearts through these acts of generosity.

• Over $2,500 donated to help students participate in athletics and attend class trips• New walkway built between buildings• Tools and woodworking equipment donated for students projects/classes• New fully equipped MS/HS resource room• Lower level classrooms remodeled • 3 new laptop carts• New storage build out in elementary and music rooms• 28 football helmets and football shoes donated for the middle school football season• 8 sets of headsets for the coaching staff • Workout weights for the athletic teams• Sponsorships for students to receive a WCS education• Gifts given through the Fine Arts Encore Society offset expenses for our theatre productions

At Westminster, part of integrating a biblical worldview into the education of our students is teaching them God’s view on stewarding the resources

He will one day entrust to them. We have chosen to use Race for Education as one instrument to teach this principle. Because one in four students attend WCS as a result of the generosity of others, we want our students to see firsthand the difference one person can make in the life of another as a result of the generous giving that flows from responding to the grace we’ve been given.

This year we did this by providing short devotionals for the teachers to share with their students in homerooms in the weeks preceding Race.

The six topics covered were:1. God is the owner of everything2. God is the provider of every good thing in your life3. God can do great things through one person or group that is devoted to Him4. Even the poor are to give to God from what they have5. There are dangerous consequences if you live for pleasure6. Your pursuit of God and a generous life will give you a fuller, richer life

Enjoy reading the devotional below that we shared with our students from

topic #3.

As 2 Chronicles 16:9a says, let us ask Him to “show Himself strong on our behalf,” and for the faith to attempt great things for Him.

God doesn’t need big numbers to do big things….only a heart that is HIS. He used David to slay Goliath. He used one young girl named Esther to save a na-tion…What could God do through YOU?

Some teenagers went on a mission trip to Romania. After returning home, they kept thinking about the need of so many Romanian children who didn’t have shoes for their feet in the winter. They thought, “What could we do?” They had a burden, cared, opened their hearts, hands, lives and schedules to do something. They began to raise a few hundred dollars, then a few thousand, then invited a company to partner in the work God was doing, and together provided 7000 pair of boots to the children in Romania!..All from a couple of teenagers who wanted God to do great things through them to make a difference for someone else.

There is no telling what God might do through you as you open yourself to Him, ask Him to make your heart completely His and tell Him, “God, I just want you to work through me.”

What if…through the efforts of each of you, God allowed just one person to experience an education at Westminster? Think about the ways your life has been blessed by being here, how your family has been blessed, and then ask God to help you think of ways He can use you to do great things to make a difference for someone else.

God can make amazing things happen through one person that is devoted to Him! When God’s people give as God leads them, needs are more than met. – Exodus 36:2-7 F

Opportunity to partner with God’s work at WCS

Learning Generosity At WCSGod is good! – WCS 2011-2012 Milestones:

Race for Education is an annual giving event where each participant encourages generous giving by inviting friends and family to partner with them and the work of God at Westminster to help meet the needs of fellow students through the Westminster Fund. Over 115 WCS students received financial assistance last year alone!

The 3D Celebration Breakfast is an annual giving event that enables us to share the amazing work God is doing in and through Westminster.

Total gifts given to families from the Westminster Fund—$200,000

Total provided through 3D Celebration Breakfast—$92,015Total provided through Race for Education—$53,985Total still trusting God to provide by July 31st—$54,000

$54,000 needed to finish providing for our students.

As God leads, we invite you to join with us in prayer for Him to be our Provider, and to consider if the Holy Spirit is leading you to share what you have with those in need.

You may enclose your gift in the envelope provided or visit our website at www.westminsterchristian.org and select “Give a Gift.”

Trusting God to provide by July 31st

Race for Education

3D Celebration Breakfast

Tyler Beachler ’08 graduated in May from Taylor University where he recently received the award “Athlete of the Year.”

Matthew Siewert ’06and his band Attaboy’s song “Unshaken” is currently #20 on the Contemporary Christian Music chart.

Casey ’08 & Sarah ’08 (Russell) Schuring were married May 27, 2012. Casey and Sarah attended Palm Beach Atlantic University where Casey was recently awarded “Outstanding Graduate of the year for the schools of Education and Behavioral Sciences”

Jamie ‘98 & Karen Kraakevik were married September 22, 2007 and currently live in Oklahoma.

Stephen and Ally ‘04 (Ammons) Schick graduated from Liberty University in ‘08. They were married May 31, 2008. Their daughter Annabelle Clarke was born October 7, 2011. They live in Cincinnati and are both employed at Fairfield West Baptist church.

Kristin ‘06 (Cox) & Jim Salerno were married September 9, 2011 and expecting their first son. They currently live in South Elgin with their two new adopted greyhounds. Kristin has almost completed her BS in Hospitality Management.

Jacob ‘05 & Jamie ‘05 (Berglund) Hodge were married September 26, 2009 and live in Elgin. Their son Jason Ryan was born January 19, 2012.

Anna ‘06 (Warner) Shotwell graduated with a BA in English (minor in Communications) from Regent University in June of 2010 .

Jen ‘98 (Edwards) & Anthony Scolahave four children; Anthony IV (5 yrs), Jack (3.5 yrs), Gianna (2 yrs) and Samuel (3 months). They live in Milton, Wisconsin. Jen retired in 2010 from being a pediatric RN and is now a stay at home mom and homeschooling. Anthony is a doctor of Internal Medicine.

Pat & Danielle ‘06 (Roller) Brennan were married September 26, 2010 and live in Lake in the Hills. Pat is a student pastor at Willow Creek Huntley. Danielle is a hairstylist & salon owner. Their son Patrick was born February 3, 2012.

Seth Guge ’89 opened his new graphic design studio at 216 Praire Sreet, Elgin, IL.

the JourneyJuly 2012

Follow the journey of the WCS AlumniWeddings / Births / Updates / Accomplishments:

Save The Date:August 18th WCS Current Family Picnic & RegistrationSeptember 17th 14th Annual Phil Sokody Golf ClassicOctober 6th Homecoming 2012-2013October 26th 3D Celebration BreakfastApril 11th Race for Education

Please visit our website westminsterchristian.organd Facebook page throughout the year for all current WCS events.

2700 W. Highland Ave. | Elgin, IL 60124 | 847-695-0310 | fax: 847-695-0135 |

info@westminsterchristian.org

W elcome to the first issue of the “The Journey”! This publication is a way to share the journey God has each of us on, as well as to encourage and challenge us all on that journey. You will read great

testimonies of God at work in and through Westminster, highlights of His faithfulness to us, and key information for you as you partner with this ministry.

From the Desk of Patrick Bertsche, WCS Superintendent

Westminster Christian School just completed its 34th year ofseeing God transform lives in our school! We praise Him forthe work He has done, is doing and will continue to do throughWestminster. This new publication called “The Journey” seeks to bring this work to light and to inform you about a few upcoming events.

Please be sure to “like” our Facebook page, Westminster Christian School and keep us informed of what God is doing in your life!

Over the last several years, a prayerful, focused, and intentional stategic planning process was conducted to define the future of Westminster. Input from across all constituency groups resulted in a new mission, vision and strategic plan. As we defined the programs and initiatives where God was already at work, we established the five “Pillars,” shown below, that will serve to guide our efforts in the coming years.

Our new mission statement is displayed in the ribbon to the right. Our new vision states the following: Committed to academic excellence rooted in biblical truth, WCS seeks to build a community of Christ-followers where every mind is grounded, every heart is connected and every hand is serving for the glory of God.

I am grateful for your partnership in this ministry. Please keep Westminster in your prayers as we seek to fulfill the mission God has given us.

In Christ,

5 Pillars ofWestminster Christian School

MAKE Biblical Truth Foundational

PURSUE Academic Excellence

BUILD a Community of Christ Followers

CULTIVATE Individual Growth

STRIVE for Operational Excellence

We are pleased to announce Mr. Fred Versluys (vurs les) as Westminster’s new Elementary

& Middle School Principal.

We are pleased to announce Rev. Elliott Anderson as Westminster’s

new Dean of Spiritual Life.

Mr. Versluys will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of these programs with direct oversight of

all teachers and supporting staff. To read the complete bio of Fred Versluys, visit our website.

Rev. Anderson will help ensure WCS is rooted in biblical truth and will work to

grow our community of Christ-followers. To read the complete bio of Elliot

Anderson, visit our website.

“At Westminster we know that because of Jesus Christ our whole life on earth is a meaningful “journey.” It is ordained by our Heavenly Father, full of His loving purposes, and constantly undergirded in grace by Jesus Himself. In the end, ours and His, “journey” leads us directly into His presence forever. At Westminster Presbyterian Church we are very pleased and excited with what the Lord has been, and is doing, throughout all of Westminster Christian School. So, it is appropriate that our new publication is titled

“The Journey.”

To share alumni updates, send contact information, or receive WCS updates: http://www.westminsterchristian.org/alumni.asp “Like” the Westminster Christian School Alumni Association facebook page. Email rhays@westminsterchristian.org

Pastor Dave Williams, WPC Pastor

Strategic Plan 2012